The Baltimore Ravens ended the 2021 draft with eight players that they felt would help contribute to the future of the team for years to come. They employed multiple draft strategies and picked for both positions of need and the best player available, and came away feeling good about what they had put together.
All in all, it was an up-and-down year for the class. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report re-graded each team’s 2021 draft class and gave Baltimore a C+ for their efforts, giving high praise to first-round outside linebacker Odafe Oweh but not as much to fellow first rounder Rashod Bateman.
“Odafe Oweh looks like a future superstar. The rookie pass-rusher finished with five sacks and an impressive 27 quarterback pressures as a rotational player. However, top pick Rashod Bateman was just sort of OK—though, it’s worth noting that he opened the season on injured reserve with a groin injury.”
Knox also looked deeper into the performances of some of the other rookies in the Ravens’ 2021 class.
“Brandon Stephens was pressed into service due to injuries at cornerback, and he underwhelmed. He started 11 games but allowed an opposing passer rating of 128.8. Fellow corner Shaun Wade appeared in only three games, while defensive end Daelin Hayes appeared in one…Former Georgia guard Ben Cleveland made four starts and didn’t allow a sack. Fullback Ben Mason was waived at the end of the preseason.”
Finally, Knox offered some parting words about Baltimore’s rookies, saying that Oweh looks the part but Bateman will have to be better.
“Oweh figures to be an impact defender for years to come, and Cleveland may develop into a reliable starter. Bateman will have to show more in his second year, however, for this draft haul to be considered great.”
Knox takes an interesting stance on Bateman, who seemed to do everything asked of him in the Ravens’ offense and produced when the ball was in his hands. Knox also mentioned that Shaun Wade played in three games, but those came with the New England Patriots as the cornerback was traded towards the end of the 2021 offseason.
Baltimore’s rookies were asked to do a lot in their first years, especially with how many injuries that the team had to deal with. While they weren’t perfect, there are plenty of positives to take away from each player that can be utilized in the future.