The Baltimore Ravens’ 2021 draft class, the 26th in franchise history, consisting of four offensive players and four on defense.
Over 26 years of drafts, the franchise has now taken 219 players from 99 different schools. There have been 118 offensive players taken and 98 on defense, along with two punters and a long snapper.
The two wideouts taken bring the total number of Ravens-drafted receivers to 33, more than any other position. Outside linebackers and defensive ends are tied for second-most, with 25 each.
For a 2nd consecutive draft, the Ravens drafted no players from Oklahoma or Alabama in 2021; the Sooner program has had 11 players taken by Baltimore in the Ravens’ franchise history, tied with Alabama for the most.
RASHOD BATEMAN (Round One, overall pick 27)
Height/Weight: 6’0, 195 pounds
School: Minnesota
Position: Wide receiver
Strengths: Pro-ready hand ability, very agile upper body, can maneuver well to the ball in mid-air, can play wide or in the slot
Weaknesses: Not very consistent against stronger opponents, not very explosive, too much wasted motion off the line
Quotable: “When you talk about a home run pick, (quarterback) Lamar (Jackson) is saying, ‘That’s exactly what I need.’” – Former NFL general manager Louis Riddick, on ESPN
ODAFE OWEH (Round One, overall pick 31, from Kansas City)
Height/Weight: 6’5, 257 pounds
School: Penn State
Position: Linebacker/edge
Strengths: Lean, rangy physique, explosive, very strong and athletic, can attack a ball-carrier from any angle, terrific speed (4.36)
Weaknesses: Not much starting experience; no production and no sacks in 2020, can be fooled by play-action fakes
Quotable: “Incredibly long arms… he has strength. Is he a natural pass rusher?… Talent allows a team like the Ravens (to draft him).” — ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr.
BEN CLEVELAND (Round Three, overall pick 94, from Kansas City)
Height/Weight: 6’5, 357 pounds
School: Georgia
Position: Guard
Strengths: Great size, power, and athleticism, very smooth coming out of stance and getting into run-blocking position, can pull on a run and put up a wall in protection
Weaknesses: A bit stiff in the knees and hand technique not that great, fails to run through on blocks consistently enough
Quotable: “A legitimate pro, wide-body frame with lean (body) and proportional build…” — ESPN.com draft preview
BRANDON STEPHENS (Round Three, overall pick 104, compensatory)
Height/Weight: 6’0, 213 pounds
School: Southern Methodist
Position: Cornerback
Strengths: Good size and athleticism (a former running back), can find the ball (22 pass breakups over two years), will fight hard at the catch point
Weaknesses: Below-average route recognition, can’t get off blocks quickly enough in run support, raw and not totally sound fundamentally
Quotable: “Played corner for the first time and did well… with that kind of (transition) to corner from running back.” – ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr.
TYLAN WALLACE (Round Four, overall pick 131)
Height/Weight: 5’11, 180 pounds
School: Oklahoma State
Position: Wide receiver
Strengths: Quick, elusive route runner, very good hand, slippery and powerful after the catch, very good tracker of the ball while it’s in the air, high character guy
Weaknesses: Not very big or durable, recovering from an ACL tear, not proven against press coverage
Quotable: “Tore ACL in practice in October… Can pluck the ball out of the air, great body control, can track the deep ball well.” — Kiper
SHAUN WADE (Round Five, overall pick 160, from Arizona)
Height/Weight: 6’1, 196 pound
School: Ohio State
Position: Cornerback
Strengths: Very good size, athleticism, aggressive with good ball skill, long frame, good physique, can cover in the middle
Weaknesses: Did not fare well playing on the outside; better groomed for the slot, a real need with Tavon Young’s injury history, feet need to be quicker, backpedal not gradual
Quotable: “Wade needs to get his fundamentals right, and find the right position and scheme fit in order to be more than an average backup.” – NFL.com draft profile
DAELIN HAYES (Round Five, overall pick 171)
Height/Weight: 6’3 1/2, 253 pounds
School: Notre Dame
Position: Edge
Strengths: Very athletic and a stand-up locker room leader, good footwork and leg strength, quick hands, can blitz or cover and work in 3-4 or 4-3
Weaknesses: Shoulder injury history, not very productive, doesn’t make enough plays to stand out on tape, didn’t have a good game in College Football Playoff defeat
Quotable: “Hayes projects as a hybrid pass rusher in the NFL… ready to (play) and contend at the point of attack.” – The Draft Network draft preview
BEN MASON (Round Five, overall pick 184, compensatory)
Height/Weight: 6’3, 246 pounds
School: Michigan
Position: Fullback
Strengths: Productive on short-yardage runs, coachable attitude, big-time special team contributor and can play on D, like Patrick Ricard
Weaknesses: Needs better hand technique, doesn’t protect QB well, only three career receptions
Quotable: “Mason plays with a team-first attitude and twice won the team’s Toughest Player Award. Not a bonafide lead blocker, but can do a decent job (of clearing out).” – NFL.com draft preview
