The Baltimore Ravens remain one of the more interesting playoff teams within the context of the 2024 NFL Draft. Baltimore’s heavy losses in free agency have been so wide-reaching that they could grab a player at any one of five different positions and still end up with a potential Day 1 starter.
Baltimore has lost some of their best pass rushers in free agency, and they still need more wide receiver help. However, if one area needs attention, it’s the offensive line. Both starting guards (John Simpson, Kevin Zeitler) and right tackle Morgan Moses have been jettisoned this offseason.
The Ravens picked a very good year to need line help, as the offensive tackle spot is one of the deepest positions in the 2024 NFL Draft Class. Former Ravens defensive tackle Chris Canty believes his former team will land a prospect many expect to be gone within the first 20 picks.
Canty has the Ravens taking Georgia tackle Amarius Mims with the No. 30 pick. While he is a risky pick due ot his injury concerns, his potential is so great that he could be a regular Pro Bowler in the pros if he goes to a team that develops him properly.
Chris Canty says Ravens could select Georgia OT Amarius Mims in 2024 NFL Draft
Mims missed most of his senior season due to injury, and his tape at Georgia is spotty due to limited reps. However, a 6-7 340-pound tackle with experience in the SEC and some tremendous mobility will be picked high enough by a team that believes in its coaching staff.
Mims clearly has the requisite power, both in his lower body in pass sets and his upper body on runs where he washes defenders out of plays, to star in the pros. The challenge for him will be eventually figuring out how to fix some of the slow-footed sets that speedier edge rushers have learned to exploit.
The Ravens could slot Mims in at right tackle over Daniel Faalele while Ronnie Stanley remains at left tackle. While “raw” will be attributed to him quite frequently, the Ravens may be willing to roll the dice on a very enticing combination of skills that may eventually gel into a mountainous tackle for the next decade.
If Mims clicks, he could be Orlando Brown. If he stinks, he could become Mekhi Becton. Still, if Mims is there at No. 30 overall, Eric DeCosta will likely trip over himself running to the stage.