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 and defensive back, 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.
We previously went over how the draft would play out if a pass rusher or cornerback were to be selected in the first round. In this scenario, we will evaluate what the draft could look like with a safety being the top choice. Marcus Williams, a highly coveted free agent just a few years ago, was released by the Ravens earlier this month after a bizarre tenure in Baltimore. That leaves Sanoussi Kane, Ar’Darius Washington and Beau Brade as the only safeties on the roster aside from Kyle Hamilton.
Who could be available in the first round?
- Malaki Starks, Georgia
- Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
- Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
There are various opinions of all three players. Starks reminds me of Kyle Hamilton, a safety who was expected to be a top 10 pick at the end of the college football season but is now falling. Emmanwori has wowed scouts with his size and speed and would bring physicality to the position. Watts might be the best fit of the three for the Ravens because of his ability to make plays on the ball.
Who are their second day options?
Edge rusher and cornerback make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to look keep in eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Edge Rusher:
- Landon Jackson, Arkansas
- Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi
- Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
- Quandarrius Robinson, Alabama
Cornerback:
- Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
- Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
- Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
- Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
- Darien Porter, Iowa State
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens’ other needs are at the offensive and defensive lines. Developmental players to consider in the later rounds include quarterback, running back, wide receiver and linebacker.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
Round 1, No. 27: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Round 2, No. 59: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Mississippi
Round 3, No. 91: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 4, No. 129: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
Round 4, No. 136 (compensatory): Clay Webb, OG, Jacksonville State
Round 5, No. 176 (compensatory): Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Round 6, No. 183 (via Panthers): Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
Round 6, No. 203: Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
Round 6, No. 210 (compensatory): Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
Round 6, No. 212: Efton Chism, WR, Eastern Washington
Round 7, No. 243: Xavier Truss, OG, Georgia
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics