Baltimore Ravens Draft Rumors: General Manager Eric DeCosta Trading Up?

Will general manager Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens trade up to focus on winning now with stars Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson?

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens came up short in the playoffs last year, losing the AFC Championship by one score to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. So, how will the team improve heading into next season?

Some have speculated that the only way for the Ravens to improve heading into next season is for the team to trade up in this year’s NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“The Ravens badly need offensive line help,” ESPN writes. “With the 49ers, Chiefs, Patriots and Cardinals all behind them, though, the Ravens have to play defense to avoid missing out on their preferred options if one of those teams trade up. They could stay put and take the best available lineman given their needs elsewhere, but it makes sense to pursue a modest trade up and beat their rivals to the punch.”

Baltimore suffered major losses in free agency, which decimated the team’s offensive line. Starting guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler signed elsewhere, while the team opted to trade away right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. 

As far as veteran players returning, Ronnie Stanley is returning to the team following a pay cut. Still, the former first-team All-Pro hasn’t been at his best ever since his 2020 ankle injury, and relying on backups Ben Cleveland and Patrick Mekari to take over starting roles is certainly an option. However, the team could benefit from a trade-up to land a young star on its offensive line, like Alabama tackle J.C. Latham or Washington’s Troy Fautanu.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has some major decisions to make on Draft Night to maximize the potential of Baltimore’s stars, running back Derrick Henry and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.