Ravens’ draft-day heist over the Bills looks even funnier now
You hate to see it, Buffalo.
The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to front-office wizardry, it’s kind of general manager Eric DeCosta’s thing. But their 2022 trade with the Buffalo Bills might be one of the best examples in recent memory.
Keaton Mitchell shines in Ravens’ win over Seahawks
After dealing receiver Marquise Brown and a third-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the 23rd selection, the Ravens wasted no time flipping the pick. While the Bills were busy trading up to grab Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam at No. 23, Baltimore slid back to No. 25 and walked away with Tyler Linderbaum—a move that has aged like fine wine.
Keaton Mitchell shines in Ravens’ win over Seahawks
Fast forward three years, and Elam is now being labeled as a player in desperate need of a fresh start. ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg recently highlighted him in the network’s “32 NFL players who need a change of scenery” piece, noting that Elam might be on his way out:
Keaton Mitchell shines in Ravens’ win over Seahawks
Meanwhile, Linderbaum has been nothing short of elite since landing in Baltimore. A two-time Pro Bowler and the anchor of the Ravens’ interior offensive line, he’s the kind of foundational piece teams dream of drafting. Who’s willing to bet the Bills wish they could run that trade back?
Keaton Mitchell shines in Ravens’ win over Seahawks
The Ravens finessed Buffalo in 2022 Draft trade
Elam had all the physical traits to be a lockdown corner in Buffalo. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, stood 6-foot-2, and had the family ties—his father played in the NFL, and his uncle, Matt Elam, was once a Ravens first-round pick.
Keaton Mitchell shines in Ravens’ win over Seahawks
Despite the Bills’ high hopes, he never developed into a reliable starter.