OTL: Drafting “with Both Hands” Once Again

For the first time in what feels like forever, it was a positive week for Ravens fans. We’ve watched helplessly as multiple key players on both sides departed since the season ended in disappointing fashion, but this week we got word that Ravens Flock is retaining one of our own from 2023.

Yesterday, we learned that Kyle Van Noy had re-signed with the Ravens.

BREAKING NEWS: @KVN_03 is BACK with the Baltimore Ravens on a two year deal #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/hf5vkO6bgy

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 4, 2024

Ravens Sign Kyle Van Noy to 2-Year Deal

KVN was a needed signing after Jadeveon Clowney landed in Carolina last week. He adds something that the team needs right now as we approach the draft: a floor. Everyone knows what Van Noy does well, which helps a ton in preparing for the draft. EDC doesn’t have to reach to fill any needs, which is just the way he wants to go into the offseason’s premier event.

As he once said, we want to draft with both hands and not with one tied behind our back.

Kyle Van Noy signing was crucial.

Not only because of the need for pass rushers on the outside, but they don’t have a player with that SAM skillset they love.

KVN brings both, off a career year.

Ageless vet. Love to see it!#RavensFlock

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) April 4, 2024

As April moves along, we will have much more info about top 30 visits that specific NFL prospects are taking, and this one was a no-brainer:

Washington LT Troy Fautanu had a top 30 visit with the #Ravens yesterday, per source. https://t.co/74QYCTTrx1

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 4, 2024

If you’ve been following my draft coverage, you know how excited I am about Fautanu. He’s the dream pick for me at 30, and the team’s top 30 meeting with him has me buzzing. It’s a bit of a fantasy to think he’ll fall to thirty, but even the possibility has me envisioning him in a Ravens uniform, and it’s a thrilling thought. I can only hope the Bengals or the Steelers don’t snatch him up, because that would be a heartbreaker.

For today’s Mock Draft Friday, we delve into the potential rewards of a trade down. The 49ers presented a compelling offer, often referred to as the “Godfather” offer, and naturally, I couldn’t turn it down. I got the Niners’ second, third, fourth, and fifth in exchange for pick 30. This mock draft demonstrates the wealth of talent that EDC can bring in with a single trade down, painting a promising picture for the team’s future.

Look at it—just look at it in all of its’ glory. Amarius Mims is insanely risky for one reason: health. He hasn’t played that much due to injuries, and he hurt himself again at the Combine. Take out the injury factor, and you will have one of the most fun watches in the draft. He is a humongous human being with flexibility and a mean streak. He would be rock solid at right tackle for years; it is all about those medicals for him. Since he was available this late, I had to take a chance. Don’t worry. We got insurance later on for Mims.

Kneeland has transformed into a my guy for this class. A big, strong Edge rusher with get-off and a speed rushing element, too? Yes, please.

For some reason, he tested out as a Defensive tackle, which isn’t his position in the NFL; he is an Edge.

Marshawn Kneeland is a DT prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.54 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 80 out of 1735 DT from 1987 to 2024.https://t.co/wn8N6QBL28 pic.twitter.com/UPFR9QIIHA

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 2, 2024

Lagette is probably my favorite round-two receiver, so of course, he won’t even be here in real life, but yes, he adds size and explosiveness to the receiver corps.

Another My guy is Andru Phillips.

Prospect Profile: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

He is an Athletic developmental guy who can play both press and zone. He reminds me of former Ravens corner Ronald Darby. Puni is just a mauler at guard, and he adds an edge to the Offensive Line. Jaden Hicks is a top 60 talent for me and, surprisingly, ended up being my number one safety after good testing numbers. Caelen Carson is a guy who hasn’t been able to test, but he is as physical as physical can get down the field. Blake Fisher is the insurance mentioned above for Mims. Boyd didn’t even get invited to the Combine, but he has good film and is a total Draft sleeper. J.D. Bertrand and Jase McClellan are solid depth. Joe Milton has a rocket of an arm and is the Tyler Huntley replacement. Xavier Thomas is a shot at a former five-star prospect out of high school.

It was a nice change of pace with KVN back, and this was a fun Mock Draft to talk about.

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