Shortly before the Baltimore Ravens finalised their 2023 NFL Draft class, Lamar Jackson signed a 5-year, $260 Million to remain with the Baltimore Ravens. That new contract will guarantee $185 Million of his salary. While Lamar Jackson is a key piece of the Ravens, their 2022 season still faltered at the end. The Baltimore Ravens 2023 Draft class was key to giving Lamar more tools in his return to the Ravens. Lamar is an absolute all-star when he is in top-form, and this draft was critical for the Ravens to ensuring he has the tools to stay in form.
How the Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL Draft Class Impacts Lamar Jackson
Protection and Reception
The Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL Draft class features three players that have a direct impact on Lamar Jackson – Wide receiver Zay Flowers at selection 22, and offensive linemen Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Andrew Vorhees at selection 199 and 229, respectively. Zay Jones will impact Lamar Jackson most immediately. While it might be slightly disappointing the Ravens did not spend draft capital in the mid-rounds on another tight end or wide receiver, their defence desperately needed help too.
The Ravens chose a strategy that revolved around giving Jackson one of the most electric pass catchers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Zay Jones, while only 5’10” and a mere 170 pounds, will compete for 1,000 receiving yards this season. He may not be the biggest red-zone threat due to his smaller size and that could limit Jackson targeting him for touchdowns. However, the Ravens coaching staff could expect Jackson to target Jones several times on the sidelines. The highlight reel will boast of the connection between Jackson and Jones, early and often.
Meanwhile, Andrew Vorhees will certainly have no immediate impact. He could become a nice steal late in the season, however, as he fell due to an ACL tear in pre-draft workouts. Vorhees has potential to become a starter in the NFL. If not, he provides competent offensive line play to a Ravens team that lacked depth. Jackson should, at minimum, appreciate the investment in depth for his protection. Aumavae-Laulu also adds solid depth, although he is too unrefined to become a starter. His size and ability to knock defensive linemen off the point of attack will make him a nice addition to the Ravens roster.
A confusing defensive draft
Last Word on Sports’ Curtis Leung commented that the head-scratcher of the Ravens draft was Tavius Robinson. Indeed, the Baltimore Ravens needed help on their edge and in the secondary; impact players who could create turnovers and reach the ball. Robinson is an impact player, although might not be the most impactful player at Edge. Drafting Simpson at linebacker was also slightly confusing, as he is not a turnover creating machine.
Ideally, the Ravens might have focused on an edge rusher or an impact cornerback who turns into a missile when he sees the football. The Ravens defence needs someone like Ed Reed, who can hunt after the ball, create a turnover, and put it back in the hands of Lamar Jackson.
The draft is not exactly inspiring for Lamar Jackson, although Jay Zones is going to become an impact player. If the Ravens defence develops these players complementary, however, the draft could make an impact in a few seasons time. The Ravens certainly might have the depth necessary to sustain the inevitable injuries and run to the playoffs.
Main Image: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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