OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens received positive reviews from pundits for their selection in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Ravens addressed their needs at cornerback with Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa, and selected a potential starting right tackle with Roger Rosengarten.
They also added depth at linebacker (Adisa Isaac), wide receiver (Devontez Walker) running back (Rasheen Ali, Marshall), the offensive line (Nick Samac), secondary (Sanoussi Kane) and quarterback (Devin Leary).
Here is a breakdown of the grades they received:
Grade: B+
Analysis: “Wiggins absolutely flies and has serious man-to-man coverage capabilities. Rosengarten is another high-caliber athlete at a vital position. Isaac was a bit of a gamble, but the payoff could be massive, and the same is true for Walker. … Not a super sexy class. But a job well done. ”
Grade: A-
Analysis: “Tampa fits the Baltimore Way — physicality and toughness — more than Wiggins. But Wiggins is a ballhawk who vowed to be the best cornerback in the first round after slipping to No. 30. Rosengarten helps after three-fifths of last year’s starting offensive line departed.”
Grade: A-
Analysis:
Analysis: “The Ravens had yet another solid draft. Wiggins’ elite recovery speed earned him a first-round slot, but he must answer questions about how his lean frame and inconsistent tackling translates to the next level. Rosengarten and Isaac were great value picks at two need spots. ”
Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. By Ken Ruinard-USA Today Sports
Grade: B-
Analysis: “The Ravens helped their defense. They fortified their secondary in particular by taking two CBs, Nate Wiggins in Round 1 and T.J. Tampa in what may have been a heist of a fourth-round selection. Getting offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round also was significant.”
Grade: B
Analysis: “When you’re drafting at the end of every round, maybe you reach just a little in spots. Yet it seems like they did a good job – per usual – marrying value, talent and need. First-round CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson) is a supreme athlete, and his tackling will improve – because the Ravens will demand that. Second-rounder Roger Rosengarten (Washington) should be the new right tackle, while third round OLB Adisa Isaac (Penn State) could be a factor on passing downs straight away. And the value picks kicked in on Day 3 with deep threat WR Devontez Walker (North Carolina) and CB T.J. Tampa (Iowa State), who could give Wiggins a battle to get on the field first.”
Grade: A-
Analysis: “The Ravens select the lengthy but light Wiggins to play alongside Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton in their secondary. Wiggins’ closing speed is elite, and he showed good press ability in college despite his frame. He led the ACC with an 89.4 PFF coverage grade over the last two seasons. If he can handle NFL receivers’ play strength, he has immense potential.”
Grade: B+
Analysis: “Overall, it was another solid draft for Eric DeCosta and the Ravens. Baltimore could have benefited from addressing the offensive interior early in the draft, but it did get some very good prospects who can become contributors over the next few seasons.”
Grade: B
Analysis: “To be fair, the Ravens’ patience doesn’t always pay off — but damn if it isn’t impressive anyway. Given their holes on the offensive line, it was interesting when they opted for cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round. Not to worry; they hung out at the back of the second round and got a starting-caliber tackle in Roger Rosengarten, anyway. Adding deep threat receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round feels like a sneaky good value, too — which would be a fun development for Lamar Jackson. It’s worth noting that Baltimore has yet to find a star edge rusher, but those guys are tough to find when you’re consistently picking late.”