How the Ravens' 2023 draft class has fared at midway point of season

The 2023 NFL Draft went as many predicted it would go for the Baltimore Ravens. As expected, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta shied away from pulling off any major trades to move up in the draft. Instead, DeCosta shifted his focus to bolstering the backend of the Ravens' depth chart. DeCosta selected a total of […]

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Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) is tackled by Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL Draft went as many predicted it would go for the Baltimore Ravens. As expected, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta shied away from pulling off any major trades to move up in the draft. Instead, DeCosta shifted his focus to bolstering the backend of the Ravens' depth chart.

DeCosta selected a total of six players at this year's draft, and only three of these talents have featured in at least one snap for the Ravens.

Here is a closer look at just how the Ravens’ 2023 NFL Draft class has performed at the midway point of the season.

Zay Flowers: First-round selection

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was a popular preseason pick by many to win the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. While Flowers may not be the current favorite to win this honor, he sure is meeting the high expectations that were placed on him ahead of the season.

Flowers has blossomed as a go-to target for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The former Boston College standout currently leads the team in multiple receiving stats, including receiving yards (472). Whether it has been in downfield plays or in the short passing game, the rookie wideout has helped Baltimore’s offense be as unpredictable as could be for opposing defenses.

It is safe to say that DeCosta hit a home run with his call to draft Flowers.

Trenton Simpson: Third-round selection

Trenton Simpson has not emerged as much of an X-factor for Baltimore’s No. 1 ranked defensive unit. Simpson entered Week 9 having taken part in just 14 snaps on defense, which ranked 11th among all linebackers on the team.

Barring an array of injuries at the linebacker position in the coming months, Simpson is slated to continue to primarily feature on special teams for Baltimore.

Tavius Robinson: Fourth-round selection

The Ravens’ decision to select former Ole Miss outside linebacker Tavius Robinson in the fourth round was deemed by many as a steal. Through the midway point of the season, Robinson is still waiting for his opportunity to prove his worth to Baltimore’s coaching staff.

Robinson is still without a sack in the NFL, and he has watched veteran pass rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy instead take part in crucial snaps on the defensive side of the ball.

Kyu Blu Kelly: Fifth-round selection

Kyu Blu Kelly’s run in the Ravens organization was short-lived. Kelly was waived by Baltimore on Aug. 29, but it did not take him long to find a new home in the NFL, as the Seattle Seahawks claimed him a mere day later.

Malaesala Aumavae–Laulu: Sixth-round selection

Malaesala Aumavae–Laulu was a standout performer in training camp, and while the former Oregon offensive tackle went on to show much promise during the preseason, he still has not featured in a single snap on offense this season.

Aumavae–Laulu is currently sitting behind John Simpson on Baltimore’s depth chart at the left tackle position.

Andrew Vorhees: Seventh-round selection

The Ravens selected former USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees with their final pick of April’s NFL Draft. Vorhees has also not played in a single game this season. He suffered a torn ACL injury at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and Baltimore ultimately placed him on the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list in late August.