2023 NFL Draft: Ravens Select Zay Flowers in First Round, Still Have Needs to Address
The 2023 NFL Draft has come to a close, and teams have filled their rosters with new talent. Rounds 2 and 3 saw some exciting picks, with teams addressing their remaining needs and securing future stars. The Baltimore Ravens had a total of five picks in the draft, including the No. 22 selection in the first round, which they used to select Boston College receiver Zay Flowers.[0]
While the Ravens did not address their need for a starting-caliber cornerback with their first two picks, they did add some depth to their wide receiver room with Flowers.[1] The team also has three picks on the final day of the draft, with one selection each in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds.[2] It wouldn't be a surprise if Baltimore traded back in one of these rounds to acquire an additional selection.[1]
Many mock drafts suggested that the Ravens would select a cornerback or wide receiver in the first round, but they surprised many by selecting Flowers. However, the team still has plenty of needs to address, including defensive end, outside linebacker, and running back. With only five picks in the draft, the Ravens will need to have a great draft weekend to fill out some of the remaining holes on their roster.
The draft saw some bold predictions, with analysts predicting which players would be selected and which teams would make moves. One of the better receivers and/or cornerbacks was expected to be available in the second round, along with a player or two who would surprisingly fall.[3] The latter would result in teams being interested in moving up into Baltimore's spot.[3]
The Ravens have a history of surprise picks, trades, and maneuvers, with the biggest being when they traded with Philadelphia to get the final pick of the first round and selected quarterback Lamar Jackson five years ago.[4] This year, the team surprised again by selecting Flowers in the first round.
Overall, the 2023 NFL Draft was filled with excitement and anticipation as teams looked to secure their future stars. The Ravens will be hoping that their picks will help them fill their remaining needs and push them towards a successful season.[3]
0. “Ravens mock draft roundup: Cornerback and wide receiver emerge as favorites, but there are plenty of wild cards” Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2023, https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-mock-draft-roundup-cornerback-wide-receiver-20230427-m7kpota32jcozcjcux7iasyjai-story.html
1. “Baltimore Ravens NFL draft picks 2023 selection analysis – ESPN – Baltimore Ravens Blog- ESPN” ESPN, 29 Apr. 2023, https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/56739/baltimore-ravens-nfl-draft-picks-2023-analysis-for-every-selection
2. “Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL Draft Class” Baltimore Beatdown, 28 Apr. 2023, https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/4/28/23702367/baltimore-ravens-2023-nfl-draft-class-picks-tracker
3. “Ravens’ best-/worst-case scenarios, sleepers and wild cards as NFL Draft nears” The Athletic, 26 Apr. 2023, https://theathletic.com/4443881/2023/04/26/ravens-best-worst-case-scenario-nfl-draft
4. “Ravens Draft Preview: Be ready for anything” CBS Baltimore, 27 Apr. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/ravens-draft-preview-be-ready-for-anything
