Ravens Shore Up Secondary In ESPN Mel Kiper Latest NFL Mock Draft
The Baltimore Ravens continue to keep their options open when it comes to retaining the services of quarterback Lamar Jackson. With that in mind, and with the moves that have recently been made to shore up the offense by bringing in receivers Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr., GM Eric DeCosta and Co. might decide defense is the way to go in the upcoming NFL Draft.
On the offensive side of the ball, Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, TCU's Quentin Johnston and Boston College’s Zay Flowers have been popular, early first-round mock draft selections for the Ravens at wideout, but Baltimore might be smart to give strong consideration to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. if they are intent on upgrading the team in the draft later this month.
It's now time for ESPN's Mel Kiper to release his mock draft No. 4 ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft from Kansas City later this month. And with the moves the Ravens have made this offseason to help the offensive side of the ball, Kiper thinks Baltimore may go defense with its first pick at No. 22 overall:
22. Baltimore Ravens
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
You could argue whether the Ravens actually filled their need at wide receiver with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. Why? Because it was just a one-year deal. They still have issues beyond 2023. Still, I could see them turning to cornerback instead. Banks has excellent physical tools. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the combine and showed off a 42-inch vertical jump, which was the best among the cornerbacks in Indianapolis. He excels in man coverage, using his speed to turn and run with receivers. He had only two picks in his career, but he gets his hands on passes. He could start on the other side of Marlon Humphrey in Baltimore.
The Kiper mock draft is for the first two rounds, but the Ravens - who have just five total picks this year - sent their second-round selection (No. 53 overall) to the Bears as part of the Roquan Smith trade last season.
