Ravens Mock Draft: Elite WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Joins Baltimore

If the Ravens retain Lamar Jackson ahead of next season, this mock draft ensures they get him more help on offense.

While this offseason will undoubtedly be dominated by Lamar Jackson headlines for the Baltimore Ravens, they still must approach it with the intent of getting better - whether Jackson is a Raven next season or not. 

If he is in Baltimore next season, though, the Ravens must get Jackson some weapons to work with on offense. Namely, a pass catcher outside of tight end Mark Andrews. 

That is exactly what Bucky Brooks has them doing in his latest mock draft for NFL.com, giving Baltimore an elite receiver with its first-round pick. 

Rd. 1 No. 22 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR (Ohio State)

Perhaps new offensive coordinator Todd Monken can create a scheme that maximizes pass catchers on the perimeter while retaining the physicality of Baltimore's running game. Smith-Njigba is a polished pass catcher with the route-running skills and hands to thrive against one-on-one coverage at the next level.

Last season the Ravens averaged 178.8 yards per game through the air, and after Andrews' team-high 847 receiving yards the next highest was receiver Demarcus Robinson with 458 yards. 

Simply put, Jackson needs another reliable target to throw to - which is where Smith-Njigba comes in. 

Smith-Njigba is a first-round talent, despite only appearing in three games last season, after recording 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. 

His most notable performance, of course, came in the 2022 Rose Bowl win over Utah which saw him put up a stat line of 15 receptions for 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns. 

If Jackson does return to Baltimore, getting him more help is imperative. Smith-Njigba shouldn't be the only weapon the Ravens add this offseason - but he would be a perfect first step. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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