Ravens NFL Draft Grades: Baltimore Earns High Marks for 2023 Class
With the Baltimore Ravens only having six picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was critical for them to hit on those picks.
On first impression, it seems the Ravens did pretty well with their limited capital. Analysts have largely praised the Ravens' draft class, highlighted by receiver Zay Flowers at No. 22 overall.
Reuter gave Baltimore an A on all three days of the draft. He praised the Ravens' first two picks of Flowers and linebacker Trenton Simpson, but also the later picks on Day 3. Notably, Reuter says offensive guard Andrew Vorhees could being a "tremendous Round 7 value" once he returns from a torn ACL suffered at the Combine.
Kiper particularly praised Baltimore's selection of Flowers, his top receiver in the draft, to help bolster their pass-catching group. He also says Simpson "could be a steal" at No. 86, as Kiper had him at No. 35 on his board. Vorhees and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, taken at No. 157, were also good value picks in Kiper's eyes.
"[Eric] DeCosta didn't do his usual wheeling and dealing with trades this weekend, but he landed a nice class, headlined by my guy Flowers," Kiper said.
The FOX Sports staff noted that after the Ravens signed Lamar Jackson long-term on Thursday, they could "draft nearly anyone and it's still a good weekend." Like other outlets, FOX Sports noted how much Flowers helps the offense and that Vorhees could be a steal upon returning from injury.
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated: B+
Like others, Manzano praised the selection of Flowers, adding that he could form a strong trio with Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. Manzano also praised the Simpson pick, but was especially high on Kelly as well.
"Kelly is also a sleeper in the fourth, a Senior Bowl standout who could eventually replace Marcus Peters, who is currently a free agent," Manzano wrote.
The Ravens hope that these strong impressions can translate to success once this draft class officially takes the field.
Follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on TwitterRavens Alert!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
