The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the Baltimore Ravens, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Baltimore Ravens rookies?
- Nate Wiggins — CB — Round 1
- Roger Rosengarten — OT — Round 2
- Adisa Isaac — EDGE — Round 3
- Devontez Walker — WR — Round 4
- T.J. Tampa — CB — Round 4
- Rasheen Ali — RB — Round 5
- Devin Leary — QB — Round 6
- Nick Samac — C — Round 7
- Sanoussi Kane — S — Round 7
Baltimore Ravens Draft Class Grade:
The Baltimore Ravens received an A draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Ravens Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Ravens addressed one of their most glaring long-term needs with Nate Wiggins (first round), one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks in this class. Wiggins wins with his athleticism and excels at sticking to receivers downfield. Over the last two years, he allowed a catch rate 24% below expected when covering explosive routes. Although he may not start right away, Brandon Stephens is in the final year of his contract, so Wiggins should step into that role in 2025 at the latest.
Joining Wiggins in the secondary will be T.J. Tampa (fourth round). It’s an interesting addition given the contrast in style to Wiggins. Tampa lacks ideal speed and athletic traits, but plays with a physical style and excels in zone coverage. Based on route-adjusted data, Tampa generated a ball-hawk rate 41% above expected over the last two years.
Roger Rosengarten (second round) was a mildly surprising selection due to the Ravens’ typical preference for elite size at the tackle positions, but he was a good value and will compete for a starting job immediately at right tackle.
Adisa Isaac (third round) also has a path to immediate playing time, but there is a lot of competition on the edge. Isaac, Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo are all recent early-round selections trying to get on the field with veteran Kyle Van Noy also in the mix. Isaac’s athletic traits make him a dangerous weapon as a pass-rusher. When quarterbacks took a traditional dropback of three or more steps, he generated an impressive 20.7% pressure rate in 2023.
Given their issues drafting and developing receivers, it made sense to add Devontez Walker (fourth round) to the mix. Clearly this is a weakness of the organization, so having more young receivers competing to get on the field is a good strategy, even though it wasn’t a glaring need. Walker’s strength is stretching the field. 46% of his targets came at 15 or more yards downfield last season at North Carolina.
Baltimore needed to add depth to the backfield, so Rasheen Ali (fifth round) should have a path to the field as a rookie. His balance of power and speed fits nicely between the extreme contrast of Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell.
Devin Leary (sixth round) will compete for the third-string quarterback job. He looked like an ascending prospect at NC State in 2021, but injuries derailed his 2022 season before he transferred to Kentucky last year and struggled to quickly adjust to the new system.
With Tyler Linderbaum locked in at center, the selection of Nick Samac (sixth round) was somewhat of a surprise as he spent his entire college career at the position. He’ll need to prove his versatility along the line to win a roster spot.
Sanoussi Kane (seventh round) is a strong safety who likely serves as Kyle Hamilton’s backup. Kane saw limited action in the deep secondary, so his immediate path to playing time may be in coverage in the slot.
As usual, Baltimore was patient during the draft and let good players fall into their lap. Both fourth-round picks (Walker and Tampa) could have landed on Day 2 and no one would have been shocked. Rosengarten might be the only rookie starter when the season opens, but at least four others have the potential to develop into starters down the road.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
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- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
- Rankings for every positional unit on every team with analysis
