Clutch Points

● By Enzo Flojo
Currently, the Ravens have only five picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. That is an unusually low number for a team that has had at least eight selections in every draft since 2018. In the early rounds, the Ravens retained their original first and third-round picks. However, their second and fifth-round picks were traded to the Chicago Bears for linebacker Roquan Smith at the 2022 trade deadline. Take note that the fifth-rounder dealt for Smith was not the only selection in that round as Baltimore had previously acquired a fifth-rounder in the 2021 offseason by trading Shaun Wade to the Patriots. The team still has its original fifth-round selection at 157th overall, as well as its original Round 4 and Round 6 picks. Unfortunately, the Ravens’ seventh-rounder was sent to the New York Giants along with offensive lineman Ben Bredeson and an additional fifth-round pick. In all, these moves leave the team with just five picks. The Lamar Jackson situation also remains a significant factor that could affect the Ravens’ draft capital. Jackson and the Ravens were unable to agree on an extension in the 2022 offseason. Right now, there is a lack of clarity on that front. Jackson is currently on the non-exclusive franchise tag, and there are indications that he is ready to move on from Baltimore. Another team could negotiate with Jackson and sign him via an offer sheet. That would send two first-round picks to Baltimore as the cost for acquiring Jackson. Therefore, the Ravens may still have an opportunity to acquire more draft picks before the 2023 NFL Draft. For now, however, they have the five. Let’s look at who the Ravens will choose in the 2023 NFL Draft.