The Baltimore Ravens came into the 2024 NFL draft holding the 30th pick in the first round, and cornerback was their second-biggest need. They have Brandon Stephens, who had a terrific 2023 but is entering his rookie contract’s final year. They also have Marlon Humphrey, who has missed time due to injury the past couple of seasons. Ronald Darby left via free agency – and he had played 40% of their snaps at outside corner. So when Nate Wiggins of Clemson was available, the Ravens snapped him up. At Clemson, he played outside corner almost exclusively, showing that he can thrive in any coverage scheme. He is a littleton the shorter side, but he can match up with bigger receivers. He can burn (a 4.28 second 40-yard time) and doesn’t waste any energy in his movement. Receivers with more size have struggled to keep him from making plays on the ball; in 18 starts last season, he had 14 breakups and three picks. He also blitzed now and then. He should start in a backup role but then quickly earn a part in nickel packages. With his lack of size, though, it will be interesting to see how he defends the run and deals with the punishment of contact at this level. As the 2024 season approaches, let’s look at the Ravens’ NFL betting odds to win their division and their conference as well as the Super Bowl, along with some other thoughts on the season.
NFL Betting Analysis for Baltimore Ravens for the Next 2024 Season | NFL Odds
- Odds to Win Super Bowl LIX: +900
- Odds to Win the AFC: +490
- Odds to Win the AFC North: +130
- Home Opponents: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Denver, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington
- Away Opponents: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, L.A. Chargers, N.Y. Giants, Tampa Bay
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What do the Baltimore Ravens need after the first round of the draft?
The offensive line could definitely use some help. Indeed, many Ravens fans and NFL experts thought the Ravens would fill the right or left OT hole in the first round. However, eight quality tackles were already gone by the time the 30th pick came, and they stuck to their rule of taking the best player available on the board. There are some tackles left on the board, but they are definitely second-round talent. The problem is that they are unlikely to be there by the time the Ravens’ turn comes back around. They also have two openings at starting guard, and only one quality guard went in th efirst round – Duke Graham out of Duke, who went at #26.
When the Ravens extended Rashod Bateman, they could use some depth at wide receiver. This draft has a ton of talent at this position even after the seven receivers who went off the board on Thursday. They also re-signed outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, but after 10 years in the league, while Van Noy still has plenty in the tank, the clock is ticking as far as potential career-ending injuries or just a regression in performance. Another outside linebacker would add depth to the defense or add a situational pass rusher. Another defensive position that could use depth is safety. In the first round, nobody took a safety, and the Ravens lost Geno Stone, who led the NFL in interceptions last year, to the Bengals. Without many true free safeties in this draft class, the Ravens would have to pick a prospect with instinctive ball skills and range that they could teach.
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Odds to Win Super Bowl 59 – Top 10 Teams
- San Francisco 49ers +525
- Kansas City Chiefs +600
- Baltimore Ravens +900
- Buffalo Bills +1200
- Detroit Lions +1200
- Cincinnati Bengals +1400
- Dallas Cowboys +1500
- Houston Texans +1500
- Philadelphia Eagles +1600
- Miami Dolphins +2000
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