The Baltimore Ravens had a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 12-5 record and an early playoff exit.
Despite Lamar Jackson's stellar performance, including over 4,000 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, the team struggled with consistency and depth.
The Ravens' running game, led by Derrick Henry, was dominant, but their passing defense ranked 23rd in the league.
Addressing these issues will be crucial for the Ravens as they head into the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to a recent CBS Sports mock draft, the Ravens are projected to select Josh Conerly Jr., a standout offensive tackle from the University of Oregon.
"Josh Conerly Jr. is a bit of a project, but he's got all the tools to develop into a future Pro Bowler," Mike Renner of CBS Sports wrote.
"His high-end athleticism would be a weapon on the move in the run game leading out for Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson."
Conerly Jr.'s impressive college stats make him an attractive prospect for the Ravens.
In the 2024 season, Conerly Jr. played 965 snaps, allowing only one sack over 521 pass-blocking opportunities. He has a PFF rating of 78.1.
His presence would also help alleviate the issue of allowing defenders into the Ravens' backfield with Lamar Jackson exposed to pressure.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 315 lbs, Conerly Jr. is the kind of player who can have a potential impact on the team.
Conerly Jr., with his potential to become a Pro Bowler, could be the missing component the Ravens need to make a deep playoff run.
The Ravens' front office has a history of making smart draft picks, and selecting Conerly Jr. would be a move that addresses the defensive needs while adding a player with the potential to become a star.
As the draft approaches, the Ravens front office will see if they can capitalize on this opportunity and add a future Pro Bowler to their roster.
