The Baltimore Ravens will likely look to add an edge rusher in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. With the draft just around the corner, let’s look at which edge rushers could be linked to the Ravens in the first round.
Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft: First Round EDGE Targets
Having added Odell Beckham Jr. to the receiving ranks, the Ravens can now prioritize other positions of need. Beckham’s arrival means that receiver is no longer a desperate need in the draft, though the Ravens could still look to add more wideouts in the later rounds.
As such, the Ravens can now turn their attention to the draft’s edge rushers and cornerbacks in the first round. Last season, Baltimore found some success with Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul rotating opposite Odafe Oweh. This year, with David Ojabo recovering, the Ravens are expected to start Oweh and Ojabo. However, many question marks surround both players. As such, the Ravens could look to acquire some more proven talent to their pass rush. Who are the edge prospects on Baltimore’s radar?
Myles Murphy
Myles Murphy is the first name on this list and, should he be available at pick 22, the Ravens should be running up to the podium to select him.
In Murphy’s draft profile, Tony Rubio writes that “Murphy has all the physical gifts of a top-end edge rusher. His size and athleticism complement the pass-rushing toolbox he brings to his game”. Rubio’s bottom line on Murphy is this as follows:
“Teams draft with production and potential in mind. With Myles Murphy, teams will undoubtedly be thrilled with both. The college production is there already, but he shows the capability to develop even further. Myles Murphy is easily worth a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and should be an immediate contributor with Pro Bowler potential.”
Should Murphy be Baltimore’s selection, he would be vastly different to Oweh and Ojabo. Both Oweh and Ojabo were drafted as raw, developmental pass rushers who projected well at the NFL level thanks to their seriously freakish athleticism. Murphy, on the other hand, provides vast swathes of college experience, a good track record of constant improvement through his college career and enticing athletic traits. Murphy’s versatility is also important for Baltimore. The team cut Calais Campbell, meaning they need help on the interior of their defensive line too. Murphy’s size means that he can also double up as an interior defender, making him a valuable asset as a versatile piece too.
Baltimore had a private visit with Murphy and could feasibly make this pick. Despite his recent draft slide, Murphy is widely considered a top-20 prospect. That means that he could also be drafted before Baltimore get the chance. Indeed, in Mike Kashuba’s most recent mock draft, Murphy is poached at pick 11, long before the Ravens’ pick.
Myles Murphy – DE, Clemson, No. 98
– extremely good athlete, multiple ways to win
– ideal Spagsian size, play strength
– stand up run defender, plays through his hands
– freakish explosion and closing speed pic.twitter.com/wdDk7mKqSJ— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) April 10, 2023
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is another name to watch. He has recently risen up draft boards a bit and will likely be available at pick 22 if the Ravens choose to target edge rushers in the first round of the draft.
David Latham explains Anudike-Uzomah’s strengths and weaknesses well, highlighting how his lack of athleticism is compensated by a scrappy mentality and “technical know-how”. As such, Anudike-Uzomah has the ability to contribute immediately but has a limited ceiling in the NFL (due to his lack of elite athletic traits). Latham’s concluding remarks on Anudike-Uzomah’s scouting report sum it all up:
“Anudike-Uzomah isn’t an All-Pro type of player, but that doesn’t mean he can’t start in the NFL. In fact, his college tape implies that he can be a multi-year starter in the league, even if he doesn’t have the highest ceiling. While some prospects only have a handful of rushing moves entering the NFL Draft, Anudike-Uzomah already has a variety of ways to get to the quarterback which should keep offensive tackles on their toes.”
Given Latham’s comments, it is clear that Anudike-Uzomah is the opposite of what Oweh and Ojabo were. This could make Anudike-Uzomah the obvious pick. The Ravens have plenty of upside at edge but could do with some stability and consistency. Anudike-Uzomah brings both of those and can promise Baltimore multiple sacks a year.
Most pundits and scouts believe Anudike-Uzomah is only worth a second-round pick. Given that the Ravens are in a prime position to trade down, Eric DeCosta could look to move down the board before selecting Anudike-Uzomah. The Ravens are the only team to have held a private workout with the Kansas State prospect.
. @KStateFB Felix Anudike-Uzomah with a gorgeous cross chop here.
First step isn't his best here, but the ability to shorten the corner, and then flatten wayyyyy down to finish is pretty special. Shaq Barrett vibes (but bigger, obviously).
Possible top 40-ish pick. pic.twitter.com/2DHGYtREEI
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 2, 2023
Nolan Smith
Unlike Murphy and Anudike-Uzomah, Nolan Smith is a prospect who fits what the Ravens like in edge rushers in the draft. He is in a similar mould to Oweh and Ojabo, though with perhaps a bit more experience. Lance Exley’s draft profile on Smith provides a good overview:
“Nolan Smith is one of the players that helped his draft stock tremendously at the combine. While scouts may view Smith as more of a project, he does possess speed, coverage skills, and awareness for the position that you can put against anyone in this draft class. In the right fit with the right coaching, Smith could become a menace for opposing offenses.”
While Smith has some question marks surrounding his wingspan, past injuries and lack of seriously impressive production, he certainly has the hallmark of an NFL-calibre edge rusher. His similarity to Oweh and Ojabo could be a bad thing but would mean that he fits the profile of what DeCosta likes at the position. Indeed, Baltimore have had a private visit with Smith, suggesting there is palpable interest.
It is hard to tell where Smith will be drafted. He is definitely a first-round prospect, but he could go as early as 12 and as late as 31. Kashuba’s latest mock draft had Smith going at 25, meaning he could be around for Baltimore’s selection.
A 4.44 🤯
Nolan Smith was MOVIN' pic.twitter.com/9j5pwGHyGA
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 2, 2023
Main Photo: Winslow Townson – USA Today Sports
