The Ravens will miss out on the top talent in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft as they aren’t scheduled to make their first selection until pick No. 30, barring a trade-up.
NFL.com’s Dan Parr thinks that could force Baltimore to reach for a player who would likely not be available come its second-round pick (No. 62).
In Parr’s latest mock draft, he has the Ravens selecting Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil.
“Surprise! Yes, I know this is higher than most expect Sainristil to go. Do the Ravens care? Heck no,” Parr writes. “They’ve picked a Michigan player in three of the last four drafts, and you know Jim Harbaugh has already given a glowing review to his brother when it comes to the nickel corner’s abilities.”
Sainristil sneaking into the first round would be a surprise, but it certainly feels like a possibility after he spent the past four years with head coach John Harbaugh’s brother at Michigan.
General manager Eric DeCosta said the Ravens “would love to add a talented corner at some point in the draft.”
Fans may not imagine that player as a nickel corner, but Baltimore may be willing to take whatever it can get after watching several key players in its secondary suffer injuries last season.
Using a first-round pick on a slot corner isn’t ideal, especially after re-signing nickel corner Arthur Maulet to a two-year deal this offseason. However, Maulet will turn 31 this summer and Sainristil could eventually take his place.
Plus, Sainristil could still be one of the best corners in the draft class, even though he doesn’t play on the outside.
The Ravens still need a corner that can play on the outside opposite three-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey, but snatching a player who’s already been in the Harbaugh coaching tree could be intriguing enough.
Sainristil currently ranks as the fifth-best cornerback and No. 34 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board after totaling 102 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, seven interceptions and 13 passes defensed the past two years.
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