Ravens Mock Draft: Brandin Cooks and Jordan Addison Reshape the WR Room

In the latest Ravens mock draft, Baltimore makes a massive trade for Brandin Cooks and drafts Jordan Addison in round one.

The Baltimore Ravens enter a turning point off-season for the franchise. Former MVP Lamar Jackson needs a new contract, which could reach well past the $200 million mark. That commitment is a hefty one, but Jackson is worth every penny.

It is reasonable to say that Jackson landed in an ideal spot for a rookie quarterback. He was able to sit and learn behind Joe Flacco for most of the 2018 season. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback took over the QB1 spot in Week 11 and carried an under .500 team to the postseason.

Jackson helped the Ravens win six of the final seven games in 2018 before losing a closely fought battle with the Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. In 2019, the Louisville product became one of the best players in the league.

The Ravens went 14-2 that season, seeing Lamar Jackson run away with the league MVP award. In three seasons since, Jackson is 26-13 as the starter, bumping his career record to a sparkling 45-16.

I am not a “QB wins” person, but the Ravens are an infinitely better football team with their star quarterback than without him. The primary issue with a contract extension centers around Jackson’s injury history.

Although he has been phenomenal when healthy, Jackson missed multiple games each of the past two seasons. He just turned 25, so time is still on Jackson’s side. Baltimore should back the Brinks truck up if that’s what it takes.

Bringing back Jackson will be pointless if the front office continues to fail at surrounding him with talent. Last year’s pass-catching corps was inexcusable. Trading away Marquise Brown for a first-round pick was smart on paper, but not replacing him was downright foolish.

On top of that, the Ravens’ defense is not what it once was. The unit needs another body in the cornerback room, and another pass rusher wouldn’t hurt either.

Ravens Mock Draft: Brandin Cooks and Jordan Addison Reshape the WR Room

Today, I take the reins from general manager Eric DeCosta. What is the best way to ‘fix’ the Ravens?

Round 1, Pick 22: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

As stated, the Ravens must add a high-end pass catcher (or two) this offseason. Jordan Addison is one of the best route runners in the 2023 NFL Draft. The USC wideout is underrated after the catch, using his top-end speed to accelerate past defenders.

Addison is not the biggest receiver, so he could be susceptible to getting jammed at the line. Allowing Addison to roam in motion before the snap should help alleviate these concerns. Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Jordan Addison make for an enviable ‘Big 3’ for any quarterback. But as Billy Mays used to say… wait! There is more in this mock draft.

Round 3, Pick 86: Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State

The Ravens have one of the better cornerbacks in the league in Marlon Humphrey. Marcus Peters is a different story. Peters does well to shut down opposing receivers on the outside when locked in. The issue is keeping him locked in from the opening whistle to the final one.

Peters’ contract will expire this offseason, and at age 30, it would be wise for the Ravens to move on. Rejzohn Wright is one of ‘my guys’ from the 2023 NFL Draft. The Oregon State star is a physically imposing cornerback.

Wright uses his strong hands to manipulate his assignments while working downfield. He possesses exceptional hip fluidity and boasts legitimate NFL size on the outside. Wright would start from day one and provide a steady presence opposite Humphrey.

Round 4, Pick 124: Baltimore Ravens Trade for Houston WR Brandin Cooks

The Ravens continue beefing up the wide receiver room in this mock draft. Rather than adding a second rookie to the position, Baltimore opts to trade for a proven commodity. This move costs the No. 124 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, plus a third-rounder in 2024.

Brandin Cooks’ holds a sizable cap hit in 2023, but his contract is a steal compared to the impact he can bring to a team. Cooks is more durable than you might think, and he already has six 1,000-yard seasons with four separate franchises.

Having a pass-catching corps of Brandin Cooks, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and Jordan Addison would instantly boost Lamar Jackson as a passer. Baltimore successfully turns one of the worst receiver groups in the league into one of the best.

Round 5, Pick 158: Nick Broeker, OL, Ole Miss

Nick Broeker spent time as an offensive tackle in college, but he grades out best on the interior. Broeker is a bruiser in the run game, something the Ravens look for when drafting an offensive lineman. The Ole Miss alum can start at guard early in his career, with the potential to improve in pass protection, making him a quality player on the offensive line.

Round 6, Pick 200: Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah

If any player looks like a Baltimore Raven, it is Mohamoud Diabate. The Utah linebacker took over the role vacated by the 2022 first-round pick Devin Lloyd, and he put up some impressive numbers in the process.

Diabate is a work in progress in a few areas, but his lateral agility makes him an intriguing prospect with the final pick of the mock draft. He has untapped potential as a pass rusher off the edge, giving the Ravens more firepower in the pass-rushing department. Diabate can learn from Roquan Smith early in his career.