The Baltimore Ravens own the 30th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday and could go in a number of different directions.
The Ravens have some needs on their roster, perhaps most prominently along the offensive line, where they’ve lost three starters this offseason.
However, drafting by need isn’t always the way teams approach the draft. In fact, according to Ravens GM Eric DeCosta, it isn’t his team’s primary concern.
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While speaking at the Penn State Sports Business Conference earlier this month, DeCosta said the Ravens approach the draft looking for the “best player available.”
That isn’t particularly unique in the NFL, but DeCosta went further, explaining that if the Ravens have several prospects graded similarly, they’ll go with whoever they think is the best player available.
DeCosta noted that need does play a part in the process, saying, for an example, that the Ravens wouldn’t select a quarterback just because he was the top-graded player because they already have Lamar Jackson.
DeCosta gave another example, citing the 2022 draft, when the Ravens selected safety Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick.
“We didn’t have a huge need at safety … We could have drafted a player at another position that would have filled a bigger need for us, but Kyle was just up there [on the draft board],” DeCosta said. “We had to take him. It would have been irresponsible for us not to take him, given his ability.
“You have to have talented players. You have to have, like, freaks to win consistently. So, generally I feel you have to draft best available player.”
DeCosta acknowledged that some positions take priority, citing cornerback, pass-rusher, or left tackle as positions of great importance.
“You maybe weigh those positions differently because those positions are so critical.”
He added: “In the end, though, for us, we’re drafting best available player every single time.”
DeCosta’s comments provide the slightest bit of clarity into how the Ravens may approach this year’s draft. While offensive line is a need, it’s also considered one of the most talented, deepest position groups in this year’s draft. If a great pass rusher or receiver or cornerback is available for the Ravens at No. 30, they might go in that direction, knowing they could get an offensive lineman later in the draft.
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Likewise, it could affect their approach to trading down. DeCosta said at a recent press conference that while he likes the idea of having more draft picks, he’d only want more draft picks within a certain range. DeCosta told reporters he believes this year’s draft isn’t as deep.
DeCosta and the Ravens have built a reputation as smart, patient drafters. However, this could be a critical draft for the Ravens, coming off an AFC Championship appearance, with Lamar Jackson’s contract taking up more salary cap space.
In other words, it could be harder to simply take the best player when certain parts of the roster need addressing.
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