Mel Kiper Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens Add Alabama DB & Versatile Offensive Lineman

Cornerback and offensive line are two of the Baltimore Ravens' biggest needs and Mel Kiper Jr. had them address both in his two-round mock draft.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1). / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

When in doubt, giving the Baltimore Ravens a player from Alabama in a mock draft is a tried and true strategy, given their history of drafting players from the best college football program of the last 15 years.

Marlon Humphrey and Jalyn Armour-Davis are two defensive backs on Baltimore who once suited up for the Crimson Tide. Mel Kiper Jr. went back to the well, as he had the Ravens drafting Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry with the No. 30 overall pick in the first round.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1). / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

"There aren't many other players on the roster capable of playing outside corner," Kiper Jr. writes. "That's why McKinstry, a physical corner who allowed only one touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons, could make sense. He's not the biggest defender (6-foot, 199 pounds), but he has experience matching up with the best of the best in the SEC. He's also a dynamic punt returner."

In the second round, Baltimore drafted Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe.

While McKinstry's numbers don't pop off the screen, some of that can be attributed to opponents opting not to throw in his direction. He didn't have a single interception last season and had seven pass breakups. McKinstry also had 24 tackles, including two for a loss. In 2022, he had one interception, 15 pass breakups and 29 tackles with two for a loss. As a punt returner, McKinstry had 14 returns for 86 yards in 2023 and 21 for 332 yards the season prior.

McKinstry was a first-team All-American by the AP and made the first team for CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.

In Beebe, Baltimore would be adding an offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard and drew a comp from NFL.com to former lineman Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Detroit Lions this offseason. Zeitler is one of three starting offensive lineman the Ravens have to replace next season.

Beebe was a first-team All-American, first-team Big 12 and was named the conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023.

"While they're likely to promote from within for one of those spots, they should add competition with one of the top picks," Kiper Jr. writes. "Beebe has played tackle and guard, but he's my sixth-ranked guard -- he has short arms for his 6-foot-3 frame. He allowed only one sack over the past three seasons."