And just like that, the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. Per usual, it was a wild and unexpected ride, starting with all the Round 1 action. Day 2 and Day 3 delivered surprises of their own. Some teams capitalized on the opportunity, while others came up short. Let’s take a look at the 2023 NFL Draft recap, analysis, and grades for the Baltimore Ravens. NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

• NFL Draft Grades for Every Team
• Thor’s Draft Grades (AFC | NFC)
• NFL Draft Day 1 Winners & Losers (Day 2 | Day 3)
• Fitz’s Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook (Day 2 | Day 3)
• Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

2023 NFL Draft Recap, Analysis & Grades: Baltimore Ravens

NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

Thor Nystrom’s Overview & Grades

Baltimore Ravens | Draft Grade: B

I didn’t expect the Ravens to go receiver after signing WRs Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham. But I didn’t have any problem with Zay Flowers at 23.

After years of cobbling together a procession of poor receiving corps, the Ravens now have four starting-caliber NFL receivers. In OC Todd Monken’s Air Raid system, that was needed. Flowers may start out in the slot, but he can absolutely play on the outside in the NFL. That concept was proven over multiple years in brutal offensive environments at Boston College. Flowers’ footwork gets him off the line against press coverage, and he tracks the ball well downfield.

I was lower on LB Trenton Simpson than almost anyone in the media, ranking him LB4. Still, objectively, getting Simpson at No. 86 was good value (he was No. 62 on my board). Simpson is an athletic freak. But at this point, he’s a collection of disparate traits that haven’t coalesced – if the light comes on, watch out.

I also liked what Baltimore did on Day 3. The pick of OG Andrew Vorhees was typical Ravens. Other front offices around the NFL didn’t want to sink a pick into a guy who needs a medical redshirt after tearing his ACL at the NFL Combine. Organizational stability doesn’t put the Ravens’ decision-makers under the same job-is-on-the-line-next-season scrutiny, affording this sorts of wait-a-year value grab.

Andrew Erickson’s Overview & Grades

Pay Lamar Jackson and get him weapons. Get ready for the fireworks air show in Baltimore this year folks. Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman (maybe Antonio Brown as well). OC Todd Munken at the helm of this new offense will take Baltimore to new heights. This is the Zay (insert Mandalorian theme song). Don’t expect the +1600 odds for Jackson to win another MVP to become longer anytime soon.

Baltimore went to the defense in Round 3, with Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson. Considering LB was not a pressing need for Baltimore compared to the CB, DL, and IOL positions, I am questioning the selection. Simpson is an intriguing player that possesses 4.43 40-speed at 235 pounds, but I expect more value-hunting from the sharp Ravens front office. Especially considering the reason they did not have a second-round pick was that they traded to the Bears to acquire another linebacker (Roquan Smith) during the 2022 season.

The Ravens’ underwhelming draft continued into Day 3, with edge rusher Tavius Robinson. He posted just a 9% pressure rate last season (39^th out of 43 qualifying 2023 draft-eligible edge rushers).

It wasn’t until Round 5 that the Ravens finally selected a cornerback. Kyu Blu allowed the third-highest EPA when targeted last season (second-highest average depth of target). The team is living dangerously with the secondary in its current form.

FINAL DRAFT GRADE: C+

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