Baltimore Beatdown
The latest mock drafts foresee the Ravens prioritizing finding a replacement blindside protector.
In the latest rounds of mock drafts, analysts foresee the Baltimore Ravens putting an emphasis on fortifying their offensive line as well as addressing the edge defender in the first round. The most commonly projected prospects were a trio of former Big Ten standouts, one of which protected the blindside of a Heisman Trophy finalist and the other two helped anchor a national title-winning team.
The latest mock drafts pertaining to the Ravens:
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah [February 18]
No. 27 — Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart just feels like a Raven to me. He’s big, explosive and disruptive. The production will come.
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice [February 20]
No. 27 — James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Kyle Van Noy’s Raven rebirth is inspiring. The man just made his first Pro Bowl at age 33, having led Baltimore with a career-high 12.5 sacks. But Van Noy can’t stiff-arm Father Time forever. Not to mention, he’s heading into the final year of his contract — just like Odafe Oweh, who could be in line for a lucrative extension on the heels of a breakout season. So Baltimore appears due for a talent infusion on the edge, with a cost-controlled rookie contract being an added benefit.
Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick [February 19]
No. 27 — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The 6’ 3”, 305-pound Nolen is explosive and one of the draft’s most disruptive interior rushers. He tallied only four sacks and eight tackles for loss this season at Ole Miss, but he logged 25 hurries. Nolen also had the second-best run defense grade (91.6) among defenders with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Between his proven pressure ability and ready-made run defense, Nolen can make an early impact on a team with championship aspirations.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec [February 20]
No. 27 — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Obviously, the Ravens must be comfortable with Simmons’ medicals. They’ll get a better idea of his health at next week’s Scouting Combine. Before his 2024 season-ending knee injury, Simmons was arguably the top offensive tackle in this draft class. Simmons, who is 6-5 and 310 pounds, is scheme versatile and has all the attributes of a book-end NFL offensive tackle. He also has experience playing both the left and right sides. With starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari heading toward free agency, the Ravens need to come out of this draft with a plug-and-play starter. As long as he’s healthy, Simmons fits the profile.
CBS Sports’ Tony Fornelli [February 21]
No. 27 — Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
I’m not sure Princely Umanmielen will ever develop into a great run defender off the edge, but his ability against the run is more than good enough when you consider his potential as a pass rusher. He didn’t pick up...
