NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens Go All-In On Secondary Help

In ESPN's latest mock draft, the Ravens add two immediate contributors for their secondary within the first three rounds.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban yells at Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) after / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

How will the Baltimore Ravens bounce back from another disappointing postseason exit? Baltimore lost multiple offensive lineman in free agency, plus a relatively quiet outside splurge on top of that.

Now, with the 2024 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, Baltimore appears to be pushing their chips in for a very impactful weekend of adding prospects. With multiple key needs across the board, how should the Ravens address it?

Let’s dive into the latest mock draft exercise from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates.

Mar 20, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry runs the 40 yard / Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA

30 — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

McKinstry has been regarded as one of the best corners in college football for multiple seasons. The Crimson Tide will likely produce two first-round cornerbacks in McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

For the Ravens, adding McKinstry’s versatility to go along with his height-weight-speed combination for a player at his position is very appealing.

“The Ravens will undoubtably be exploring cornerback, edge rusher and offensive tackle throughout the draft, and they can cross off one need with the smooth-moving McKinstry,” Yates wrote. “He is excellent in man coverage.”

Immediately, McKinstry would become one of the Ravens’ most important pieces in the secondary, especially long-term.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (OL01) during the 2024 / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

62 — Isaiah Adams, G/OT, Illinois

Baltimore addresses their offensive line need here with Adams, a prospect who could fit multiple starting holes. And for Baltimore, that’s a great issue to have with Adams, a captain for the Fighting Illini this past season.

“Adams would provide Baltimore with positional versatility and dependability,” Yates wrote. “The Ravens have to address multiple spots along the offensive line, and Adams would be a good start.”

Adams is viewed squarely in the Day 2 range, and Baltimore would likely slide Adams inside to guard due to his lack of lateral flexibility on a consistent basis. Baltimore now has their John Simpson replacement in Adams.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami-Fl defensive back Kamren Kinchens (DB53) works out during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

93 — Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

Kinchens’ stock has been all over the board approaching the draft. Originally viewed as an early second-round pick, Kinchens’ disappointing combine has him sliding potentially to early Day 3 status.

In 10 games for the Hurricanes last season, Kinchens collected 59 total tackles and five interceptions. Kinchens has shown throughout his career he has a knack for finding the football.

“Kinchens ran a 4.65-second 40 at the combine, which saw him drop out of the top-50 discussion,” Kiper wrote. “But he’s a good player. He picked off 11 passes over his final two seasons for the Hurricanes. In Baltimore, he could play in the secondary rotation as a rookie.”

McKinstry and Kinchens now inject a much-needed infusion of ball-hawking ability. Overhauling a questionable secondary outside of Marlon Humphrey is a wise maneuver to pull off for the short and long-term.