Ravens Insider: NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs

[ExtremeRavens]

The NFL draft is almost here.

For teams like the Ravens, the annual event is the cherry on top for a roster that John Harbaugh said can line up and play right now. For other clubs, there are still major holes to fill before Week 1 begins in September.

With an eye on filling remaining team needs before the draft begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here are The Baltimore Sun’s latest three-round projections:

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

There’s no mystery here anymore, as the Titans are still looking for a starting quarterback after bringing in journeyman Brandon Allen in free agency to compete with Will Levis to be the backup. Ward has shown flashes of Patrick Mahomes-like play in his rise through college football.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The betting odds have shifted toward the Browns taking the two-way star Hunter, who general manager Andrew Berry views as a wide receiver at the next level. Cleveland still needs a quarterback, but whoever they bring in would have a promising tandem to throw to in Hunter and Jerry Jeudy.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston under contract, the Giants don’t need to force a quarterback selection here. If they don’t view Shedeur Sanders as worthy of a top-three pick, Carter makes plenty of sense as a potential superstar to pair with Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence on the defensive line.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU

The Patriots would love to go “best player available” here, but their lack of starting-caliber options on the offensive line might force their hand. Campbell might be best at guard or center because of his short arms, but he would give New England an upgrade at any spot up front.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

This might be the most popular pick in mock drafts, and with good reason. The Jaguars need help on the interior of the defensive line, and Graham is the best option available at the position after what he showed on tape as a two-year starter for the Wolverines.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is worthy of a top-10 selection. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

This might not be the most sensible pick for a team under new management with holes across the roster, but Jeanty could be the centerpiece of the running game that coach Pete Carroll values so much. Las Vegas has four other picks in the top 150 to help put together a winning squad.

7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

It will be fascinating to see what kind of player new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey target with their first selection. Adding Membou at right tackle to complete one of the best young offensive lines in the league would be smart business.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

Even with their offseason spending spree, the Panthers need more help to fix a defense that allowed the most points in NFL history last season. Walker could continue playing his hybrid linebacker role and has the traits to develop into a leader for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

With Derek Carr’s availability for next season reportedly in question because of a shoulder injury, there’s suddenly more urgency for the Saints to draft a quarterback. While Sanders’ arm strength and athleticism might not be first-round caliber, he throws with accuracy and touch and stands tall under pressure.

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10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

To borrow a phrase from “The Athletic Football Show,” the Bears ate their vegetables during the offseason by remaking their offensive line. Now it’s time for dessert. New coach Ben Johnson could have a lot of fun scheming up plays for Warren, who lined up all over the formation for the Nittany Lions.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Outside of Nick Bosa, the 49ers are thin at edge rusher and defensive line. Green is the most advanced pass rusher in this class and would take some attention away from Bosa with his ability to win one-on-one matchups.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Right now, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is pretty much the only threat opposing defenses have to account for when facing the Cowboys. McMillan would be an excellent addition with his huge catch radius and ability to pick up yards after the catch.

13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas

While 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul is expected to step in for the retiring Terron Armstead at left tackle, it’s not a guarantee that he keeps the job long term. Adding competition there in Banks, who could also start immediately at left guard, would give Miami enough options to feel comfortable about its protection plan for Tua Tagovailoa.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The Colts don’t have a tight end on the roster who received more than 15 targets last season, so the idea of adding Loveland to the mix alongside Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce is enticing — especially for a team fielding either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones at quarterback.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Projections are all over the place on Stewart, who put up elite athletic testing numbers at the scouting combine but is coming off a three-year career in which he recorded just 4 1/2 sacks. The bottom line is the Falcons need to keep taking swings to find a difference-making pass rusher.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

A first-round wide receiver in back-to-back drafts? It would certainly make Kyler Murray happy as he looks to take the next step in his career. Golden is a fast riser who has improved tremendously since transferring from Houston and becoming the go-to target for the Longhorns.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Even if Trey Hendrickson sticks around for another season amid his contract dispute, the Bengals need another pass rusher. Williams, who doesn’t turn 21 until June, has the length, strength and explosiveness to be a high-end starter and the character to develop into the leader of the defense.

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson would help round out the Bills’ defense. (Paul Sancya/AP)

18. MOCK TRADE: Buffalo Bills (via Seattle): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

With Kaiir Elam traded to Dallas and Rasul Douglas still a free agent, the Bills need a cornerback opposite recently extended starter Christian Benford. To get him, they’re willing to trade Seattle pick Nos. 30 and 62 (second round). While Johnson has lost some steam after being talked about as a top-five prospect coming into the season, he has all the tools to be a Day 1 starter.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Campbell has the talent to be picked much higher than this, but off-ball linebacker isn’t usually coveted early in the draft and the former Crimson Tide star is coming off shoulder surgery. The former edge rusher would be a perfect fit for coach Todd Bowles’ defense with his ability to defend the run, cover and blitz.

20. MOCK TRADE: Cleveland Browns (via Denver): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

In this scenario, the Browns trade pick Nos. 33 (second round), 67 (third) and 179 (sixth) to the Broncos to move up and select their quarterback of the future. Dart might not be ready to start right away, but he has the physical tools and competitiveness to improve at the next level. This would be a shot in the arm for a franchise looking to move past the gloom of the failed Deshaun Watson trade.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Tough break for the Steelers, who might have seriously considered Sanders or Dart if one fell to them. But with Aaron Rodgers expected to make his way to Pittsburgh, the team can focus on upgrading some other areas of the roster. Harmon fits the Steelers’ mold and can be the eventual replacement for Cam Heyward in the middle of the defense.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Whether it’s Johnson, Loveland or Grant, it seems likely that coach Jim Harbaugh will want to reunite with one of his former Wolverines. Harbaugh, who once called Grant a “gift from the football gods,” can plug in his former pupil in the role that Poona Ford occupied before leaving for the Rams.

23. Green Bay Packers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Cornerback, pass rusher and interior defensive line are bigger needs for the Packers, who haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002. But this is a unique draft. Egbuka is unlikely to become a true No. 1 target, but the three-year starter is savvy, tough and reliable. He’d give Jordan Love the security blanket he’s never had.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

This is a prime trade down spot for the Vikings, who only have four total picks. But even if that opportunity presents itself, it might be hard to talk defensive coordinator Brian Flores out of passing on Emmanwori. The three-year starter is a world-class athlete who could play a variety of roles as a pass rusher, box linebacker, slot defender and free safety.

25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Texans have given themselves plenty of options along the offensive line after trading franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington, but none of them inspire much confidence. Simmons comes with injury concerns after tearing the patellar tendon in his knee, but he has the potential to become a long-term starter protecting C.J. Stroud’s blindside.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Rams need a starting linebacker more than anything else, but they simply don’t pick them early. Barron could step in immediately as a nickel back or outside corner and could even transition to safety if Los Angeles doesn’t retain Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake beyond this season.

Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku could give the Ravens’ pass rush a lift. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

27. Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Baltimore has plenty of intriguing options still available in this scenario, including a potential starting guard (Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel), a future starting corner (Maxwell Hairston, Trey Amos, Azareye’h Thomas) or a versatile safety (Malaki Starks). But pass rusher remains a soft spot, especially with starters Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh entering the final year of their deals. Ezeiruaku is productive (30 career sacks, including 16 1/2 in 2024), bendy and durable, but he’ll need to get stronger to become a true difference-maker.

28. Detroit Lions: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Lions need to give Aidan Hutchinson more help at pass rusher to take the next step in their journey toward a Super Bowl title. While Scourton isn’t an overwhelming athlete, he posted 10 sacks as a junior at Purdue when he played at a lighter weight. His motor, relentless pursuit and physicality should be attractive to coach Dan Campbell, and he’s only 20 years old.

29. Washington Commanders: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The depth of this edge class means that Washington doesn’t need to reach for a prospect here to fill their biggest remaining need on defense. And while Jayden Daniels has plenty of help already with Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders could use more juice at running back. Hampton has the traits to make an early impact for a team with high expectations.

30. MOCK TRADE: Seattle Seahawks (via Buffalo): Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State

The Seahawks had one of the league’s worst offensive lines last season and did little to address it in free agency. For new quarterback Sam Darnold to succeed, he needs to be kept clean. General manager John Schneider doesn’t like to pick interior linemen early, but Zabel has Pro Bowl potential at a glaring need.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

With Tershawn Wharton gone, the Chiefs need a new running mate alongside Chris Jones on the defensive line. Nolen has top-10 talent based on his flashes as an interior disruptor, but he’ll need to refine his game to become more consistent at the next level.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

One of the few remaining needs for the defending Super Bowl champions is a starting safety to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson. This would be a dream scenario for the Eagles, who add yet another Georgia star to round out one of the best rosters in the league. Starks is a versatile player who can fill a variety of roles for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

ROUND 2

33. MOCK TRADE: Denver Broncos (via Cleveland): TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Henderson’s explosiveness, pass-catching skills and ability to hold up in pass protection would make him a great fit in coach Sean Payton’s offense.

34. New York Giants: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

With Sanders and Dart off the board, it would be a reach to pick another quarterback here. Booker can step in immediately at guard to help solidify a unit that has hurt the team in recent seasons.

35. Tennessee Titans: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones are better suited as role players than starters, which means the Titans need a top-tier pass rusher. Pearce has all the tools to become one, assuming he’s bought in.

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Slot defender Jourdan Lewis was a nice addition in free agency, but the Jaguars shouldn’t stop there. Hairston has the speed to be a sticky defender.

37. Las Vegas Raiders: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Revel’s athleticism, length and story of perseverance might make him a favorite of the new regime in Las Vegas.

Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III would give the Patriots’ offense a much-needed playmaker. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

38. New England Patriots: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Patriots desperately need a playmaker on offense for Drake Maye. Burden might be getting overlooked after his production took a step back in 2024, but he’s still a promising player.

39. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

The Bears might like Braxton Jones as their long-term left tackle, but until they make the financial commitment, it makes sense to look at other options. Conerly is just scratching the surface of his potential.

40. New Orleans Saints: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

The Saints’ interior defenders combined to rank 31st in Pro Football Focus’ overall grade last season. Williams would provide an immediate upgrade.

41. Chicago Bears: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Johnson excels on outside zone runs, which is a staple of Johnson’s offense. He’s a much more exciting player than incumbents D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

42. New York Jets: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Outside of Garrett Wilson, there isn’t any high-end receiving talent on the Jets’ roster. Taylor, the son of Hall of Fame pass rusher Jason Taylor, has room to grow as a playmaker.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

The 49ers need to replace two starters on the defensive line. Turner is an aggressive player who can wreak havoc up the middle.

44. Dallas Cowboys: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders should not stop the Cowboys from adding a dynamic running back. Judkins’ production in the SEC and Big Ten suggests he can be a standout pro.

45. Indianapolis Colts: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

With E.J. Speed now in Houston, the Colts need another linebacker. Schwesinger, a former walk-on, can be an every-down player with his ability to tackle and cover in space.

46. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

After losing Drew Dalman to Chicago, the Falcons don’t have a starting center. Wilson is incredibly athletic and fits Atlanta’s zone-blocking scheme.

47. Arizona Cardinals: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

After signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to shore up the defensive line, the Cardinals get a competitive corner to improve the secondary.

48. Miami Dolphins: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

The Dolphins need to bolster the interior of the defensive line next to Zach Sieler. Collins has the tools to become a disruptive force in the middle.

Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts could reunite with his defensive coordinator in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

Geno Stone and Jordan Battle left a lot to be desired in 2024. Watts gets a chance to reunite with his former defensive coordinator Al Golden and become the field general in the secondary.

50. Seattle Seahawks: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp are primarily slot receivers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling is on a one-year deal. Higgins has the size and reliable hands to be a trustworthy outside target.

51. Denver Broncos: Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Bech was a tight end at LSU — where he caught more passes than Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. — before becoming a standout wide receiver at TCU. His versatility and run-after-the-catch ability would fit well in Denver.

52. Seattle Seahawks (via Pittsburgh): Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State

Given the state of the Seahawks’ offensive line, it would make sense to double dip. Jackson can be a standout guard but also has the flexibility to kick out to tackle if necessary.

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

Yaya Diaby looks like a keeper, but there are question marks about the rest of the Buccaneers’ edge group. Swinson would be a good fit as a stand-up pass rusher in Tampa Bay’s defense.

54. Green Bay Packers: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

It’s too early to give up on Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare, but the Packers need to keep searching for a difference-making pass rusher. Tuimoloau might not have a high ceiling, but there are few holes in his game.

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (Fla.)

Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin should not stop the Chargers from adding another tight end. Arroyo could help create mismatches for quarterback Justin Herbert.

56. Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota): Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

With Larry Ogunjobi suspended for the first six games, the Bills could use help on the defensive line. Alexander stood out at the Senior Bowl after dominating MAC competition at Toledo.

57. Carolina Panthers (via LA Rams): Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

Winston might have been a borderline first-round prospect if not for the torn ACL that prematurely ended his junior season. His attacking, downhill style would add some edge to the Panthers’ defense.

58. Houston Texans: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

A wideout trio of Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and Noel would stress defenses at all levels of the field, giving Stroud plenty of options as he looks to bounce back from a sophomore slump.

Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish would give the Ravens’ secondary some important depth. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

59. Ravens: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

With speed, physicality and inside-out versatility, Parrish has all the makings of becoming a starting-caliber cornerback with more seasoning. He’d be a great fit next to Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins.

60. Detroit Lions: Tate Ratledge, G/C, Georgia

Ratledge plays with the strength and tenacity to fill Kevin Zeitler’s spot at right guard and keep one of the NFL’s best offensive lines playing at a high level.

61. Washington Commanders: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

The Commanders’ edge rushers ranked 29th in PFF overall grade last season and Washington hasn’t done much to improve the position. Jackson has the size, power and motor to be an effective starter.

62. MOCK TRADE: Seattle Seahawks (via Buffalo): Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE/LB, UCLA

Oladejo has starting experience at off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, two positions the Seahawks could use some help with. His potential as a pass rusher is tantalizing.

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

The Chiefs lack a home-run hitter in the running game. Sampson’s speed, elusiveness and vision would be a headache in Andy Reid’s offense.

64. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

Losing Milton Williams is certainly a bummer, but the Eagles simply reload in the trenches every year. Sanders has the length and power to defend the run and knife into the backfield.

ROUND 3

65. New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

66. Kansas City Chiefs (via Tennessee): Aierontae Ersery, OT/G, Minnesota

67. Denver Broncos (via Cleveland): Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina

68. Las Vegas Raiders: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

69. New England Patriots: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona

70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

71. New Orleans Saints: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

72. Chicago Bears: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

73. New York Jets: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

74. Carolina Panthers: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

75. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Mbow, OT/G, Purdue

76. Dallas Cowboys: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

77. New England Patriots (via Atlanta): Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

78. Arizona Cardinals: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State

79. Houston Texans (via Miami): Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma

80. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State

81. Cincinnati Bengals: Miles Frazier, G, LSU

82. Seattle Seahawks: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan James, RB, Oregon

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

85. Denver Broncos: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

87. Green Bay Packers: Caleb Ransaw, CB/S, Tulane

88. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota): Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

89. Houston Texans: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

90. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

91. Ravens: Charles Grant, OT/G, William & Mary

92. Seattle Seahawks (via Detroit): Nohl Williams, CB, California

93. New Orleans Saints (via Washington): Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

94. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Wyatt Milum, OT/G, West Virginia

95. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

96. Philadelphia Eagles: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

98. Miami Dolphins (compensatory): Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia

99. Minnesota Vikings (via NY Giants’ compensatory): Cam Jackson, DT, Florida

100. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia

101. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory): Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon

102. Detroit Lions (compensatory): Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon.

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