Mock Draft Data: Analyzing the Baltimore Ravens' Most Popular Picks
The 2023 season certainly didn’t end the way the Baltimore Ravens would have hoped, but there’s nothing left to do except prepare to make another deep playoff run next season.
Picking 30th in the NFL Draft may be a reminder of how close a championship was, but the selection – or the ramifications from a trade – could have a significant impact on Baltimore’s future.
As the draft cycle rolls on, the mock drafts will follow, encapsulating the trends of the class as the Scouting Combine and pro days arrive. What do the Ravens’ most popular selections say about their standing in April’s draft?
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Franklin, Receiver, Oregon – 6.5 percent
By using NFL Mock Draft Database, we can see just how diverse of thought people seem to be on Baltimore’s future. Unlike the Ravens’ peers at the top of the draft, where only a few picks seem even conceivable, the board could fall in so many different ways before the 30th pick is on the clock.
As such it shouldn’t be surprising that the Ravens’ most frequent selection, Oregon receiver Troy Franklin, garners just 6.5 percent of the market share. Compared to the Buffalo Bills at No. 28, who take LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. 14.7 percent of the time, or the Los Angeles Rams, who take Iowa corner Cooper DeJean in over 12 percent of mocks, Baltimore remains unique.
This is partly a testament to how talented this roster already is. They lack “must fill” holes that dictate drafts by way of positional needs over value.
Franklin makes a good amount of sense as a target, though. Even after quarterback Lamar Jackson’s best year as a passer, concerns remain at receiver. The team re-signed Nelson Agholor on Sunday, and Zay Flowers had a strong rookie season, but Odell Beckham Jr. seldom looked healthy and Rashod Bateman isn’t on track to see an extension.
Franklin offers great long speed with the ability to make an impact downfield and after the catch. However, inconsistent physicality and struggles to separate against defensive backs with similar physical gifts likely make his draft-day ceiling close to where the Ravens will be on the clock.
Darius Robinson, Edge Rusher, Missouri -- 5.6 percent
Several Baltimore veterans made an impact on defense last year by being versatile enough to fill multiple roles and be deployed in an optimized manner. The orchestrator, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, may be gone, but those principles may very well remain.
Robinson is a 6-5, 290-pound lineman who is used to winning with his size, no matter the alignment. He’s put out good tape as an interior rusher and on the edge, presenting problems, especially against the run. Simply put, it is difficult to displace a man of his mass, and when he plays with the motor and leverage he consistently shows, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
It may not look like the edge threats that the Ravens unleashed in 2023, but his ability to move inside or out and dominate physically is hard to come by.
Jer’Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois -- 5.1 percent
Perhaps that versatility to play inside is a reason why so many have pegged Robinson for that spot. If not Robinson, Newton makes a fine consolation prize – on many boards, he’s ranked much higher.
Newton is largely seen as a top-two defensive tackle in this class, offering pass-rushing upside with an adequate ability to stay on the field against the run. If defensive lineman Justin Madubuike finds a payday out of town after a 13-sack season, one can expect Newton to see more mock drafts send him to Baltimore.
Unlike Robinson and Franklin before him, going with the 30th pick means the board fell unfavorably for Newton, given his current draft stock. Of the three, he’s the least likely to be available at the end of Round 1. Conversely, he’s the safest bet thanks to his blend of technical prowess and pure power.
