Way-too-early Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. 

2022 record: 10-7 | Projected first-round pick: No. 24 | Team needs: WR, Guard, CB

Snapshot: To become more dynamic on offense and contend for a Super Bowl next season, the Ravens must build around QB Lamar Jackson. Wide receiver clearly is the most pressing need in the first round. 

Potential first-round picks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State; O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida; Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Smith-Njigba seems like an ideal pick. In 2022, Baltimore didn't have a wideout eclipse 500 receiving yards. Tight end Mark Andrews was the team's leading receiver with 847 yards.

In 2021, Smith-Njigba tallied 95 catches for 1,595 yards and nine touchdowns. Baltimore receivers have battled injuries, so this pick may scare some because Smith-Njigba missed most of 2022 with a  hamstring injury.

In 2022, Smith-Njigba's Ohio State teammates Chris Olave (Saints) and Garrett Wilson (Jets) both topped 1,000 yards receiving as rookies. So the transition from college to the NFL seems smooth for former Buckeyes.

In the first round, Baltimore could also deal with the right side of its line. Guard Kevin Zeitler will turn 33 this offseason, and at the least, the Ravens could use O-line depth. Torrence, who didn't allow a sack at Florida, would be a great addition. In 2022, he was a consensus All-American. 

If Baltimore wants to stick to its identity of defense, drafting Gonzalez would be ideal. The 6-foot-2, 201-pound corner had a career year at Oregon with four interceptions and seven passes defended.