The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, which means that there is time for one more Ravens mock draft before the big event. Thanks to a series of trades, Baltimore only has five picks in the draft, so they’ll need to make each selection count if they want to reclaim the AFC North.
Note that this exercise was performed using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when the Ravens were on the clock, they were fair game. Also note that this Ravens mock draft does not include trades.
Seven-Round Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft
First Round (22nd Overall): Nolan Smith, EDGE
With Odell Beckham in town, the Baltimore Ravens don’t need to reach for a wide receiver in this mock draft and can instead select a freakishly athletic pass rusher. Nolan Smith might be undersized relative to the traditional edge defender, but he makes up for it with elite athleticism, speed, and fundamentals. The Ravens lack a proven pass rusher, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Nolan Smith ends up being the best one of the team next year.
Being small does come with a + for Nolan Smith, he has crazy bend, this TFL was just silly pic.twitter.com/hsYK5yeMkq
— John Brennan (@jbrens20) April 17, 2023
Third Round (86th Overall): JL Skinner, S
There is no such thing as too many good defensive backs, and JL Skinner will provide the Ravens with a much-needed physical presence at the rear of the defense. Skinner is a classic enforcer, capable of delivering crushing blows play after play while also possessing the athleticism and strength required to match up with tight ends and slot receivers in man coverage. While he shouldn’t spend too much time as a free safety in Cover-1 looks, he’ll pair nicely with Kyle Hamilton to give Baltimore one of the most ferocious safety duos in football.
Fourth Round (124th Overall): Jayden Reed, WR
On paper, the pass-catching trio of Mark Andrews, Odell Beckham, and Rashod Bateman is good enough to support Lamar Jackson. However, there is a lot of risk here, and selecting Jayden Reed in this mock draft will create some much-needed depth for the Ravens. The Michigan State product can win one-on-one matchups on the sideline and his experience as a returner shows up every time he gets the ball in space. While he struggles to absorb hits over the middle, he can be an effective player in the right role.
Jayden Reed you are a Detroit Lion
pic.twitter.com/Ch4bgeUzW2— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) April 21, 2023
Fifth Round (157th Overall): Cory Trice Jr., CB
Perhaps the Baltimore Ravens re-sign Marcus Peters after the NFL Draft, but even if they do, they could still use another cornerback. Cory Trice is a matchup-specific player that has the right build for the position but lacks the makeup speed to keep up with the shiftier and faster wide receivers. If asked to cover someone like Tyreek Hill on an island, he’ll have trouble. However, his physical play style could work against a bigger receiver like Tee Higgins or George Pickens.
Sixth Round (199th Overall): Deuce Vaughn, RB
Most 5′-5″ running backs couldn’t possibly last in the NFL, but Deuce Vaughn is not your average prospect. While he is dramatically undersized for the position, he can absorb hits, break tackles, and even handles quite a few touches during his collegiate years. He’s quick on his feet, can catch passes, and is so small that he sometimes disappears behind the offensive line, making him that much harder to tackle. There is a real question as to whether or not he’s simply too small to handle NFL life, but he’s well worth the gamble late in the sixth round.
Deuce Vaughn NFL Draft Profile
Main Photo: Joshua L. Jones – USA Today Sports
