'Pretty Strong Chance' Baltimore Ravens Draft RB Says GM Eric DeCosta

The Baltimore Ravens have several needs to address in the upcoming draft, and general manager says there is a good chance that the team adds another running back to its roster.

Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens executive vice president & general manager / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best rushing teams in the NFL is looking for a new running back, according to their general manager. The Baltimore Ravens lost leading touchdown scorer Gus Edwards in free agency (Chargers) and with Keaton Mitchell still recovering from his injury, Baltimore could add another body.

Derrick Henry is the obvious RB1 choice, with Mitchell and Justice Hill behind him. J.K. Dobbins is still a free agent and it looks increasingly unlikely that he will return to Baltimore in 2024...especially given Eric DeCosta's recent comments.

The Ravens have a host of needs as they enter the draft, but running back for some isn't high on the wish list. But DeCosta stated that there is every chance the franchise will add to its running back room in the draft.

“There’s probably a pretty strong chance we will draft a running back at some point, with the round obviously to be determined,” DeCosta said. “But we do think there’s a chance for us to get a good, young player who can help us in different ways, as a running back, in the passing game and also on special teams.”

Given Baltimore's offensive line needs, a running back in the first round is out of the question, and perhaps even in the second. But in the third round (Ravens hold pick No.93), a back could be selected.

Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens executive vice president & general manager / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

While the likes of Jonathon Brooks, Blake Corum, and Jaylen Wright all could be off the board rather early, the Ravens could still get some value, with Florida State's Trey Benson, Wisconsin's Braelon Allen, and Clemson's Will Shipley all providing Baltimore with decent options.

Lamar Jackson saw the most pass attempts in his career last season in Todd Monken's first year as offensive coordinator. But despite that, Baltimore was still the best rushing team in the NFL (156.5/g) and had the most attempts (541).

So, any potential addition to the running back room will be welcomed as Henry is winding down and Mitchell is coming off a serious injury, which means valuable touches could be coming the rookie's way.

Baltimore has several high-profile needs to fill in the draft, and now we can add running back to the list of positions that the Ravens will be targeting in a couple of weeks.