Baltimore Ravens' 'Ideal' First Two Draft Picks Fix Crucial Roster Needs

The Baltimore Ravens have several roster needs as they enter the NFL draft, but of their first two picks, which players would be "ideal" for the franchise to take?

Deny Medley USA Today Sports, Ken Ruinard USA Today

The Baltimore Ravens saw their roster lose valuable pieces in free agency, which now leaves several holes that need plugging as we get closer to the NFL draft.

The biggest need is the offensive line as Kevin Zeiter, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson all moved on, leaving Lamar Jackson's protection in tatters. Luckily, this draft class is littered with talented linemen, and with the Ravens picking at No. 30, there should still be one quality on the board.

The other need is another weapon for Lamar. Odell Beckham Jr. isn't likely to return, and with Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor not exactly showing they can carry a decent offensive load, another receiver for Todd Monken's offense is a smart move.

But which players could be seen as the "ideal" selections for the Ravens with their first two picks in the draft? For NFL.com, Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton (No. 30) and North Carolina receiver Devontez Walker (No. 62) are the choices.

"Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has missed 36 games due to injuries over the past four seasons, and Baltimore traded right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets this offseason," NFL.com writes. "They should love finding the large (6-foot-8, 322 pounds) and agile (he performed the three-cone drill in 7.5 seconds) Guyton, who can play on either side of the line, available late in the first. Walker could be a steal late in the second round for a Ravens squad in need of another receiver. Second-year star Zay Flowers could make plays from the slot with Walker and Rashod Bateman, who is entering a contract year, lining up outside."

Deny Medley USA Today Sports, Ken Ruinard USA Today

Guyton looms as a superb pick for general manager Eric DeCosta. Given his versatility, Guyton can play anywhere along the offensive line and to a high level. Over his entire Oklahoma career, Guyton gave up just two sacks in 546 total offensive snaps.

As for Walker, his 699 yards and seven touchdowns for North Carolina don't jump off the page, but he could be a good partner for Zay Flowers in the slot.

A proper deep threat, Walker gets easy separation and uses his 4.36 speed to get downfield in a flash, something that Jackson didn't have last season.

With so much uncertainly about Baltimore's receiver room next season, aside from Flowers (not counting tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely), getting another body to help ease the workload feels like the right move.

The additions of Guyton and Walker give the Ravens some much-needed help at crucial positions and help round out their roster in the hope of going one better in 2024.