Baltimore Ravens Bolster Lamar Jackson's Protection in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The Baltimore Ravens have serious offensive line needs, and in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, the franchise addresses those needs.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is fresh off claiming his second MVP award after a stellar 2023 season in Todd Monken's first year as offensive coordinator.

With an eye on being a more pass-orientated offense, the Ravens were still the best rushing team in football last season. However, during free agency, the Ravens lost several starting linemen as Jackson's protection now has holes everywhere.

Sacked 37 times last season (second-highest in Jackson's career), if Baltimore is to challenge the top teams in the AFC, Lamar needs protection. In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, the Ravens fortify their offensive line with Duke's Graham Barton coming to the AFC North.

"Barton can play center and guard, but he'll move to one of the guard spots in Baltimore with John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler departing in free agency," CBS Sports writes. "He explodes off the ball and is massive for a guard, adding more power to the interior of the offensive line."

Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62)

Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

With the Ravens adding Derrick Henry in free agency, Monken is clearly going to stick with a run-heavy offense, which is right in Barton's wheelhouse. His "nasty" streak in getting off the line of scrimmage and racing to the second level could be something Baltimore likes in the run game.

With Kevin Zeitler now with the Detroit Lions, a spot could have opened up at center for Barton, although he is equally adept at playing guard as well.

The Ravens still have a couple of holes in their offensive line, but with Barton's versatility, Monken will have to work out which position suits the Duke standout the best.