Baltimore Ravens Add Receiver in First Round in NFL Draft?

The Baltimore Ravens have several needs ahead of the draft and with the offense needing some weapons for Lamar Jackson. Could adding a receiver be top of the wish list?

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks during a / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens offense was one of the best in football last season, thanks to their vaunted rushing attack. But Lamar Jackson also had good weapons on the outside with Odell Beckham Jr., Isaiah Likely, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman.

But with Odell not returning in 2024, and still question marks over Bateman's injury problems, another body is needed in the receiver room.

Luckily for the Ravens, who pick at No.30, this year's draft is rather deep. Back in February, general manager Eric DeCosta stated that the team will be looking at the receivers in the draft in an attempt to add some depth at the position.

"That's a position where some of these guys are like race cars; they break down at times," DeCosta said via ESPN. "And so, having depth at that position is critical, [and] we saw that this year. We think we built the room out pretty well this year and were able to sustain some injuries along the way. So, we will look at that. I think it's a very, very deep year in the draft. This draft class is pretty impressive from a receiver standpoint."

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks during a / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The draft is littered with first-round caliber receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr., Adonai Mitchell and Ladd McConkey loom as the top picks in the position.

Given Baltimore's draft hand, half of that group will likely already be off the board, but there could still be some value later in the first round.

Of course, the Ravens could always look to add a receiver in free agency prior to the draft, as Tyler Boyd could loom as a cost-effective option fi the franchise wants a more experienced receiver to join Todd Monken's offense.

Given the Ravens' need to fortify the offensive line with Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses and John Simpons all leaving this offseason, the franchise might feel content with its options in-house.

Thus, adding a new weapon for Jackson in Monken's more pass-oriented scheme could be the avenue Baltimore goes down this offseason.