Baltimore Ravens 2022 Draft Class Introduction

[SyndaKyt]

Baltimore Ravens Introduce Hopeful Rookies into the Ravens Flock

 

Owner and GM @SyndaKyt breathes a sigh of relief. The dust has now settled and the 2022 NFL Draft has come to a close. It was his first time stepping into the war room along with Head Scout @kgreene829 and they can say that they were content with the selections made. SyndaKyt states, "You never know how talented these players will be until a few years down the line and long after making the call to them. The draft is like a dart throw, but a calculated one as tape, combines, and statistics are factored in. It was a learning process for sure and we will always look to improve and optimize our strategy." The Ravens were quite active, firing off trades and manning the phones all day. Let's dive into their picks shall we?

 

 

Round 1, Pick 9

FS Matt Perez, Akron

Overall: B

Potential: A

 

 

At this spot, there was a plethora of picks that could have been made, especially with the way the big board turned out. It came as a surprise that players such as OG Angel Loe and RB Stacy Moton were still available. Had WR Alex Williams III not been selected by the Vikings, he was also a viable option. With that being said, Perez was selected to solidify a depleted secondary in Baltimore. The league looks to progress more in airing the ball out, so the A/A Man and Zone Coverage ratings came as a selling point to his potential. The MAC product shows his versatility with being able to stop the run, identifying plays with Football IQ, and the measurables to play the position at the next level. Here's to hoping Perez will become a cornerstone to the defense for years to come!

 

 

Round 2, Pick 37

RB James Taylor, Notre Dame

Overall: B

Potential: B-

 

 

The Ravens traded picks with the Chiefs to move up from the 24th pick in the 2nd to the 5th pick. Taylor was very popular among the front office and can do everything you can ask for in a back and more. Moton genuinely gave him a run for his money with elite speed and great running drills, but his ability to catch out of the backfield gave him the edge. It may take some time for Taylor to become acclimated to the physicality and complexity of the pros, but he will tote the rock at some point during the season. The ND RB is looking to make big time plays and relieve pressure off of QB David Chop. The balanced player is well...BALANCED.

 

 

Round 4, Pick 120

C Allan Sterling, Wisconsin

Overall: B-

Potential: C

 

 

Can you really blame us for this selection? Every football pundit knows that for some reason, Big Ten lineman, especially Wisconsin big boys are mean as hell and will bulldoze mofos. There is no way that you can invest in a battered position such as RB James Taylor and not give him a snow plow that will mow down men. Sterling was a Top 2 Center in this draft class, and will look to lock up this interior spot for the near future. He does not have the greatest ceiling but he can definitely become a quality starter in this league.

 

 

Round 6, Pick 184

WR Jordan Albers, Nevada

Overall: C

Potential: A-

 

 

This could be described as a future investment. Finding a solid player in this round was the goal and felt like it was achieved with Nevada WR Jordan Albers. Albers hails from the Mountain Best as a big body possession receiver that will go over the top and moss a defender. Although a bit raw, he has the makings of being a reliable chain mover that will secure the ball when a team needs to acquire a first down. He may not be inserted into the starting lineup immediately and will definitely need work with the position coaches. Look for Albers to make special teams appearances. Coaches will be monitoring him closely during the preseason for flashes.

 

 

Round 7, Pick 201

SS Zack Ellington, Indiana

Overall: C+

Potential: B+

 

 

During these later rounds, teams are not exactly looking for very talented players but players that can offer something different in terms of elite athleticism or versatility such as being able to play different positions or special teams. Ellington was scouted as a hit sticking run stopper, but piqued the interest of the Ravens front office with the ability to play zone coverage and rush the passer adequately for a defensive back. He could become a rotational player that makes key plays in the deciding moment for games. He's a smooth player as well as a smooth musician off the field, being a direct descendant of world renowned musician, Duke Ellington.

 

 

Round 8, Pick 248

OLB Niles Bell, Stanford

Overall: C+

Potential: B

 

 

Bell was a player that was pretty surprising to see here as he is a player with decent potential and instincts. The PAC-12 player was a leader for the Stanford defense and showed maturity for his age. The engineering grad will look to put his other passion on hold as he will look to make the Ravens roster. If Bell does not have anything else, he has the prototypical build for a strong side Linebacker at 258 lbs. The ideal situation is that he can develop into a starter or rotational player that will make opposing RBs think twice about stepping into his gap assignment.

 

 

Overall, the team was content with the results and look forward to these young men celebrating with their families, but most importantly getting to work as the season approaches!