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Baltimore Ravens: 2022 NFL Draft First Round Targets

By Andrew Kim

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Jordan Davis #99 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes the quarterback against Emil Ekiyor Jr. #55 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Jordan Davis #99 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes the quarterback against Emil Ekiyor Jr. #55 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Jermaine Johnson II #LB20 of the Florida State Seminoles runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Jermaine Johnson II #LB20 of the Florida State Seminoles runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Edge Rusher

With his recent buzz, it may be tough for Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II to fall out of the top ten. However, it’s certainly a possibility if the other guys mentioned are taken ahead of him and more receivers and/or quarterbacks muddle the board. Similar to Oweh, Johnson has the athletic tools but just needs time to develop some to put it all together.

Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis also fits the power rusher archetype, some of who the Baltimore Ravens would covet to rush the passer usually to pair with speed rusher Odafe Oweh. This applies to Karlaftis more but getting edge rushers that could also kick inside on certain downs could be a bonus to adding for a defense that has struggled to get after the quarterback.

With Tyus Bowser also coming back from a season-ending injury and Justin Houston not brought back from last year, Baltimore securing a running mate for Oweh is key. It could be addressed on day two but I think it would be important to take care of this spot first, maybe even trading up for an edge if they so desire and want one, especially for Johnson (or maybe even for Thibodeaux if he slides?) if they covet either.

LB/CB/IDL

Personally, I think if the Baltimore Ravens take someone here and the top tackles/edge rushers get taken, it may be the best player available situation that still covers a need.

Baltimore could use another dynamic linebacker to play next to Patrick Queen or they could use a cornerback that can be penciled in the slot first while both Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are coming off season-ending injuries.

Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd has the size and length to do various things potentially for a blitzing style defense (while holding his own in coverage) like Baltimore. Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie is regarded as one of the smarter and instinctive defenders, and taking him would help out their corner depth and would give the Ravens some insurance while addressing a top need.

It could be possible that a trade-up could occur if either Gardner or Stingley falls out of the top five or one of the top offensive tackles/edge rushers.

But there is one gaping hole in the middle of their defense, and Jordan Davis from Georgia could be seen as the perfect fit to fill that position at nose tackle. Sure, bringing back Michael Pierce helps their depth but some youth on the defensive line has been missing for a while, especially bigger bodies. Getting Davis would definitely boost their run defense but just having him there would allow their defense to get away with blitzing since he would take up double teams often.

Davis can learn under Pierce along with Calais Campbell, who they also re-signed, and with the Ravens not bringing back Brandon Williams, they could still use a freak and massive athlete like him. Even though he doesn’t offer much in terms of pass rush from the interior, the drop-off for defensive tackles in this year’s draft class is pretty big after the first and second (maybe third) rounds. Davis may not even be available by the time the Ravens pick but he certainly makes sense for the Baltimore Ravens if he is there.

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