:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69204725/1282393665.0.jpg)
The 2021 NFL Draft is upon us, and with the recent trade of offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., the Ravens now have two first-round picks at their disposal. While the general consensus seems to be that Baltimore will trade one of their two picks in exchange for more picks later in the draft, this exercise will assume that the Ravens will stay and select players at both 27 and 31. With that in mind, here are our predictions for who Baltimore drafts on Thursday night.
Pick 27
WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota:
Even though Eric DeCosta said he is insulted by the way the Ravens’ current wide receiver depth chart is perceived by the fan base and national media, I think it could be a masterful misdirect if the right player were to fall. If the former Golden Gopher makes it to 27, I believe DeCosta will turn in the card without hesitation. Bateman is everything the Ravens need and want at the position with the way he possesses inside/outside versatility and can make plays at every level.
Pick 31
EDGE Joe Tryon, Washington:
Even though they suddenly find themselves with a massive two-time Pro Bowler sized hole at right tackle, there’s a lot of depth at the position in this year’s class so I doubt they reach for one at 31. They’ll most likely take an edge if they stick and pick since they currently don’t have a pick in the second round. The former Huskie is an uber-athletic specimen who has all the traits to dominate on the edge. He can come right in and have an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher while he refines his game.
- Joshua Reed
Pick 27
EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia:
Ojulari would be a rare Ravens selection from Georgia, making him only the third Bulldog drafted in Ravens history, following DeAngelo Tyson and Musa Smith. Of the 10 edge defenders drafted in the John Harbaugh era, eight have had at least 33-inch arm length. Ojulari’s arms are 34.375 inches. Eight of the ten have had at least eight sacks in a single season. Ojulari had 9.5 last year in only 10 games, which came in an SEC-only schedule. At only 20 years old (turns 21 in June), Ojulari is a fundamentally sound run defender with explosive get-off and pass-rushing rhythm. He needs coaching to develop inside counters and to utilize his length to bull rush more effectively, but the Ravens have a strong track record developing edge defenders over the years.
Pick 31
C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma:
Humphrey would be the 12th player drafted from Oklahoma in Ravens history— the most of any school (currently tied with Alabama.) Humphrey would also mark the fifth Oklahoma offensive player drafted by Baltimore in the past four draft classes. The Ravens' offense mirrors Lincoln Riley’s offense in many ways. With Orlando Brown Jr. Kansas City bound, the Ravens return to the Sooner well to select a top center in the draft. Humphrey’s elite mental processing, superior athleticism, and grit would give the Ravens a 10-year pivot to rely on. Considering their woes at center over the past few years, Humphrey ends any reservations about the position for the foreseeable future. He had the best RAS of any center dating back to 1987, making Humphrey an elite athlete with a blue blood pedigree and a wealth of experience.
- Spencer Schultz
Pick 27
OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State:
Jenkins would slot in at the massive void now left at the right tackle position. He brings a mean streak that you just love to see from an offensive lineman. In the most run-heavy offense in the NFL, Jenkins would be able to do what he does best, and that is putting defenders on the ground. While he does have shorter arms than desired for an NFL tackle, his technique is sound as a pass blocker, and having the elusive Lamar Jackson at quarterback will always help in this regard.
Pick 31
WR Kadarius Toney, Florida:
Toney may not be a complete receiver yet, but his playmaking ability is out of this world. Toney is something to behold with the ball in his hands and would add a YAC dimension that the Ravens have lacked from their pass catchers. Get the ball in Toney’s hands and watch the magic happen. Toney can even line up in the backfield. No matter how you deploy him, Toney is an electrifying weapon that would be a welcome addition to the offense.
- Dustin Cox
Pick 27
OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State:
In light of Ojulari’s recent medical concerns, I think Teven Jenkins is most likely at 27. One of the top prospects in a deep class for offensive tackle—now a glaring need—and a run game mauler, Jenkins should slot in comfortably as the replacement for Orlando Brown Jr. at RT. I do think it’s more likely this pick is traded than used by Baltimore, but if they stay then I like Jenkins.
Pick 31
S Trevon Moerhig, TCU:
The top safety prospect in the class seems like he should definitely be available in the late first round and safety is a sneaky need for the Ravens. Right now they are depending on two former sixth-round picks, one of whom has only logged a single healthy season in the NFL and both of whom lack true FS range and ball skills. Add in DeCosta’s penchant for doubling down on the defensive secondary and this one makes too much sense to me.
- Cassidy Higdon
Pick 27
WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota:
With rumored interest by the Packers at the 30th pick, the Ravens don’t wait and go with the polished route-runner in Bateman. Sammy Watkins was a solid pickup, but if Eric DeCosta wants to truly juice up this offense, he’ll add the Minnesota receiver. Bateman is explosive and smart, equipped with great hands and tremendous speed. If available, he will be by far one of the best prospects left on the board. A day-one starter is hard to pass on.
Pick 31
S Trevon Moehrig, TCU:
Continuing with the trend of best prospect available, the Ravens bring in the best safety of the class. As great as Baltimore’s secondary is, their depth at safety is weak, Moehrig is a true free safety (something that the Ravens desperately need) with ball-hawk vision and excellent speed. Moehrig is a really smart defender who rarely makes mistakes, and most importantly he fits into any system. The TCU defender is NFL ready, with the potential to be one of the league’s best.
- Jonas Evans