{"id":140138,"date":"2023-04-12T14:00:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T18:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=140138"},"modified":"2023-04-11T10:37:21","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T14:37:21","slug":"baltimore-ravens-first-round-edge-rushers-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/04\/12\/baltimore-ravens-first-round-edge-rushers-nfl-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Baltimore Ravens First-Round Edge Rushers to Watch in NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Ravens will likely look to add an edge rusher in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft<\/a>. With the draft just around the corner, let\u2019s look at which edge rushers could be linked to the Ravens in the first round.<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft: First Round EDGE Targets<\/h2>\n

Having added Odell Beckham Jr.<\/a> to the receiving ranks, the Ravens can now prioritize other positions of need. Beckham\u2019s arrival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

As such, the Ravens can now turn their attention to the draft\u2019s edge rushers and cornerbacks in the first round. Last season, Baltimore found some success with Justin Houston<\/a> 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\u2019s radar?<\/p>\n

Myles Murphy<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In Murphy\u2019s draft profile<\/a>, Tony Rubio<\/a> writes that \u201cMurphy 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\u201d. Rubio\u2019s bottom line on Murphy is this as follows:<\/p>\n

\u201cTeams 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Should Murphy be Baltimore\u2019s 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\u2019s versatility is also important for Baltimore. The team cut Calais Campbell<\/a>, meaning they need help on the interior of their defensive line too. Murphy\u2019s size means that he can also double up as an interior defender, making him a valuable asset as a versatile piece too.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u2019s most recent mock draft<\/a>, Murphy is poached at pick 11, long before the Ravens\u2019 pick.<\/p>\n

\n

Myles Murphy – DE, Clemson, No. 98<\/p>\n

– 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<\/a><\/p>\n

— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) April 10, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n