2023 NFL Draft: Using Odds to Predict Who the Ravens Will Take With Their First-Round Pick
The Ravens have the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. Though it remains a guessing game as to who general manager Eric DeCosta and his team of scouts and player personnel evaluators will select, the oddsmakers predict it will be a cornerback. If they’re right, it will be the second consecutive draft Baltimore looks to bolster their secondary with a first-round selection. The Ravens drafted safety Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick in 2022 and have gone with a defensive player in the first round in two of the last three years.
What Position Will the Ravens Select in the First Round?
Cornerback -110
Wide Receiver +175
Defensive Lineman +550
Quarterback: +1000
Offensive Lineman +1400
Running Back +2500
Linebacker +5000
Safety +6600
Tight End +8000
Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback is clearly the heavy favorite for the Ravens first-round pick and that position does fit a need according to the team-by-team draft need list.
Which cornerbacks are worthy of a first-round pick?
According to Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 big board, Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez is the top cornerback prospect in this year’s class. But it’s unlikely he’ll be available when the Ravens call in their selection. Devon Witherspoon (Illinois), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), Kelee Ringo (Georgia) and Cam Smith (South Carolina) are also strong possibilities for the Ravens.
Though the team did just sign Odell Beckham Jr., the contract is only for one year. The Ravens went with a wide receiver in the first round in two of their last four drafts (Marquise Brown in 2019 and Rashod Bateman in 2021). This year’s crop of pass catchers is fairly deep, so going receiver in the first round may not be in DeCosta’s plan. Then again, given the lack of production from their receiving corps the last two seasons, a young playmaker could very well be in the mix for Baltimore when they are on the clock Thursday night. In fact, our latest mock draft has the Ravens selecting TCU’s Quentin Johnston with the 22nd pick.
The payout on receiver being the pick has a nice return of $175 for each $100 wagered, whereas bettors would have to wager $110 to win $100 if they decide cornerback will indeed be the Ravens pick. And for those that don’t believe Lamar Jackson will return to the “Charm City,” perhaps the quarterback prop is enticing. Afterall, the 10-to-1 odds certainly are.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the National Council for Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700.
