Baltimore Ravens 2023 Draft Recap

by Jarrett Pfeifer · Published April 30, 2023 · Updated April 30, 2023

The Baltimore Ravens wrapped up the 2023 NFL draft selecting a total of six players. The Ravens used their first round pick on Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers, and their third round pick on Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson.

The Ravens were in unchartered territory with only five scheduled picks through seven rounds as they did not have a second round pick which was used to trade for Roquan Smith last season. But, that didn’t stop the Ravens and GM Eric DeCosta from having a stellar draft that could provide some impact players in the near future.

With their fourth round pick the Ravens selected Ole Miss defensive end, Tavius Robinson. At 6’6″, 265 pounds, Robinson started in all 13 games for the Rebels finishing with 44 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and a team leading seven sacks. Robinson has the size and speed to be a dominate pass rusher in the NFL and posses an a variety of pass rush moves. Robinson can benefit from getting stronger in the upper body using his length to his advantage.

In the fifth round the Ravens finally drafted a cornerback selecting Stanford’s Kyu Blu Kelly. The 6’0″ 191 pound corner was a member of the All-Pac-12 second team finishing his senior year with 35 total tackles and six pass deflections. Kelly is a smart player that is very technical in his footwork that uses his size and strength to outmatch receivers. Kelly will need to improve his tackling and route running recognition as he looks to make an impact on this Ravens secondary.

With their sixth round pick the Ravens selected offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu from the University of Oregon. The 6’6″ 317 pound Aumavae-Laulu predominantly played right tackle for the Ducks in 2022, allowing just 14 total pressures while being a key part in helping the Ducks offense become the only team in the country to be in the top-20 in both rushing and passing. Aumavae-Laulu’s size and versatility will allow him to play both tackle and guard in the NFL and his frame and toughness make him an impact blocker especially in the run game. Aumavae-Laulu will need to improve his hands in pass protection and must gain a quicker first step off the line.

With the Ravens draft appearing to be over Eric DeCosta made one last move trading back into the seventh round to select USC guard Andrew Vorhees. The Ravens sent a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for their 229th pick in the seventh round. Vorhees was one of the best offensive lineman in the country in 2022 winning the Morris Trophy given to the most outstanding offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-12. Vorhees draft stock took a hit after he tore his ACL during the NFL combine, but that didn’t seem to scare the Ravens as they selected the 6’6″, 310 pound guard. The Ravens are no strangers to taking players that may not be an immediate impact their rookie year due to injury. The Ravens used their second round pick in last years draft on outside linebacker David Ojabo after he suffered a torn achilles during his pro day, which limited Ojabo’s 2022 season. Vorhees will be out the entirety of the 2023 season as he rehabs his injury, but will look to be in the conversation for a starting spot in 2024.

The Ravens continued to revamp the wide receiver room with the addition of Flowers while also adding depth at the linebacker, offensive line, and the defensive end positions. While the Ravens waited until the fifth round to select a cornerback, a position many expected the Ravens to take in the first round, Kelly adds depth to a young cornerback position. Expect the Ravens to sign a veteran free agent and solidified starter at the cornerback position, such as Rock Ya-Sin, or a possible Marcus Peters reunion in the coming weeks for extra insurance as Kelly and second year players Pepe Williams and Jayln Armour-Davis continue to develop.

The Ravens also signed 21 undrafted free agents:

Brandon Kipper, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Trey Botts, Defensive Tackle, Colorado State

Kaieem Caesar, Defensive End, Ohio

Tykeem Doss, Offensive Tackle, Southern Mississippi

Cameron Peterson, Defensive End, Southern

Keaton Mitchell, Running Back, Eastern Carolina

Owen Wright, Running Back, Monmouth

Jaylon Thomas, Offensive line, SMU

Tashawn Manning, Guard, Kentucky

Elijah Green, Defensive Tackle, Northwestern Missouri State

Malik Hamm, Defensive line, Lafayette