Baltimore Ravens Fix WR Issue in Latest Mock Draft

The Baltimore Ravens could do with another weapon for Lamar Jackson, and the franchise gets it in the form of Texas star Adonai Mitchell.
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Wide receiver looms as one of the Baltimore Ravens' biggest roster needs as we edge closer to the NFL Draft. While offensive line could be deemed as the most pressing need, Lamar Jackson could do with another weapon.

With Odell Beckham Jr. likely not returning, a spot has opened up in Todd Monken's offense. Now, we hear you say that the Ravens already have an abundance of weapons for Jackson, such as Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Isaiah Likely, and Rashod Bateman, so why another one?

Beckham Jr. finished second in yards and targets for Baltimore last season, so his production will be missed...unless another receiver is brought in. Given the Ravens' salary cap situation, free agency feels like a no-go to acquire a receiver, but what about in the NFL Draft?

CBS Sports analysts Brady Quinn and Leger Douzable complied their latest mock draft in which they alternated selections. With the Ravens picking at No. 30, Douzable has the franchise adding a receiver in Texas star Adonai Mitchell.

"The Ravens could use more receiver help," Douzable writes. "Odell Beckham Jr. is unlikely to return, and despite the fun rookie season from Zay Flowers, are they ready to lean on him as a No. 1 wideout? Sure, Mark Andrews will probably continue to be the top option, but more size and speed at the receiver position wouldn't hurt. Mitchell has size, length, smoothness and speed."

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

One thing that the Ravens perhaps miss on offense is a big, physical receiver. Flowers and Bateman have the speed, while Andrews and Likely possess good YAC ability, but none can truly overpower a defensive back. Then there's Mitchell.

The 6-4, 196lb wideout is armed with superb hands, as evidenced by his 2.2% drop rate per PFF. So, when the ball comes his way, he hauls it in. While that will no doubt appeal to Baltimore, what Mitchell can do in the redzone is perhaps the leading attribute that teams will notice.

Due to his size, Mitchell presents a matchup nightmare in the redzone, and given the talent that Baltimore already possesses with Derrick Henry and Andrews, defenses will be at a loss at who to try and stop.

While Mitchell's 845 yards and 11 touchdowns from 55 receptions don't jump off the page, but the upside to his game when in the NFL is quite enticing.

In Baltimore, having a big, physical receiver like Mitchell could complement the Ravens' other attacking options and give Jackson another piece to utilize in Monken's system as the hunt for that elusive Super Bowl appearance continues.


Published