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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

2024 NFL mock draft: Updated Ravens first-round projections ahead of free agency

Baltimore will look to regroup after exiting the playoffs via a disastrous AFC title game loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

Baltimore also has 29 players scheduled to hit free agency, and some tough decisions will be made regarding who returns to Baltimore.

With the new league year and free agency fast approaching, we’re looking at an updated mock draft roundup for the Ravens.

ESPN/FIeld Yates

Nov 4, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) prepares to cover Missouri Tigers wide receiver Mookie Cooper (5) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Field Yates has Baltimore retooling at the cornerback position.

30. Baltimore Ravens
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

The Ravens did a remarkable job defensively last season with an injury-impacted cornerback room, but counting on repeating that effort would be a challenge. Lassiter is confident in man coverage and welcomes the challenge of sticking on opposing top-flight wideouts. Baltimore has several key free agents on defense this offseason and turnover is to be expected. Lassiter, who broke up eight passes in 2023, could help.

Draft Wire

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) gestures to his ring finger after sacking Louisville Cardinals quarterback Jack Plummer (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With Justin Madubuike as the biggest prize in free agency, Draft Wire reloads Baltimore with the fast-rising Braden Fiske.

30 – Baltimore Ravens – DT Braden Fiske, FSU

The last of our big risers after the Senior Bowl, Braden Fiske is a great fit as a powerful inside/outside defensive lineman.

Bleacher Report

Washington Huskies defensive end Bralen Trice (8) celebrates a play in the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semi-finals at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 1, 2024. The Huskies won the game 37-31.

Bleacher Report has Baltimore reloading at the pass rusher spot with multiple free agents.

30. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington

Washington’s Bralen Trice has been one of college football’s most prolific pass-rushers over the past decade. He finished fourth on that list with 106 career pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

Trice’s game is predicated on power and relentlessness. He’ll play through, around and chase down ball-carriers. His motor runs white hot at all times.

“The Ravens led the league in sacks during the regular season, but their top three pass-rushers—Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy—are all impending free agents,” Holder said. “With the way things look right now, Baltimore spending a first-round pick at a premium position to try and maintain the amount of pressure the Ravens were able to generate last season makes a ton of sense. Plus, Trice is the physical presence they seem to prefer among their front seven.”

The Athletic

Nov 19, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) breaks up a pass intended for New Mexico State Aggies wide receiver Justice Powers (6) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

With several question marks in the secondary, The Athletic has Baltimore adding cornerback depth.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
An intense, physical corner who likes to hit, Rakestraw can give up some ground with his deep speed but also can be a terror underneath. Health is a concern, though, and he missed the Senior Bowl with a core injury. Tackle or WR could be on the table for Baltimore, too.

NFL.com

Kansas State senior offensive lineman cooper Beebe (50) keeps Kansas redshirt senior defensive lineman Devin Phillips (40) at bay during the second quarter of Saturday’s Sunflower Showdown inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Chad Reuter has Baltimore adding an offensive guard.

Pick
30
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
Cooper Beebe
Cooper Beebe
Kansas State · OG · Senior

Beebe will have to prove his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the Ravens could see him as a younger version of Kevin Zeitler, who is headed for free agency. There are not many college linemen who can switch between both tackle spots and left guard in the same game, which is something Beebe did multiple times last season.

CBS Sports

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) makes a catch against the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports has Baltimore adding a big, physical target.

Round 1 – Pick 30
Keon Coleman WR
FLORIDA STATE • JR • 6’4″ / 215 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
28th
POSITION RNK
5th
Keon Coleman is the bigger-bodied target (6-4, 215) at wide receiver that Lamar Jackson needs. Coleman can line up anywhere, and he is a slick route runner with phenomenal knowledge of how to best utilize his body to maintain leverage against defenders. Coleman has an argument for being the best contested catcher in this class. He’s a great athlete, and he will be a red zone monster in the NFL.

PFF

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix throws down field against Oregon State during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 in Eugene.

Pro Football Focus has Baltimore adding a second round pick by trading the 30th selection to Minnesota, who draft quarterback Bo Nix.

Vikings receive: A 2024 first-round pick (No. 30)
Ravens receive: A 2024 second-round pick (No. 42) and a 2025 third-round pick
With the Vikings unable to secure a quarterback earlier in the draft, look for them to have their eye on Nix if he happens to fall to the end of the first round. A small trade-up allows them to get a fifth-year option on him, which is paramount, given how much money quarterbacks can command.

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