Ravens' Top 2023 NFL Draft Targets
Lamar Jackson's ongoing contract drama may be the biggest storyline for Baltimore Ravens fans right now, but the 2023 NFL draft is mere days away.
Ideally, Baltimore will get some sort of deal with Jackson done before Thursday night.
"After the draft could be interesting because if a team strikes out on the quarterback front and doesn't get the guy they want in the first round, they could put an offer sheet or try to swing a trade with Baltimore," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter (h/t Bleacher Report's Joseph Zucker). "...the stance with the team is still that Lamar is going to be their quarterback."
Barring a surprise trade before the draft, general manager Eric DeCosta will likely enter the weekend planning to build on a roster with Jackson at its core. With this in mind, let's examine three top prospects DeCosta should be eyeing with the 22nd overall pick—keeping in mind that Jackson's situation could change dramatically before or during the draft.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
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If Jackson does get moved, the Ravens could consider quarterback prospects like Kentucky's Will Levis and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, depending on what the draft compensation looks like. If he remains on the roster, continuing to improve the roster around Jackson would be a smart way to begin the draft.
Texas running back Bijan Robinson is the top-ranked running back on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's draft board and the player paired with Baltimore in the Scouting Department's latest mock draft.
From Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department:
"In the event Lamar is back, it's not hard to see Baltimore's logic in drafting Robinson. The Ravens offense was at its best with a run-first focus, but part of the burden of that run-heavy offense likely needs to shift from the quarterback to the running back to ensure Jackson's longevity."
Yes, the Ravens already have J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill and Gus Edwards in their backfield. However, none of them are as special as Robinson, He's a dangerous dual threat with the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler at the next level. Pairing Robinson with Jackson would give Baltimore arguably the league's most dynamic backfield and a rushing attack that would be borderline impossible to defend.
Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
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While Robinson is a legitimate game-changer, it's not hard to envision Baltimore waiting to dive into a deep 2023 running-back pool instead—and it's also not hard to picture him being off the board long before pick No. 22.
Instead of taking pressure off of Jackson in the running game, the Ravens could simply try to reduce the pressure he faces in the passing game. Jackson was sacked 26 times in 12 games last season, and Baltimore lost starting guard Ben Powers in free agency.
Adding a stout interior lineman like TCU's Steve Avila would benefit Jackson, both as a runner and as a passer.
"Avila has the size, play strength and good enough movement skills to keep things in front of him, square up defenders and end reps quickly with proven versatility to play across the interior," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
The 23-year-old is the second-ranked interior lineman on the B/R board behind Northwestern's Peter Skoronski, who may be viewed as a tackle—the position he played in college—by some teams.
Should Skoronski somehow fall to No. 22, the Ravens may jump at the chance to grab him, though Avila should be viewed as more than just a consolation prize. He's a pro-ready, versatile interior lineman who would be a powerhouse next to 2022 first-round pick Tyler Linderbaum.
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
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The Ravens recently signed wideout Odell Beckham Jr to a one-year deal, possibly in an effort to entice Jackson to sign his franchise-tag tender—or, better yet, a long-term deal.
Jackson has long been saddled with one of the league's more underwhelming receiving corps, and adding Beckham is a step in the right direction. However, it shouldn't preclude Baltimore from targeting a receiver early.
USC's Jordan Addison is the third-ranked receiver on the B/R board and a prospect who could realistically be available at No. 22. He might not have the size (5'11", 173 lbs) to regularly dominate on the perimeter, but he's an explosive route-runner who can create separation and stretch the field.
"Addison gives the Bills the second 'just get open' threat that they desperately lacked last season," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department said. "...his film is the best of any receiver in the class."
This past season, Addison was limited by an ankle injury and only had 875 and eight touchdowns. In 2021, though, he logged an impressive 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 receptions.
Addison would be a better long-term option in the slot than free-agent addition Nelson Agholor. Along with Agholor, Beckham, Breshad Perriman and star tight end Mark Andrews, he could help create a receiving corps that has Jackson excited about playing in Baltimore this season.
*College statistics from Sports Reference.
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