Did Ravens Draft Missing Pieces to Super Bowl Glory?
The Baltimore Ravens continue to be among the Super Bowl favorites in the latest NFL odds as fans hope the team’s recent draft will get the franchise one step closer to topping a loaded AFC.
Baltimore focused on improving the team’s defense with four of the team’s nine selections. The unit was hit particularly hard by free agency and is also preparing for life without defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
The Ravens began the draft by taking former Clemson standout corner Nate Wiggins. How much did Baltimore value Wiggings? ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported that the Ravens turned down eight trade offers to remain at No. 30 to select him.
Nate got that DAWG in him 😤 pic.twitter.com/V0hMFuHnco
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 19, 2023
“For us, it was always, ‘If Nate [is] there, we [are] going to pick,'” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said, per ESPN. “In our opinion, [he’s] a guy that can be a true shutdown-type corner.”
Here’s a look at how the rest of the Ravens draft played out.
2024 Ravens Draft Class 🐦⬛ | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/28bl33m7Tb
— 🏜️ (@SimplyAS10) May 1, 2024
Running Back Rasheen Ali Is a Sleeper to Watch
New star running back Derrick Henry is clearly the team’s RB1, but keep an eye on former Marshall playmaker Rasheen Ali. Baltimore may have landed a steal of a player in the fifth round with the addition of Ali.
Rasheen Ali: Never say die…#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/uxlpyS3vPU
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) February 4, 2024
The running back had at least 1,100 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in two of his last three collegiate seasons. Ali posted 212 carries for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023. The rusher also added 28 receptions for 213 receiving yards and a TD through the air.
“Ali’s tape is a fun watch,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile of Ali. “He’s a loose-limbed runner with a blend of instincts and agility that create an admirable rate of consistency relative to the inconsistency of the blocking in front of him.”
“He does a nice job of reading his blocks and shifting speeds to get where he needs to go, but his wiggle and run strength are just average by NFL standards. Ali doesn’t appear to have enough acceleration or speed to rush away from speedy defenders, but he is a natural one-cut back. His touchdown production and third-down ability could improve his chances of finding work as an RB3.”
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How Did the Ravens Do in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Additional names to keep an eye on are Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten (second round), Penn State linebacker Adisa Isaac (third round), and North Carolina receiver Tez Walker (fourth round). How did the Ravens do overall with their draft?
Who was your favorite draft pick?
Not necessarily the best. Just your favorite.
📸: @Ravens pic.twitter.com/y8tYQhNmOp
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) May 4, 2024
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Baltimore as his No. 12 ranked team. The analyst believes fourth-round pick Iowa State corner T.J. Tampa could surprise.
“A player who went about 100 spots later than most expected, Tampa hurt himself during the pre-draft process by turning down the Senior Bowl and then running a 4.58 40 at his pro day,” Brugler wrote. “He doesn’t have ideal speed or twitch for man coverage, but his size and ball skills are traits worth developing on the outside.”
Questions Of The Day
Who did the Ravens select in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Baltimore Ravens selected cornerback Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 pick.
What are the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl odds?
The Baltimore Ravens are third among the Super Bowl favorites at +900 odds.
