Q&A with Baltimore Beatdown on Baltimore’s rookie class

In the fifth round, the Ravens also found potential long-term successors to top veterans in cornerback Chandler Rivers, who offers inside-outside versatility that has been one of Marlon Humphrey’s trademarks in Baltimore, and 6-foot-3 running back Adam Randall, who will hone his craft under the best jumbo-sized ballcarrier in NFL history in Derrick Henry.

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Replacing key free agency departures was also a focal point on Day 3. The Ravens double-dipped on tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas to replace Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, and Ryan Eckley will succeed Jordan Stout as the team’s punter. And for extra depth in the trenches, Baltimore spent their late seventh-rounders on offensive lineman Evan Beerntsen and defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny.

Overall, this group of players aligns with the Ravens’ new culture and schemes on both sides of the ball. Ioane and Young are expected to make an impact early on, and the team is hoping for the same from their new quartet of pass-catchers. Prioritizing size and athleticism, especially with Lane and Randall, who are both just 21 years old, underscores the long-term developmental potential of this class.

Q: Which rookie are you most excited to see in action?

Nikhil: The Ravens had a first-round grade on Zion Young (as did Baltimore Beatdown), making him an absolute steal with the No. 45 pick. His ferocious attitude and physical play style are excellent fits for a Baltimore defense looking to get back to its bullying roots. The Missouri edge rusher profiles as an instant-impact run defender with potential as a power rusher, though he will need to refine his craft to consistently generate pressure in the NFL. Young is relentless when pursuing opposing quarterbacks and ballcarriers alike, which should result in some highlight plays as a rookie, and fans won’t need field mics to hear him celebrate with his teammates.

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Q: Who is one rookie that may surprise people?

Nikhil: Ja’Kobi Lane is the Ravens’ higher-drafted receiver, but Elijah Sarratt, who was taken one round later, could have a bigger impact right away. At OTAs, he demonstrated proficiency against zone coverage, consistently finding soft spots, uncovering, and making himself a big target. His skills as a possession receiver at the catch point could also be a factor early on as a chain-mover and red-zone threat. (Lane is no slouch, either. He has used his size to pluck a number of intermediate passes out of the air in spring practices, but his thin frame might be a bigger issue when the pads come on.)

Q: Is there one area that you wish the team had focused on more in the draft? 

Nikhil: This one is easy: center. After losing Tyler Linderbaum (to the Raiders’ ridiculous contract offer) in free agency, the Ravens entered the draft without a clear starter at the position. They had interest in Jake Slaughter and Logan Jones, who were drafted in the second round by the Chargers and the Bears, respectively, but did not have high grades on any other players at the position, certainly not high enough to profile as an instant starter.

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However, there were several centers available on Day 3 that could have at least competed for the starting gig right away. Even if they did not earn the job, the Ravens still need to plan for their long-term future at the position, but they declined to add a rookie to develop under new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford.