The Baltimore Ravens take significant steps in re-signing a couple of their former first-round picks
Let's dive into the Ravens' 2025 NFL Draft bold moves!
The Baltimore Ravens decided to shake things up, taking a forward-thinking approach this offseason, aiming to avoid playoff disappointments from the past seasons.
First-round steal, Malaki Starks, a standout safety from Georgia, is set to make a splash, assuming his starting spot alongside Kyle Hamilton from Day 1. Starks boasts top-notch coverage and run-support skills, giving the Ravens' secondary newfound flexibility.
The second round saw the Ravens making waves with a controversial but potentially game-changing pick: Mike Green from Marshall. Green, an FCS sack leader (15 in 2024), addresses the desperate need for depth behind Odafe Oweh and aging Kyle Van Noy. Despite past sexual misconduct allegations, Green's talent could elevate Baltimore's defense to new heights, if he can stay out of trouble.
The Ravens' defense was the main focus during the draft, as evidenced by their 11 total picks and 6 defensive player selections. They also strengthened their offensive line with UDFAs like Carson Vinson, Emery Jones Jr., and Garrett Dellinger.
Post-draft, Baltimore added more depth to the defense by signing 12 undrafted free agents. Notable additions include Jay Higgins, an All-American linebacker from Iowa with 4 interceptions in 2024, and Jayson Jones, a defensive lineman from Auburn.
However, the Ravens' roster-building strategy didn't extend to free-agent signings, with the exception of CB Chidobe Awuzie.
There are still concerns about the depth of the defensive line, following Michael Pierce’s retirement and Brent Urban's uncertain status. The offensive side of the ball remains unchanged, relying on existing players and health factors, like the condition of key contributors such as Mark Andrews.
The success of the Ravens in the playoffs this season is contingent upon several factors:
- Immediate contributions from rookies, such as Starks and Green.
- Development of UDFAs, particularly in the front seven.
- Health management, focusing on older players like Van Noy.
Though these moves indicate a strategic, long-term approach, the lack of notable veteran defensive line signings and offensive upgrades leaves some uncertainty about surpassing previous playoff results. Nevertheless, the Ravens have every chance to make another deep playoff run this fall!
Insight: The Baltimore Ravens have concentrated on addressing long-term defensive needs and adding depth, but their playoff success this season hinges on the immediate contributions from rookies, UDFA development, and health management, particularly within the front seven.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- The Baltimore Ravens, in their forward-thinking approach for the 2025 NFL season, have a new hope for avoiding playoff disappointments, with their focus on the draft being evident by their 11 total picks and 6 defensive player selections.
- In the first round, the Ravens made a bold move by selecting Malaki Starks, a standout safety from Georgia, who is poised to make an immediate impact alongside Kyle Hamilton, creating newfound flexibility for the secondary.
- Controversy surrounded the Ravens' second-round pick, Mike Green from Marshall, an FCS sack leader, due to his history of sexual misconduct allegations, but his potential talent could elevate Baltimore's defense to new heights, if he can stay out of trouble.
- Notable additions to the defense were made post-draft with the signing of 12 undrafted free agents, including Jay Higgins, an All-American linebacker from Iowa, and Jayson Jones, a defensive lineman from Auburn.
- Despite the defensive strength showcased in the draft, concerns about depth remain in the defensive line, following the retirement of Michael Pierce and Brent Urban's uncertain status.
- The success of the Ravens in the playoffs this season will depend on immediate contributions from rookies such as Starks and Green, the development of undrafted free agents, particularly in the front seven, and health management, specifically focusing on older players like Kyle Van Noy.
