With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Baltimore Ravens, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Baltimore Ravens rookies?
- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College | Round 1, Pick 22
- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson | Round 3, Pick 86
- Tavius Robinson, EDGE, Ole Miss | Round 4, Pick 124
- Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford | Round 5, Pick 157
- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon | Round 6, Pick 199
- Andrew Vorhees, OG, USC | Round 7, Pick 229
Baltimore Ravens Draft Class Grade:
The Ravens received a B rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B+ from ESPN, and a B- from NFL Network.
Which Ravens Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Ravens appeased Lamar Jackson by selecting Zay Flowers (first round). Few teams have been worse at drafting and developing receivers than Baltimore, and the selection of Flowers looked like a reach in a weak class of receivers.
Over the past 10 seasons, the Ravens have spent top-100 picks on Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and Breshad Perriman. They’ve combined for seven 100-yard games to date.
The 5-foot-9 Flowers primarily lined up on the outside at Boston College, though his size may dictate a shift to the slot. Another concern with Flowers is his mediocre production after the catch 一 typically a critical trait for smaller receivers.
Based on route-adjusted data, Flowers produced 15% more yards after the catch than expected over the last two seasons, a decent rate but far below the two receivers drafted ahead of him. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Quentin Johnston both checked in at 34% above expected.
Per tradition, the Ravens snagged a player surprisingly sliding down the board in Trenton Simpson (third round). Simpson is an off-ball linebacker with elite range. He’s still developing his anticipation skills in coverage, but he was valuable on blitzes in college due to his speed.
There’s no immediate path to playing time in Baltimore, but Patrick Queen is a free agent after the season after Baltimore declined his fifth-year option.
Tavius Robinson (fourth round) joins a crowded rotation on the edge, but he should compete for backup reps with David Ojabo and Daelin Hayes. Robinson also lined up on the interior occasionally at Ole Miss, and Baltimore has always valued versatility when filling out its defensive depth chart.
Kyu Blu Kelly (fifth round) did not test well at the Combine, but his production is evidence his anticipation skills could make up for modest athleticism.
Based on route-adjusted data, Kelly held receivers to a catch rate 14% below expected over the past two seasons, while generating a ball-hawk rate 20% above expected. The on-ball production is particularly impressive given Stanford’s elevated rate of man coverage (fifth highest in the FBS).
Beyond Marlon Humphrey, not much is decided on the depth chart at cornerback, so Kelly could compete for playing time immediately.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (sixth round) was a three-year starter at right tackle for Oregon. He has the length to stick at tackle but also the strength to shift inside to guard. Unfortunately, he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie with a lot of bad habits he’ll need to break (18 penalties over the last two years), so there is limited upside.
Andrew Vorhees (seventh round) tore his ACL at the Combine, partially explaining why he was available late on Day 3. Since he’s potentially going to miss the 2023 season, he could be making his debut in 2024 at the age of 25. Like Aumavae-Laulu, Vorhees has versatility along the line, potentially at all five positions.
One of the biggest shocks of this draft was the Ravens' lack of activity on the trade market. Baltimore had used an average of 9.5 picks per draft over the last 10 years but settled for just six this year. Due to Vorhees’s injury, only five have a chance to compete for jobs in 2023.
With this being a small class, it puts added pressure on the development of Flowers. If he turns into the weapon Jackson needs, this class is a success. If he’s another bust at the position, the front office and coaching staff must consider changes to their process of drafting and developing pass-catchers.
