Ravens Rookies Get Solid 'B' for First-Year Performance

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The top end of the Ravens 2021 draft performed well and has the potential to become bigger playmakers over the coming years.

However, a pair of players picked later never played a snap in Baltimore and a few other players need more experience.

Nonetheless, the Ravens earned a "B" in the NFL Network's grades for last year's rookie class.

The rest of the AFC North received the following grades:

— Cincinnati Bengals: A-

— Cleveland Browns: B+

— Pittsburgh Steelers: B

The Ravens draft picks

First-round (27th overall)

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Overview: Bateman overcame an early injury and was one of the team’s most productive players on offense. He played in 12 games, including four starts, and finished with 36 receptions for 515 yards with one touchdown.

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First-round (31st overall)

Odafe Oweh, OLB, Penn State

Overview: He dominated opponents early but appeared to hit the rookie wall near the end of the season. He played in 15 games, including two starts, and was second on the team with five sacks.

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Third round (94th overall)

Ben Cleveland, G, Georgia

Overview: Cleveland was slowed by injuries but played better down the stretch. He appeared in 12 games with four starts.

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Third round (104th overall)

Brandon Stephens, DB, SMU

Overview: Stephens took over the starting job when DeShon Elliott was placed on IR and a solid contributor despite having little experience playing safety.

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Fourth round (131st overall)

Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State Overview: Wallace bade his mark mostly on special teams but could get more opportunities on offense next season.

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Fifth round (160th overall)

Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Overview: The Ravens likely want this pick back because Wade was traded to the New England Patriots during training camp after it didn't appear that he was going to make the team.

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Fifth round (171st overall)

Daelin Hayes, DE, Notre Dame

Overview: Hayes initially struggled to get on the field and then was later placed on IR. He needs more time to develop.

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Fifth round (184th overall)

Ben Mason, FB, Michigan

Overview: This was a confusing pick. Mason was placed on the practice squad after training camp and later signed by the Patriots. He was later released and signed with the Bears practice squad. The Ravens then added re-signed him on Jan. 21, perhaps as a replacement for Pat Ricard.

NFL.com's Nick Shook writes:

"After a hype-filled preseason, Bateman's debut was delayed by injury. While he finished with a decent rookie campaign, he also averaged less than 50 yards per game, leaving Ravens fans still hungry for a game-changing receiver. Oweh stormed out of the gate with three sacks and two forced fumbles in his first five games, and though he cooled off down the stretch, he scored a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Cleveland worked his way into the lineup late in the season, largely performing at an average level before finishing with a solid game in Week 18. A former college running back and cornerback, Stephens switched to safety in the pros, then stepped into a starting role following multiple significant injuries in Baltimore's secondary. He played solid football and has room to grow.

"Wallace failed to crack Baltimore's receiving corps, spending most of the season on special teams. Wade was traded to New England before the start of the season. Two stints on injured reserve ate up the bulk of Hayes' season. Mason was waived at the end of training camp, then bounced between New England's and Chicago's practice squads before signing a reserve/future contract with the Ravens in January."

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