With April here, it's time for the NFL draft and mock drafts are in full swing. For the Baltimore Ravens, the main focus for general manager Eric DeCosta should be filling the large gap in their offensive line.
The latest mock draft projections from NFL Scouting Department suggest the Ravens might pick Graham Barton from Duke for their offensive line. According to Bleacher Report, the Ravens' offensive line currently needs a lot of work, and the team is aiming to make it stronger for the 2024 season. The Ravens will have several options when they pick at No. 30 as this year's offensive line class is expected to be deep.
Barton would have a good chance to compete and start as a rookie for a team where the offensive line will be very important.
The Ravens have always valued the offensive line highly due to their running game and strong rushing statistics in 2023.
According to BR, the Ravens could benefit from adding Graham Barton to their offensive line rebuild.
With only Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum remaining from last year's starting lineup, there should be an open competition for all positions on the offensive line. BR explained, “Baltimore can’t go wrong with taking an offensive lineman in general, though it finds excellent value in Duke’s Graham Barton, who presents enough versatility to start at any of the five positions.” and C The Ravens will need a strong offensive line for the 2024 season, especially with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the running game. Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson are no longer part of the Ravens' offensive line, leaving only Tyler Linderbaum and Ronnie Stanley from last season's starting lineup.
The Ravens still have Patrick Mekari, who played a significant role in 2023, and also added depth with the signing of Andrew Vorhees for the tackle position.
The Ravens should consider drafting Barton for his versatility, which could compensate for potential player issues or injuries.
Aged 22 at the start of the 2024 season, if selected by the Ravens, Barton would be in a favorable position, especially after a successful pro day following rehab.
According to Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report, Barton's recent outstanding pro day has solidified the athletic ability seen on tape. No. 1 Both the player and the team would benefit, as Thorn would have an immediate opportunity to play because there are not many options in Baltimore. Thorn explained, "Barton provides the Ravens with a choice to fill in at any of those recent openings."
With QB Bleacher Report’s and RB NFL Scouting Department described Barton as, Skilled, strong run-blocker on base, kick-out and combination blocks due to consistently good pad level, body positioning and finishing skills.
That kind of ability would be ideal in Baltimore’s run-focused offense. In the latest mock draft, the Ravens are expected to strengthen their offensive line by selecting IOL Graham Barton from Duke at No. 30., right guard Kevin Zeitler and left guard John Simpson are gone. That trio combined to start 52 games last season, including the postseason. Center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley are the holdovers from last year’s starting five.
Moses was traded to the New York Jets towards the beginning of free agency and Simpson also joined the Jets as a free agent. Zeitler also left in free agency for the Detroit Lions in what a surprisingly cheaper contract.
The Ravens still have tackle Patrick Mekari, who played significant snaps during 2023, and played exceptionally well on the roster. They also just signed Josh Jones as a depth signing for the tackle position as part of a group of high risk, high reward type players like Andrew Vorhees.
Drafting Barton would give the Ravens a versatile weapon to move around the line in case any of those players do not pan out or to the inevitable chance of injuries.
Barton to ‘Fill the Void’ on the Offensive Line
The Duke Blue Devil will be 22 years old by the start of the 2024 season and if drafted by the Ravens would find himself in a strong position.
Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report wrote, “The 6’5″, 313-pound blocker is coming off an outstanding pro day after finishing rehab that kept him out of the Senior Bowl and combine, thus solidifying the athletic ability seen on tape.”
It would be a win-win for both player and team as Thorn would have an immediate chance to play due to a lack of options in Baltimore. “Barton gives the Ravens an option to fill in at any of those recent openings,” Thorn explained.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department described Barton as, “Skilled, strong run-blocker on base, kick-out and combination blocks thanks to consistently good pad level, body positioning and finishing skills.”
That kind of ability would be perfect in Baltimore’s run-oriented offense.
