Ravens 7-Round Mock Draft: Baltimore Bolsters Roster Around Lamar Jackson
By Peter Jurich
Round 5, No. 157: Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
For the fourth pick in this mock draft, the Ravens go back to Texas and select defensive tackle Moro Ojomo to help bolster the defensive line. Ojomo is a proven contributor at the interior of the defensive line and saw playing time in all five seasons at Texas. A starter over the last two seasons, Ojomo recorded just three sacks, all of which occurred last season, but contributed 61 total tackles, 8.5 of which were for a loss.
At 6′ 3″ and 290 pounds, Ojomo would be a perfect fit as a defensive end in Baltimore’s 3-4 defensive front. Ojomo has the size and strength to succeed in the NFL but will need to be coached up on some techniques in order to help translate his natural athleticism to production as a pro.
In Baltimore, Ojomo would likely start in a reserve role, but could quickly earn playing time due to his high effort and ability to clog the middle of the offensive line. Behind Broderick Washington and Jason Madubuike, Ojomo will be able to develop into the player he can be in Baltimore, and would be a great, long-term investment on the defensive line.
Round 6, No. 199: Jon Gaines II, IOL, UCLA
With their final pick in the 2023 Mock Draft, the Ravens use their sixth-round pick on UCLA lineman Jon Gaines II. Gaines is a big, physical guard who has some center versatility, but he will need some help and coaching before being able to become a consistent contributor on the offensive line. At UCLA, Gaines was mainly a right guard, and showed great skills as a run blocker, even if he was able to rely on his size and strength at the college level.
In the NFL, Gaines will need to gain a better understanding of his technique and how to truly maximize his physical traits, and while that might seem like a negative, it shows how great he can become if a coach can get him prepared correctly. At 6′ 4″ and 300 pounds, Gaines showed great athleticism at the NFL Combine, finishing the event with the highest RAS amongst any interior offensive line prospect.
The athleticism and size are there, but it all comes down to if he will be able to put it all together. With the Ravens, who do not need to find a day-one starter at the position, Gaines can start as a backup and slowly improve until the point that he can be depended on as a gameday starter.