OTL: More from the Liars’ Luncheon & Ravens Draft Plans

This offseason is one that, for me at least, lacks excitement. After yet another tough postseason loss at the hands of the seemingly inevitable Kansas City Chiefs and key free agent departures, it’s hard for many to trust a front office and staff that sometimes seems content with being “good.”

The Ravens held their mid-offseason press conference on Tuesday afternoon, and in summary, the tune seems about the same, at least for HC John Harbaugh:

pic.twitter.com/YxkDo6wkdu

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

Don’t get me wrong, Baltimore absolutely has one of the stronger rosters in the league, and that roster also boasts some of the most dynamic, impact players in the NFL. Barring injuries or an unforeseen collapse, the Ravens will be a good team next season. But make no mistake – there are holes. And GM Eric DeCosta knows it:

“Opportunity is what it’s all about. We’ll have some opportunity for sure… The burden is on me to find those players that can fill it.”

EDC on the incoming Draft class: pic.twitter.com/tgJU5j3xRS

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

Garrett Downing summarized the presser in The Final Drive here, but I’ll hit on a few interesting segments below:

The main takeaway from the pre-Draft presser: pic.twitter.com/fMmskhQGEe

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

Like each year, the NFL Draft will be an integral piece to Baltimore’s attempt at strengthening current weaknesses or vacancies. While there’s still plenty in the air, many fans (myself included) expect the Ravens to select a Tackle in Round 1.

There are multiple holes on the O-Line, but Harbaugh expects the in-house competition to be stiff:

Coach Harbaugh on the competition in the O-line group: pic.twitter.com/KXYccGYTMr

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

Similarly, CB and WR are consistent positions of interest for the fanbase. While I think CB is firmly on the table, will the Ravens continue pouring capital into the WR position?

most draft capital spent on WRs last 5 yrs:

1. Ravens
2. Eagles
3. Broncos
4. Seahawks
5. 49ers
6. Bengals
7. Colts
8. Jets
9. Vikings
10. Packers
11. Titans
12. Commanders
13. Giants
14. Raiders
15. Cardinals
16. Steelers
17. Chargers
18. Chiefs
19. Lions
20. Texans
21.…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 9, 2024

I’d run to the table if someone like Adonai Mitchell was there, but otherwise, it might be time for an off year.

While I’d still be happy with a bookend of the future or a stud corner with the first selection, another intriguing option is trading back. As we’ll get into, the Ravens have a number of areas to improve, as well as others they need to develop youth.

Here’s a scenario I love if the Ravens trade back:

An alternative route in the NFL Draft https://t.co/a2SDBUdYAB pic.twitter.com/6VC6IfwcNQ

— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) April 9, 2024

It wouldn’t be as exciting to wait for a selection until Day 2, but stocking up on mid-round picks could be smart with a deep class in positions of need. Here, Baltimore still gets a potential starter at Tackle, while getting a high-upside corner and plenty of developmental pieces to boot.

It’s tough giving up that first round pick, but it’s worth considering.

Outside roster building, John Harbaugh also spoke to the hip-drop tackle and it’s recent removal from the game:

Coach Harbaugh on the hip-drop tackle: pic.twitter.com/5EAk1t1YUC

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

Given how dangerous the play is, I can’t imagine wanting it to be legal, but Harbaugh does a nice job of calming any concerns. Like he said, it’s an easily avoidable form of tackling that puts the opponent at risk – “it had to go.” Well said, coach.

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