Mock Draft Monday Roundup: Cornerback emerging as Ravens’ second-biggest need

The latest mock drafts foresee the Ravens addressing their secondary over offensive line in the first round.

In the latest round of mock drafts, most analysts still foresee the Baltimore Ravens taking an offensive lineman. However, some have them targeting reinforcements for their defensive backfield with Brandon Stephens entering the final year of his rookie deal and three-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season.

The most commonly projected prospect to the Ravens continues to be a former Big 12 standout at right tackle but a former SEC stud is beginning to pick up steam.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper [April 10]

No. 30 — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

I had been focused on a tackle for the Ravens in my previous mock drafts, but I don’t think we can discount their need at cornerback. Marlon Humphrey was limited to 10 games last season, and while Brandon Stephens emerged as a starter-level player, there aren’t many other players on the roster capable of playing outside corner. That’s why McKinstry, a physical corner who allowed only one touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons, could make sense. He’s not the biggest defender (6 feet, 199 pounds), but he has experience matching up with the best of the best in the SEC. He’s also a dynamic punt returner.

No. 62 — Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

The Ravens lost both starting guards in free agency, as both Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson signed with new teams. While they’re likely to promote from within for one of those spots, they should add competition with one of the top picks,” Kiper wrote. “Beebe has played tackle and guard, but he has short arms for his 6-3 frame. He allowed only one sack over the past three seasons.

Baltimoreravens.com’s Ryan Mink [April 8]

No. 30 — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

It seems players fall to the Ravens every year and it happens again. Mims’ lack of college experience (just eight starts in three years) could scare off some teams, but Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken is well aware of his talent from coaching him in college. Mims is massive and could step in at right tackle immediately before potentially moving to left tackle down the road.

NFL.com’s Rhett Lewis [April 9]

No. 30 — Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

A foot injury has sidelined Newton during this path to the draft, but make no mistake, his game-wrecking ability was present and accounted for on tape. He provides Baltimore’s formidable front with another rotational piece.

NFL.com’s Adam Rank [April 8]

No. 30 — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Offensive line could be a need here, especially on the interior, but I’m not sure the value lines up here. You’d do well to continue building around Kyle Hamilton out there in the secondary. This tall, rangy corner with exceptional speed would be a great addition.

The 33rd Team’s Diante Lee [April 8]

No. 30 — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Baltimore Ravens are more likely to take the best player available than to draft according to team needs. Still, the offensive line has been aging and regressing in a way that needs more immediate attention. Tyler Guyton is a little raw and incomplete, but he’s a phenomenal athlete with a high ceiling if he hits. Baltimore embraces bringing in guys with high-level movement skills and a framework to build upon, and Guyton can move around if needed. If his play strength improves, a high-level tackle will be developed here.

Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick [April 8]

No. 30 — Graham Barton, OL, Duke

After losing three starters in free agency along the offensive line, the Ravens will likely target one with their first-round selection. Graham Barton could be a good fit as someone who can play any of the five positions for Baltimore.

CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole [April 13]

No. 30 — Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The Ravens draft the best available offensive lineman to make sure they have the best protection possible for Lamar Jackson.

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards [April 12]

No. 30 — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

After trading away Morgan Moses and losing starting offensive guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency, Baltimore throws resources in the direction of its offensive line. Guyton is an incredibly athletic right tackle who still has some technical refinement to accomplish.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco [April 12]

No. 30 — Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken coached Ladd McConkey at Georgia, and he would be a nice addition for Lamar Jackson. McConkey and Zay Flowers would be a nice 1-2 combo for a few years.

USA Today’s Nate Davis [April 9]

No. 30 — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

A right tackle who already knows OC Todd Monken’s playbook, Mims’ 87-inch wingspan and 6-8, 340-pound frame help him block out the sun (perhaps better than the moon). He could start straight away following the trade of previous RT Morgan Moses to the Jets.

Sportsnaut’s Andrew Buller-Russ [April 14]

No. 30 — Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

He may not be an immediate starter, but Darius Robinson has the power to make an early impact as a pass rusher in the NFL. The Ravens can line him anywhere on their defensive line or along the edge, where he uses an overpowering bull rush to get home with ease.

Pro Football Network’ Lorenzo Reyna [April 10]

No. 30 — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Zay Flowers gave 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson a surgical field stretcher. The 6’1″ Xavier Legette provides the AFC runners-up with more size from his chiseled 221-pound frame. But he’s not just a big-bodied wide receiver, as Legette gives Baltimore a wideout who runs a 4.39-second time in the 40-yard dash.

No. 62 — Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

No. 93 — Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner [April 8]

No. 30 — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Baltimore could go a few different ways here, including tackle or receiver. But the Ravens have gaps to fill in the secondary, and McKinstry is a long, rangy prospect who’s ready to start in the NFL.

No. 62 — Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

No. 93 — Garrett Greenfield, OL, South Dakota State

Sharp Football Analysis’ Ryan McCrystal [April 9]

No. 30 — Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Brandon Stephens, who enters the final year of his contract, failed to convincingly lock down a starting job after taking on a larger role in 2023, and Baltimore may be looking for an upgrade. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry would be an ideal fit. Iowa’s Cooper DeJean or Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could be options as well.

No. 62 — Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson

No. 93 — Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn [April 10]

No. 30 — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Baltimore is undergoing a massive overhaul of its offensive line. It is likely that one of those guard spots will be filled by someone currently on the roster with the right tackle spot being the most likely to be addressed via the draft, making the selection of Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton a seamless fit. While Guyton is far from a finished product, his ease of movement at his size (6’8”, 322 lbs) with a strong anchor provides a strong nucleus to build off. Being teammates with Ronnie Stanley, one of the more technically savvy tackles in the league, would help Guyton meet his potential.

No. 62 — Calen Bullock, DB, USC

No. 93 — Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer [April 12]

No. 30 — Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The Ravens need to get an option for either right tackle or left guard to keep the strength of their offensive line intact after they moved on from Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler. Barton is a candidate to be a strong, immediate starter at either position, maybe best suited to dominate inside.

No. 62 — Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

Burton gives the Ravens a classic slot to provide some much-needed youthful depth behind Zay Flowers.

No. 93 — Darian Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

The Ravens can target him as the versatile cover man to replace Geno Stone behind Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams.

No. 113 — DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke

No. 130 — Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

No. 165 — Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

No. 218 — Jabari Small, RB, Tennessee

No. 228 — Trey Taylor, S, Air Force

No. 250 — Jacob Monk, C, Duke

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso [April 11]

No. 30 — Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

Braden Fiske is simply too athletic and was too productive in the ACC for the Ravens to pass on him here.

No. 62 — Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

No. 93 — Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

No. 113 — Layden Robinson, IOL, Texas A&M

No. 130 — Hunter Nourzad, OC, Penn State

No. 165 — Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

No. 218 — Bo Richter, EDGE, Air Force

No. 228 — George Holani, RB, Boise State

No. 250 — Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross