What We Discovered From Ravens Wired’s Offseason
The latest edition of “Ravens Wired” offered fans a captivating glimpse into the Ravens’ draft room, highlighting the always fascinating things that go on behind closed doors during the offseason.
The following are some insights into the Ravens’ draft decision-making process that we gained from “Ravens Wired”:
The Ravens needed an offensive tackle, but they also really wanted Nate Wiggins.
Though offensive line was a greater necessity, both general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh had a soft spot for first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins.
When the first round got underway, the Ravens didn’t think Wiggins would still be available at No. 30. Nevertheless, an astounding 14 consecutive offensive selections opened the draft, which surprised everyone by pushing defensive guys like Wiggins farther down the board.
Harbaugh experienced some anxiety while waiting for the Cowboys to select at No. 29 because Wiggins was still available.
“Corners are still in place. I really don’t want to raise my expectations,” stated Harbaugh. “Because then I’m going to be shattered into a million pieces.”
While taking calls on possible deals, DeCosta also hoped that the Cowboys would not choose Wiggins with their first pick before Baltimore’s clock ran out. He was right to predict that Tyler Guyton, an Oklahoma offensive tackle who was being connected to Baltimore as a potential pick, would be selected by Dallas.
“I’m going to pick if they take Guyton,” DeCosta declared to a different squad. “But if they don’t take Guyton, call me back.”
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More evidence that the Ravens’ guy was always Nate Wiggins.
And more proof that the Ravens consume BPA. The biggest need was extra coverage, but Wiggins was preferred over Tyler Guyton, who was traded to Dallas one slot earlier. tweet.com/fd7JExOKRH
By Ryan Mink (@ryanmink), 21 May 2024
The Ravens cheered after capturing Wiggins and Guyton.
If Roger Rosengarten hadn’t left, Baltimore might have made a trade back.
Roger Rosengarten, a No. 62 choice who appears to be a terrific deal, is vying for the right tackle spot. That being said, someone would have seriously considered moving down if Rosengarten had been chosen before the Ravens.
At least one attractive trade offer was made to DeCosta. Pick 62 was for picks 72 and 129, which belonged to General Manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets, a former executive of the Ravens who collaborated with DeCosta. Thus, in essence, it was a 10 spot move back for an additional late fourth-round pick. The Ravens benefited from the trade.
“To be honest, I would definitely do that if Rosengarten were no longer there,” DeCosta remarked as she hung up the phone. “But I’m not going to get Rosengarten there.”
DeCosta received a call from the Kansas City Chiefs, who were interested in trading up for Baltimore’s selection and also desired an offensive tackle. Kansas City’s likely objective was Rosengarten.
The Ravens almost selected T.J. Tampa in the third round.
In Round 3, the Ravens selected outside linebacker Adisa Isaac to round out Day 2 of the draft. DeCosta, though, had already begun to consider Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa, whom the Ravens selected with pick No. 130 in the fourth round.
Once more, the Chiefs extended trade offers to DeCosta. In exchange for selection No. 93 in the 2025 Draft, they provided picks No. 211 (sixth round), No. 131 (fourth round), and a fourth-round pick. DeCosta declined, saying, “We already have those kinds of picks.”
DeCosta remarked, “I just think Adisa has a chance to pop.” “He had nine sacks this year and he was way more productive.”
DeCosta received at least one alluring trade offer. Pick 62 was for picks 72 and 129, which belonged to New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas, a former Ravens official who worked with DeCosta. It was essentially a 10 slot return in exchange for a late fourth-round pick. The transaction was advantageous to the Ravens.
DeCosta said, “To be honest, if Rosengarten were no longer there, I would definitely do that,” and hung up the phone. “But I’m not going to get Rosengarten there.”
The Kansas City Chiefs called DeCosta. They wanted an offensive tackle and were willing to trade up for Baltimore’s selection. Rosengarten was most certainly Kansas City’s target.
DeCosta was accurate. After selecting wide receiver Devontez Walker (No. 113) to start the fourth round, he selected Tampa, who was predicted to go much higher.
Conversing with Tampa, DeCosta added, “To be honest, I think you’re going to be a steal for us.”
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