The Baltimore Ravens have dealt with a rather inconsistent pass rush over the course of the last few seasons. While they’ve been one of the higher pressure teams in the NFL, they’ve struggled to constantly get the quarterback on the ground for a loss, which has hindered their ability to play defense.
During the team’s 2022 pre-draft press conference, Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta discussed the team’s need at edge rusher. He went into detail about how there is top-end talent at the position in 2022, but also many quality edge prospects in the mid rounds as well.
“Yes, there are some good players. Typically, those guys go fast. We think there will be a run of those guys, probably in the Top 10. There might be a guy or two that falls down to us at [Pick] 14, potentially. I think that … Unfortunately, one of the top guys and really an outstanding prospect, [David] Ojabo suffered an injury, which was unfortunate for us, unfortunate for the league and certainly most unfortunate for him. With that being said, he suffered an Achilles. He should be back, and he should be ready to go. He’s a tremendous talent. You all saw what he did at Michigan this year opposite [Aidan] Hutchinson. There are guys in the second, third and fourth rounds that we’re kind of lucky that we have the chance to look at some different players, meaning potentially some of these undersized 4-3 defensive ends really do fit us as outside linebackers. Our coaches are, right now, looking at those guys, scouring the country, going to workouts, going to Pro Days, and we’ll have a good strong board.”
The top edge players in this year’s class include Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker and Jermaine Johnson II. If one of those four falls to the Ravens at No. 14, it’d likely be very hard for them to pass up. However, it also wouldn’t be shocking to see the team take two pass rushers throughout draft weekend, as there are multiple holes to fill at the position and many talented 2022 prospects that could help in that regard.
