OWINGS MILLS — Most pundits predict the Ravens will select an offensive tackle or cornerback withe the 30th pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, which begins Thursday night.
However, general manager Eric DeCosta could flip the script and take a wide receiver or an edge rusher.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 mock drafts:
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
The pick: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, cornerback
Analysis: I had been focused on a tackle for the Ravens in my previous mock drafts, but I don’t think we can discount their need at cornerback. Marlon Humphrey was limited to 10 games last season, and while Brandon Stephens emerged as a starter-level player, there aren’t many other players on the roster capable of playing outside corner. That’s why McKinstry, a physical corner who allowed only one touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons, could make sense. He’s not the biggest defender (6 feet, 199 pounds), but he has experience matching up with the best of the best in the SEC. He’s also a dynamic punt returner.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
The pick: Cooper DeJean Iowa, cornerback
Analysis: Baltimore has a knack for watching tough, smart and versatile players fall into its lap. We see it happen once again with DeJean, who comes from a noted Ravens factory at the University of Iowa, the alma mater of current Raven Tyler Linderbaum and former Ravens Geno Stone and Marshal Yanda.
Peter Schrager, NFL.com
The pick: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, cornerback
Analysis: The Alabama-to-Baltimore pipeline remains strong, even with Ozzie Newsome in an advisory role and Eric DeCosta steering the ship. McKinstry is smooth and fluid, and though he didn’t run the fastest 40 in Indy, his play speed wasn’t a problem in Tuscaloosa.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
The pick: Jordan Morgan, Arizona, offensive tackle
Analysis: This is a tough spot to project, based on how the board sits in this simulation. The Ravens could look to move out of Round 1, but if they stick and pick, Morgan offers starting tackle potential on either side.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
The pick: Ladd McConkey, Georgia, wide receiver
Analysis: Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken coached Ladd McConkey at Georgia, and he would be a nice addition for Lamar Jackson. McConkey and Zay Flowers would be a nice 1-2 combo for a few years.
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. By Denny Medley-USA Today Sports
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
The pick: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, offensive tackle
Analysis: Baltimore traded starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets in March, so bringing in Guyton to compete with Daniel Faalele makes a ton of sense. Guyton also played a bit of left tackle at Oklahoma, so he could back up 2025 free agent Ronnie Stanley if the veteran loses time to injury again.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
The pick: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, offensive tackle
Analysis: Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needs to address the edges, with Morgan Moses traded away and Ronnie Stanley struggling to stay healthy. Guyton is an intriguing option as a potential Day 1 starter at right tackle, and he has enough athleticism to eventually move to the left side.
Vinnie Iyer, SportsNews.com
The pick: Graham Barton, Duke, offensive tackle
Analysis: The Ravens need to get an option for either right tackle or left guard to keep the strength of their offensive line intact after they moved on from Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler. Barton is a candidate to be a strong, immediate starter at either position, maybe best suited to dominate inside.
Nate Davis, USAToday.com
The pick: Amarius Mims, Georgia, offensive tackle
Analysis: A right tackle who already knows OC Todd Monken’s playbook, Mims’ 87-inch wingspan and 6-8, 340-pound frame help him block out the sun (perhaps better than the moon). He could start straight away following the trade of previous RT Morgan Moses to the Jets.
Sam Monson, ProFootballFocus.com
The pick: Chop Robinson, Penn State, edge
Analysis: Offensive line is absolutely in play for the Ravens at this spot, as are several other positions, but Chop Robinson seems to be getting overlooked by many and he has destructive pass-rush potential at the next level. Robinson posted back-to back seasons with a 90.0-plus PFF grade and earned a 93.1 grade against true pass sets last season.