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NFL redrafts often reveal how quickly priorities can change, especially after the fact. Some teams discover they missed on a player. Others simply recognize that a different position may have offered even greater long-term value. The Baltimore Ravens fell into the latter category during a recent CBS Sports reimagining of the 2024 NFL Draft,
Baltimore passed on its original first-round selection, cornerback Nate Wiggins. They instead used the 30th overall pick on former Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Amarius Mims. The massive lineman originally came off the board 18th overall to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but the redraft gave the Ravens another opportunity to strengthen the trenches.
Something of note here. The Mims selection wasn't necessarily an indictment of Wiggins. Instead, it reflected the importance of maintaining one of the NFL's most physical offensive identities. CBS Sports pointed to Mims' size and upside, while noting that he would have been an ideal fit in Baltimore's run-heavy offense. With Derrick Henry serving as the centerpiece of the ground game and Lamar Jackson's mobility constantly stressing defenses.
The theory makes sense. Mims obviously adds another powerful blocker to the offensive front, which is an easy case to make. The projection also benefits from hindsight.
Baltimore eventually found starting right tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round of the original draft, making the Ravens' offensive line one of the league's strengths. In a redraft, however, Mims' development over two NFL seasons makes him worthy of first-round consideration regardless of positional need.
Redrafts rarely suggest a team made the wrong choice. More often, they highlight how multiple paths can lead to success. For the Ravens, that appears to be the case here. Nate Wiggins has become an important piece of Baltimore's secondary, while Mims has developed into the kind of physically imposing tackle who fits everything the organization values on offense.
Two years later, it's less about replacing one promising player with another and more about recognizing that Baltimore likely would have landed a foundational piece either way. Wiggins says he's healthy now for the first time in a long time and that he has played at 60% health since high school. That alone is another reason for excitement about what could be a massive season for him personally.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens pass on Nate Wiggins, address offensive line in 2024 NFL redraft
Continue reading...
Baltimore passed on its original first-round selection, cornerback Nate Wiggins. They instead used the 30th overall pick on former Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Amarius Mims. The massive lineman originally came off the board 18th overall to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but the redraft gave the Ravens another opportunity to strengthen the trenches.
The Ravens double down on their identity
Something of note here. The Mims selection wasn't necessarily an indictment of Wiggins. Instead, it reflected the importance of maintaining one of the NFL's most physical offensive identities. CBS Sports pointed to Mims' size and upside, while noting that he would have been an ideal fit in Baltimore's run-heavy offense. With Derrick Henry serving as the centerpiece of the ground game and Lamar Jackson's mobility constantly stressing defenses.
The theory makes sense. Mims obviously adds another powerful blocker to the offensive front, which is an easy case to make. The projection also benefits from hindsight.
Baltimore eventually found starting right tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round of the original draft, making the Ravens' offensive line one of the league's strengths. In a redraft, however, Mims' development over two NFL seasons makes him worthy of first-round consideration regardless of positional need.
Redrafts rarely suggest a team made the wrong choice. More often, they highlight how multiple paths can lead to success. For the Ravens, that appears to be the case here. Nate Wiggins has become an important piece of Baltimore's secondary, while Mims has developed into the kind of physically imposing tackle who fits everything the organization values on offense.
Two years later, it's less about replacing one promising player with another and more about recognizing that Baltimore likely would have landed a foundational piece either way. Wiggins says he's healthy now for the first time in a long time and that he has played at 60% health since high school. That alone is another reason for excitement about what could be a massive season for him personally.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens pass on Nate Wiggins, address offensive line in 2024 NFL redraft
Continue reading...
