2024 NFL Draft: 3 top prospects Baltimore Ravens must draft if they slide to No. 30

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a 13-4 season in which they fell just short of reaching the Super Bowl.  Led by the 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, the AFC North champions took some hits in free agency but are in position to fill some of those voids through the 2024 NFL Draft.

With a late first round pick, the Ravens will be aiming for value in addressing their positions of needs.  Those top needs include an offensive lineman, and outside linebacker and cornerback. As a team with a history of finding value, John Harbaugh in company will be hoping to benefit from a few of the top prospects sliding down to them at No. 30.

2024 NFL Draft prospects who could slip to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30

Here’s a look at 3 2024 NFL Draft prospects the Ravens must draft if they slide down in the first round.

Georgia tackle Amarius Mims

Unless the Ravens trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft, they should still have good talented group of offensive linemen to select from at No. 30.  A couple players projected to be available in the late second round are Duke’s Graham Barton and Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton.  Both intriguing picks to help replace Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler, but if the Ravens see Georgia’s Amarius Mims slide to them, it would be an A+ selection for the Ravens who always seems to find value no matter where they select in the draft.

At 6-foot-8, 340 pounds, Mims is familiar with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s playbook and has the physicality and technique with his footwork to be able to step in right away despite his limited experience at college.  That inexperience is what may make him a steal for the Ravens in that his ceiling is still very high.  Given his huge frame and athleticism, Mims would waste no time fitting into that Ravens offensive line.

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry

If Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry drops to No. 30, the Ravens would have an opportunity to add one of the top cornerback prospects in the NFL Draft to a group led by Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens.

As the Ravens will be looking to add depth, McKinstry has a high IQ and has good communication as a backend defender.  His patience, athleticism and ability to also return punts not only give the Ravens a future No. 1 or No. 2 cornerback in the league, but a player who can grow into a leader on the defense.  A good tackle, with an aggressive style attacking passes, McKinstry would be a no-brainer at No. 30 for the Ravens.

Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton

There is not a huge need for the Baltimore Ravens at defensive tackle after re-signing Justin Madubuike for a four-year deal.  However, when it comes to value, if Illinois defender Jer’Zhan Newton is sitting there at No. 30, the Ravens must consider a duo of Madubuike and Newton in the middle of the line even despite the depth they have with Michael Pierce, Travis Jones and Brent Urban.

At 6-foot-2, 304 pounds, Newton is scouted as an active interior defender who has the speed to get to the outside and track down offensive players.  He also creates great pressure up the middle in leading Illinois with 7.5 sacks.  As a run defender with pass rush abilities, the Ravens could slide him to defensive end with Madubuike in the middle.

A player to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft.