As we inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, we have a better idea of how the Baltimore Ravens might approach their first-round selection. The Ravens’ biggest needs are edge rusher, defensive back, wide receiver and interior lineman, and it’s likely one of these positions will be addressed with the 27th pick.
Baltimore has 11 picks in the draft. In this exercise, we will assume the Ravens stay at No. 27 and do not make any trades. I’ll go over their first-round options and how they will pivot from there in the later rounds.
In our first scenario, the Ravens go with a pass rusher with their top choice. With Ronnie Stanley re-signing with the organization, edge rusher is arguably their top need entering the offseason. Both Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are entering the final year of their rookie contracts and neither has truly lived up to expectations. This is a very talented draft class of pass rushers, especially in the first round.
Who could be available in the first round?
- Mike Green, Marshall
- James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
- Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
- Mykel Williams, Georgia
- Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Abdul Carter is hands down the top pass rusher in this class, but he’ll be a top-five selection, if not the top overall pick. Mike Green is No. 2 on my list of pass rushers and would be a dream pick, but he’s likely out of reach. James Pearce Jr. will be the wild card of the first round with reports of character concerns, but he is a perfect fit schematically. Either former Aggies pass rusher would also be a welcome addition.
Who are their Day 2 options?
Cornerback and wide receiver make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep an eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Cornerback:
- Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
- Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
- Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
- Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
- Darien Porter, Iowa State
Wide Receiver:
- Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
- Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
- Xavier Restrepo, Miami
- Tre Harris, Mississippi
- Tez Johnson, Oregon
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens also have needs at offensive line and safety. Developmental players to consider in the later rounds are quarterback, running back and linebacker.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
Round 1, No. 27: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Round 2, No. 59: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Round 3, No. 91: Tez Johnson, Oregon
Round 4, No. 129: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
Round 4, No. 136 (compensatory): J.J. Pegues, DT, Mississippi
Round 5, No. 176 (compensatory): Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
Round 5, No. 183: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Round 6, No. 203 (via Panthers): Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
Round 6, No. 210 (compensatory): Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
Round 6, No. 212 (compensatory): Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Round 7, No. 243: Johnny Walker Jr., LB, Missouri
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics