The Baltimore Ravens selected 11 players in the 2022 NFL draft, hoping that each would be able to contribute for them during their rookie seasons as well as far into the future. Baltimore got solid contributions from many of their draft picks, and some look to have very bright NFL careers ahead of them.
In a two-round 2022 NFL re-draft by ESPN, the Ravens take a very different approach. With their first selection at No. 14, instead of taking Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore selected Georgia wide receiver George Pickens, who ended up being taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley made the selection, lobbying for fans to imagine Pickens catching a touchdown from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“Hamilton was a solid pick who shook off early struggles and finished strong. He concluded the season with five passes defended and 46 total tackles. But imagine Lamar Jackson lofting touchdown passes to Pickens in the end zone. Pickens’ elite pass– catching ability — he led all rookies in yards per reception (15.4) — is tough to pass on because he provides much–needed playmaking ability on the outside.”
In the second round, the Ravens added Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning instead of taking Michigan outside linebacker David Ojabo. Hensley discussed how Penning would have provided depth and helped early in the season while the team was going through a turn-style at left tackle.
“There was strong consideration to once again take Ojabo, who should have an increased role in 2023 after essentially getting redshirted this past season while recovering from his Achilles injury. But Penning, whose rookie season was cut short by a foot injury, would’ve competed for the starting right tackle job and provided depth on the left side. He would’ve helped the Ravens early in the season when they went through four different starters at left tackle.”
Baltimore also had pick No. 25 in the original 2022 draft, but there were no draft-night trades made. The pick at 25th overall was Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, who in the re-draft went at No. 23 to the Arizona Cardinals. Hamilton went at pick No. 25 to the Buffalo Bills, while Ojabo was not selected.
