Baltimore Ravens mock draft: Full 7-round projections with Orlando Brown Jr. trade

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”756726″ player=”23231″ title=”The%202021%20NFL%20Draft%20Class%20is%20one%20of%20the%20Deepest%20Ever%20for%20WRs%20and%20Tackles” duration=”130″ description=”Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston provides an in-depth breakdown of the 2021 NFL Draft class and predicts that teams will be able to grab rare talent well into this year’s draft.” uploaddate=”2021-04-16″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/756726_t_1618431060.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/756726.mp4″]

It’s time for an updated Baltimore Ravens mock draft after an NFL free agency period that saw the team make significant changes, and a blockbuster trade that sent Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Ravens always expected edge rushers Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon to walk this spring, which is exactly what happened. While it’s understandable why the organization didn’t meet their asking prices, it has created a glaring void on a once-dominant defense heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.

Offensively, signing Sammy Watkins and Kevin Zeitler will help this team take a step forward in 2010. But there’s no denying the Lamar Jackson stats, which highlighted some regression and how badly he needs a better supporting cast around him moving forward.

Fortunately, this team’s needs can be addressed in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the help of The Draft Network’s simulator, let’s dive into our Baltimore Ravens mock draft.

Baltimore Ravens mock draft: Orlando Brown Jr. trade nets extra 1st-round pick

First round, 27th overall: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

The Ravens don’t regret releasing Earl Thomas, but they missed the abilities he brings to the field. Baltimore’s secondary needs a playmaker deep, someone who can perfectly complement these cornerbacks. The tandem of Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott is fine, but neither player is considered a ball hawk.

Enter Trevon Moehrig. He recorded 20 pass deflections and six interceptions in his last 22 games at the collegiate level, always making opposing quarterbacks hesitant to throw it deep. He’s also shown the ability to operate in the slot, displaying some nice coverage skills. If Martindale wants to bring him down in the box, Moehrig is more than comfortable lowering his shoulder and driving through a ball carrier.

Imagine Baltimore’s secondary after this selection. Marcus Peters, Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey are arguably the best cornerback trio in the NFL. They’ll take plenty away, but now have the added confidence and knowledge of a ball hawk playing behind them who can clean up even the slightest mistake. Pair that with Phillips joining this front seven, we’ve got a top-five defense.

First round, 31st overall: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

Jayson Oweh is the freakiest edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft in a class full of unicorns. Frankly, if he hadn’t started playing football so late and wasn’t so raw, we might be talking about him as a potential top-10 pick. Plus, as mentioned above, Baltimore really needs to find players who can rush the passer.

Wink Martindale’s defense is predicated on bringing a lot of pressure, but the more the Ravens can get into the backfield without blitzing, the better. Oweh is definitely raw, yet he runs a 40-yard dash in 4.3-second range, which should be impossible for someone at his position.

Is there a team that does better developing front seven defensive players than Baltimore? Maybe the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers are in the conversation, but few other teams can boast the kind of track record the Ravens have. This is a match made in heaven, and Oweh could easily be an All-Pro type of player if he lands in the right spot. Baltimore seems like the ideal destination.

Third round, 94th overall: Deonte Brown, iOL, Alabama

Baltimore Ravens mock draft: Deonte Brown — Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Deonte Brown (65) and quarterback Mac Jones (10) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Brown trade cost Baltimore its second-round pick this year, yet the Ravens now have two third-round picks, and with a whopping five Day 3 selections, we’re going to guess they’ll invest heavily in the offensive line with the higher picks.

Deonte Brown is a mammoth of a man who knows how to get downhill and is an ideal fit in Baltimore’s rushing attack. What’s more, Brown actually had a higher PFF pass blocking grade in 2020, which bodes well for his future as an all-around NFL player.

Although right tackle is still a question mark — we’ll get to that in a second — Brown is an instant upgrade at left guard over presumptive starter Bradley Bozeman.

Third round, 104th overall: D’Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina

Since the Ravens traded Orlando Brown Jr., they will need to find a right tackle to develop. There would be a more pressing need immediately, but Smith isn’t the type of player who will be ready to start Week 1 or even in Week 10 of his rookie season. With that said, there is plenty to like.

A 6-foot-4 tackle with incredible length (35-inch arms) and exceptional athleticism is a treat for offensive line coaches. Smith made a quality impression at the Senior Bowl, which likely solidified his status as a top-125 pick. He will need to spend a ton of time in the weight room and his technique must be overhauled, but the tools are there to be a starting tackle eventually.