News Ravens Team Notes

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens 2025 NFL Draft: 8 Winners and 4 Losers

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

A look at the organizational changes following the draft.

The 2025 NFL is over and the Ravens used 11 draft picks to bolster an already Super Bowl-caliber roster. It’ll take years to give this draft a true grade but we can check for the immediate impact this class can bring.

Let's check on the winners and losers in the organization.

---

Winners​

Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr

After year one of Orr’s playcalling career started rough, the Ravens reloaded on that side of the ball after some disappointing secondary play and inconsistencies. Insert Malaki Starks and Mike Green into the starting lineup, add some inside pass rush prowess with Aeneas Peebles, and depth with Teddye Buchanan, Bilhal Kone, and Robert Longerbeam. The Ravens used six of their 11 picks on the defensive side of the ball. Orr will have a ton to work with during OTAs and training camp, and I can’t wait to see who makes the roster and how they’re utilized.

George Warhop and the OL options

The offensive line needed heavy investment coming into the draft. The Ravens had their three top starters, some penciled-in starters at guard, and re-signed Ben Cleveland at depth, but had nothing else. Insert three draft picks who all contribute in different ways. Emory Jones Jr. comes in as the top new option, a guy who could potentially push for a starter's role at guard, his likely spot in the NFL. But his experience at tackle in the SEC gives the Ravens a swing tackle option they didn’t have before. Carson Vinson has a very real chance to sit behind Ronnie Stanley for a few years and develop into the next franchise left tackle while also being depth. And seventh-round pick Garrett Dellinger is immediate depth at guard with a ton of starting experience.

Either way, new offensive line coach George Warhop suddenly has a ton to work with and mold before the season.

Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson v Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) to wrap up Day 1. pic.twitter.com/1iZ60htFXz

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 28, 2025​

Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele

As mentioned above, there were questions regarding the starting offensive line for the Ravens coming into the draft. Vorhees and Faalele were penciled in as the guard starters, but could the Ravens pick one high to replace them? They were heavily linked to Tyler Booker in the first round. Instead, they wait till their last pick of Day 2 to take their first linemen, and it’s a tackle instead. Emory Jones Jr. will likely play guard in the NFL and will compete for a spot. But the Ravens called him a “swing tackle” in their presser and typically slow-play rookies. Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele have to feel pretty good about earning starting spots right now.

T.J. Tampa, Jalyn Armour-Davis

Cornerback was listed as one of the top areas of interest in the NFL draft for the Baltimore Ravens. After signing Chidobe Awuzie who leaps into the third spot ahead of Tampa and Amour-Davis, could the Ravens pick another corner high, forcing them down the depth chart again? After being a highly regarded fourth-rounder last year, Tampa saw little action dealing with injuries. And Armour-Davis has always been talked about highly by the organization but has never had consistent snaps due to injury and is going into his last year. Both are desperate for an opportunity to shake the injury bug and get out there.

Instead, the Ravens wait until the sixth round to pick two corners, thus assuring Tampa and Armour-Davis’ spots in the room. Instead of potentially fighting each other for the last spot on the roster, Tampa and Armour-Davis will fight each other for the first backup spot behind the top three corners. A spot that will always see snaps due to rotation and injury. Tampa could set himself up to be a starter in 2026 with a good season and Armour-Davis is looking to buy himself more time in the NFL with a prove-it year. This should be one of the top training camp battles.

Return game

The Ravens have lacked consistent juice in at the returner position since Jacoby Jones was on this team. They’ve traded multiple guys over the years with varying success. Devin Duvernay was a good, consistent returner but more for not making mistakes and just getting north-south to pick up yardage. There was rarely electricity because of it. There have been moments like Wallace’s famous game-winner in 2023.

Lajohntay Wester invites real change to the position, a chance for a guy to come in and for the next four years, offer real electricity and juice at the spot. Wester has incredible start-stop suddenness and the burst to get up to his top speed quick. The traits for an electric returner are right there. Wester didn’t do it a ton at Colorado but was a good returner for Florida Atlantic. Expect fun times soon.

Mark Andrews

After months of trade rumors following an awful divisional round playoff game, Mark Andrews can let out that breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. This is still a top tight end in the league and Lamar Jackson’s favorite weapon. Trading him never really made since but a business does what a business needs to do. But the Ravens leave the drafts with no tight ends despite a deep class. This sets up one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL to remain the same: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar.

This is probably the last ride for Andrews in a Ravens uniform but it comes with a true Super Bowl roster. The expectation is for Likely to take a bigger role this season, conserving Andrews more and setting Likely up to receive a big extension and be the top tight end in Baltimore going forward. But for now, we should enjoy one of the franchise’s best players for one last season.

Eric DeCosta

Are we really surprised? He does this every year. Once again, the Ravens will leave the draft with one of the best grades amongst all the teams. DeCosta delivered maybe the best one-two punch in this draft, and definitely in his career, with Malaki Starks and Mike Green in the first two rounds. That’s two top 2-3 players at their positions, in the back of the first and second rounds, without any trades. Mike Green, especially, is an astonishing pick for them, both from a PR side and simply because it's the type of player the Ravens never get a chance to grab. A top-tier pass rusher that doesn’t normally fall out of the top 10-15 in the draft.

The @Ravens getting Starks & Green where they did is bizarre. Both were top 20 players on my board.

Insane value in the late 1st and 2nd rounds. These are guys that can help them get over the hump. pic.twitter.com/3SchjoWtfm

— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) April 27, 2025​

Add in depth at multiple positions of need with starter potential at a number of them, and DeCosta nailed this draft for the most part. The only surprise was how long they took to take a defensive linemen, but they seemingly nailed it with Aeneas Peebles, who comes in with serious pass rush pedigree. I also love their UDFA pick up of Nash Hutmacher, who’s my favorite to make the roster.

Overall, this was exactly the draft the Ravens needed to extend the window open for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens for a Super Bowl. Instant impact, depth and developmental picks for the future.

Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens, and Championships

After a devastating loss, once again, in the playoffs to the Bills, many could feel the energy dip a little. The question of whether or not they could get over the hump in the playoffs with Lamar Jackson rang loud. The question of what more the Ravens could do to get to a Super Bowl when they haven’t been able to do it yet, despite multiple years and chances with one of the top rosters in the NFL.

The organization answered those questions loudly. Re-signing Ronnie Stanley, adding DeAndre Hopkins, then drafting instant impact guys who reshape this roster. Despite already having one of the best rosters on paper going into the draft, the Ravens legitimately improved the roster during the draft. The championship hopes for Lamar Jackson and Baltimore remain alive and real because of it. These windows can close at any moment. Eric DeCosta and the Ravens made sure that wasn’t the case.

Losers​

Edge Room

The Ravens came into the draft heavily linked to grabbing an edge defender in the early rounds. This, even though the Ravens have six guys who could realistically make the roster in Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, David Ojabo, and Malik Hamm. The Ravens typically carry five guys into the season and just added a seventh name. With Mike Green added, and likely taking significant snaps, a couple of guys aren’t making the roster, and those who do could lose some snaps.

Justin Tucker

They mentioned it a couple of times during the offseason, the possibility of it. But there was always the question of ‘would they actually do it? ’ Then the Ravens did it. They drafted a kicker in the NFL draft for the first time in history. And while a sixth round isn’t massive most of the time, that’s a real investment for the kicker position. All-in-all, it doesn’t spell good things for Justin Tucker. The writing is mostly on the wall. There are still months to go and who knows what will happen, but things don’t look good with the accusations and now a real investment at the position.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

The Ravens are well known for the zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and domestic violence. After the very public Ray Rice incident, they’ve been very vocal about this policy and enforcing it. Now, just months after their kicker Justin Tucker was accused and no move has been made, they draft Mike Green. Their explanation for the lack of a move surrounding Tucker is waiting for the NFL’s investigation to conclude. Then they came out and said they did extensive and “exhaustive” work around Green’s incidents and came away feeling comfortable with drafting him. This will be a story going into the 2025 season, whether or not Tucker is still on the roster

Defensive Line room

There’s nothing majority negative about the room following the draft. But I think most people expected more investment for a room that only had three locks to make the roster. Peebles is a bit of a steal in the sixth and brings significant pass-rush juice. But eight different defensive linemen took snaps for the Ravens last year and no position in the NFL gets more rotation than the line. They lack a real run-stuffing option right now.

The Ravens signed UDFA Nash Hutmacher, who has a real chance to make an impact as a run defender and make the roster as a backup nose tackle. But they will need vets this season, including bringing back Brent Urban and finding others to fill the void.

Nash Hutmacher is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 7.39 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 528 out of 2022 DT from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/RnOL0DpzfI pic.twitter.com/xnLnB3Cznq

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 1, 2025​

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ners-and-4-losers-justin-tucker-investigation

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens 2025 NFL Draft: Final grades question Ravens’ selections

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

2025 NFL Draft grades aren’t as heavily favored toward the Ravens as years prior.

It’s about this time each year where the Baltimore Ravens are showered in praise for being a dominant drafting organization. Curiously, that hasn’t been the case this year. Instead, it’s a hodge-podge of A’s, B’s and a C grade.

---

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: “Grade: A. The Ravens should be the prime example of “letting the draft come to them.” They needed more safety playmaking and added a lot more production to the pass rush while getting two early first-round defensive talents in Starks and Green. Jones also filled a need for a backup tackle option. Don’t sleep on Buchanan being a dream tackler for them.”

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: “Grade: A. The Ravens are perennial contenders because they let the draft board come to them. Starks will be a playmaker no matter where he lines up. Green was still available late in Round 2 because of off-field concerns, but he has a chance to provide a lot of value off the edge. Jones could be a solid starter at guard or tackle in time. Buchanan met a need for Baltimore and Peebles should immediately step into the D-line rotation. The Ravens took a massive tackle in Vinson and a tough guard in Dellinger, who will compete for playing time early. The fluid Kone and quick Longerbeam figure to make an impact in the secondary as rookies. Loop might be the replacement for Justin Tucker amid questions about his future with the team. Wester is a tough, quick slot receiver and punt returner.”

Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi: “Grade: B+. S Malaki Starks (27) is mature, talented and can thrive on a team that knows how to develop safeties. Edge Mike Green Jr. (59) is excellent value. He was a first-round projection who slipped due to off-field concerns. OT Emery Jones Jr. (91) and LB Teddye Buchanan (129) are possible Day 3 steals.”

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso: “Grade B+. General manager Eric DeCosta is one of the savviest decision-makers in football, routinely allowing the draft to come to him. Starks creates a crowded element in the safety room, but he can do it all as a defensive back. Green and Buchanan are two explosive defenders up front with modern-day, well-rounded games, and Jones and Vinson are two developmental types up front on offense, although Jones is much closer to being starter-ready. Kone has the ball skills to be a starting outside corner sooner than later, and there probably was a legitimate need to add a new kicker. Keep an eye on Peebles as an explosive interior pass-rusher. Great Round 6 find. Another prudent draft weekend for Baltimore.”

The Score’s Dan Wilkins: “Grade: B+. Starks is the quintessential Ravens pick; it shouldn’t be surprising they were the ones to scoop him up when he fell further than expected in the first round. His instincts, range, and ball skills will make him a great fit next to Kyle Hamilton in the secondary. Green fills a big need on the edge, and the expected first-round pick was available on Day 2 because he’s twice been accused of sexual assault. Jones is a talented lineman who could have some starter upside with a transition inside to guard, and Buchanan’s coverage skills at linebacker made him one of my hidden gems of this class. Another strong year for Baltimore.”

USA Today’s Nate Davis: “Grade: B. From a football perspective, they got two standouts in the first two rounds with S Malaki Starks and OLB Mike Green, respectively – each addressing what are among the few needs for one of the league’s powerhouses, Starks likely to start from Day 1. Green led FBS with 17 sacks in 2024 and could make an immediate splash, too. Still, as much as GM Eric DeCosta defended Green’s selection, it’s a pretty bad organizational look. The Ravens have significant issues here currently with K Justin Tucker (who they are apparently in the process of replacing with sixth-rounder Tyler Loop) and in their past – yet chose a guy with multiple sexual assault allegations in his past (Green has denied both). Baltimore is a more talented football team today than it was a week ago, but at what cost?”

Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame: “Grade: B. Baltimore has a type, and it certainly stuck to it this year. The Ravens took Starks in the first round to pair with Kyle Hamilton, giving them one of the league’s top safety pairings if Starks reaches his full potential. They also landed Green in the second round, a first-round talent who fell due to sexual assault allegations. Jones is a value pick on the offensive line, but whether he sticks at tackle or kicks inside remains to be seen.”

The Washington Post’s Mark Maske: “Grade: B-. Put aside the propriety of whether the Ravens should have drafted pass rusher Mike Green despite his off-field issues — particularly given that their longtime kicker, Justin Tucker, is being investigated by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. Both players have denied wrongdoing. Purely on football considerations, the Ravens fortified their defense meaningfully by getting safety Malaki Starks in the first round and Green in the second. They did far less to help quarterback Lamar Jackson and the offense. The selection of kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round gives the Ravens a potential alternative to Tucker.”

New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy: “Grade: B-. Starks-Kyle Hamilton could quickly become the NFL’s best young safety tandem. Green in the late second round was great football value, but his two separate sexual assault allegations (both denied) brought more focus to veteran kicker Justin Tucker’s ongoing sexual misconduct investigation. Jones has inside-outside versatility.”

The Ringer’s Danny Kelly: “Grade: C. The Ravens scooped up excellent value in Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a versatile playmaker in the secondary who should complement Kyle Hamilton perfectly and give defensive coordinator Zach Orr incredible flexibility. In the second round, Baltimore added Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, whose draft-day fall stems primarily from the two separate accounts of sexual assault that have surfaced, one from high school and another from college (he was not charged in either case). The team addressed offensive line depth by grabbing LSU tackle Emory Jones Jr. and Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson and added some defensive depth in Cal linebacker Teddye Buchanan and Western Michigan corner Bilhal Kone. Starks is the anchor of this class, but outside of that, I’m left with some concerns. Vinson, Kone, and Green all come from smaller schools, and Green’s background is troubling. They also drafted kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round to ostensibly replace Justin Tucker, after 16 massage therapists have come forward with detailed accounts of his sexual misconduct. Overall this doesn’t feel like a typical Ravens home run draft.”

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...draft-final-grades-question-ravens-selections

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens fans overwhelmingly love the Malaki Starks pick

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Majority of Ravens fans believe the Malaki Starks selection in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is an ‘A’ Grade.

These poll results are sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of SB Nation. Following the draft, the Ravens are the No. 2 betting favorite to win Super Bowl LX at +750.

---

Earlier last week, Baltimore Beatdown polled its community on what grade they’d give the Baltimore Ravens’ No. 27 overall pick of safety Malaki Starks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Overwhelmingly, they graded the pick as an ‘A’ grade.

Ravens fans aren’t the only ones praising the selection, either. Across the NFL media landscape, many are giving the Ravens an A grade for their selection of Starks. ESPN’s Jordan Reid had the Starks selection as their favorite pick in the draft.

“Once again, the Ravens allowed the board to fall to them and simply took the best player available. Starks doesn’t play a position of immediate need, but the Ravens don’t bypass talent to reach for needs at certain positions. With the recent release of Marcus Williams, Starks could start right away at free safety and be another crucial performer for an already versatile secondary.”

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...the-malaki-starks-pick-2025-nfl-draft-results

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Roundtable Reactions: Favorite Ravens’ picks in the 2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The Beatdown staff share which of the Baltimore Ravens’ draft selections was their favorite.

The Baltimore Beatdown staff share who their favorite pick was of the Baltimore Ravens 2025 NFL Draft class.

---

It’s the chalk, boring choice but my favorite draft pick from this year’s Ravens’ class is Malaki Starks. He checks off almost every box the Ravens needed in their first round selection. He fits a position of need, was a great value pick, and is NFL-ready to play big defensive snaps right away. Out of all the prospects they could have taken at No. 27 overall, Starks has the best chance of being a difference-maker in the postseason, too. — Frank Platko

---

My favorite pick is the easy one and that is Ravens’ first-rounder Malaki Starks. I love this pick for multiple reasons, the first of which is the quality of player and leader Baltimore was able to land at the backend of the first round. Starks should contribute right away to Zach Orr’s defense. The second reason I love this pick so much is what it does for the rest of the defense, particularly for safety Kyle Hamilton. Having Starks available to play on the backend of the defense frees Hamilton up to play where he is best, which is closer to the line of scrimmage where he routinely wrecks plays.

Stark’s versatility to also play in the slot and in the dime will lead to a level of unpredictability for opposing quarterbacks that has to have Orr foaming at the mouth. Between Starks, Hamilton, safety Ar’Darius Washington and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens should field one of the most versatile defensive back groups in the NFL. — Dustin Cox

---

I’m going off the beaten path. Starks is an obvious choice because he’s the first rounder, Green is an obvious choice because of the value and potential impact as a top 10-20 talent in this class. But I’m coming to love the LaJohntay Wester pick from the sixth round.

This return game has been abysmal for a long time. Devin Duvernay kind of settled things down for a little and was consistent but only had a couple big returns across an extended period. Tylan Wallace obviously has the biggest special teams play since Jacoby Jones in the Super Bowl. But Wallace lacked any consistent performance and was generally not a great punt returner who misread punts at times.

But Wester could and should be a return to the Jacoby Jones times. More important than actual top speed in punt returns, Wester has incredible burst, acceleration, and the start-stop ability that allows dynamic returns to be created. He was awarded the AAC special teams player of the year where he averaged nearly 20 yards a return on 14 punt returns.

Along with the special teams aspect, which is good enough on its own to be worth the sixth-round pick, Wester was an insanely productive slot receiver. He had 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 with Florida Atlantic then nearly had 1,000 again with 10 touchdowns in Colorado behind second-overall pick Travis Hunter. I think there’s an NFL slot receiver in there despite the size issues. He’ll have plenty of time to develop with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman still here for another three and two years minimum, respectively.

Wester is one of the most exciting weapons the Ravens have drafted in a long time. Once Ravens fans find his highlight package, he’s going to quickly become a fan favorite who fans ask why he’s not getting opportunities. But with trust and time, he’ll get his chances. For now, the returner will dazzle us. — Zach Canter

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...s-favorite-ravens-picks-in-the-2025-nfl-draft

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

What was your favorite Day 2 pick for the Ravens?

Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Which of the Ravens’ two Day 2 picks, Mike Green or Emery Jones Jr., was your favorite?

The Ravens addressed three of their biggest needs with their first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. After selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round, Baltimore used the No. 59 overall pick on Marshall edge rusher Mike Green and pick No. 91 on LSU offensive lineman Emory Jones Jr.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What was your favorite Day 2 pick for the Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft?​

My answer: Mike Green

This is a tricky choice for me. If you are purely talking about on-the-field ability, then Mike Green is easily Baltimore’s biggest value pick in the entire draft. Walking away with what many considered a top-20 prospect at one of their biggest positions of need was not on anyone’s bingo card for the Ravens entering Friday night.

Now, about that massive elephant in the room. The only reason such a prospect was available at pick 59 was due to the multiple sexual assault allegations hanging over Green’s head. I was as shocked as anybody to see Baltimore draft a player with that kind of baggage, especially with the Justin Tucker situation still looming over the organization.

I would be lying, though, if I said I was more excited about a third-round offensive lineman than a potential game-changing edge rusher, which the team has sorely lacked since the days of Terrell Suggs.

What was your favorite Day 2 draft pick? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-2-pick-for-the-ravens-mike-green-emory-jones

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens pick up Kyle Hamilton’s fifth-year option; Linderbaum’s declined

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Kyle Hamilton fifth-year option is picked up while Tyler Linderbaum’s isn’t. What’s next for both?

With the draft now done, the next step on the agenda was the fifth-year options for each team with a first-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The deadline is Thursday, May 1, so on April 30, the Ravens announced their decisions for both of safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum.

We are exercising the fifth-year option for safety Kyle Hamilton!

Statement from General Manager Eric DeCosta. pic.twitter.com/fTqK0ADx9c

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 30, 2025​

The Ravens picked up Hamilton’s fifth-year option but did not pick up Linderbaum’s. Neither of these decisions come as a surprise as the Ravens will work with both to get them both signed to long-term extensions.

Hamilton’s decision is a no-brainer. He will likely reset the safety market. The highest-paid safety is the recently extended Detroit Lions’ Kerby Joseph, who signed a four-year, $86 million contract, with his $21.5 million average annual value. Houston Texans’ cornerback Derek Stingley’s $30 million a year is the highest per-year amount for a cornerback. Hamilton isn’t expected to get that high but don’t be surprised if his extension blows Joseph’s number out of the water. At only $18.6 million, Hamilton’s projected fifth-year option amount is a massive steal, ergo, a no-brainer. Hamilton is now under contract through the 2026 season.

Linderbaum is more complicated. Fifth-year options for offensive linemen are not position based. Because both he and Hamilton have made multiple Pro Bowls, their fifth-year option salaries are the same as the franchise tag amount. As explained above, it’s a bargain for Hamilton. For Linderbaum though, it averages the top-paid linemen, including tackles, which means the tender comes out to around $23.4 million. The highest-paid center is currently Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey at $18 million a year. Not exactly a great bargain for the Ravens.

For Linderbaum, that means 2025 is his last season under contract. It also means the Ravens won’t franchise tag him at the end of the year if they can’t reach an extension, because it will only go up from where it is now. Spotrac has the projected franchise tag for offensive linemen around $27 million. That puts pressure on the Ravens to get his extension done now. If not, they will have to work similar magic to Ronnie Stanley this offseason to extend Linderbaum next offseason before he reaches free agency.

The Ravens extended Ronnie Stanley midseason in 2020, right before he suffered a significant ankle injury. Expect the Ravens to figure it out with Linderbaum similarly, either this summer or midseason. With Philadelphia Eagles’ Cam Jurgens signing his extension at $17 million a year, Linderbaum can slide right in between Jurgens and Humphrey, hopefully making it an easy negotiation.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...iltons-fifth-year-option-linderbaums-declined

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

ESPN Sports analytics projects Ravens’ rookie Mike Green will be elite

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

ESPN Sports Analytics Writer Seth Walder has Ravens’ rookie edge rusher Mike Green projected to total double-digit sacks in Year 1.

Over the past few years, ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder has tinkered with data to project sacks in the NFL. Predicting sacks is a challenge, seeing as there are numerous variables making it an inexact science, but Walder’s model has had its fair share of accuracy. And when projecting the 2025 rookie class, the model has Ravens’ rookie edge rusher Mike Green projected to be among the best of his class.

Let's try this again:

Sack forecast for this year's draft prospects!

This model projects each player's total sacks over years 1-3 in their NFL careers. It's intended as a pre-draft model but I had a bug I didn't manager to squash until today. pic.twitter.com/dpNBELQWmu

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 30, 2025​

How trustworthy though is Walder’s data? It’s one thing to point at colored-in charts and numbers, but it’s another thing to see any results.

The Data​

Below are the top 9 players from Walder’s 2024 prediction model (Haason Reddick removed) and their 2024 season results. Also included is the amount of games played.

Walder’s model isn’t too far off. In a prediction game built on highly volatile variables and uncertainty, these top nine projections finished with an average difference of -2.144. The biggest misses were Alex Highsmith (-5.2), who missed six games with injury and never got back to 100%. The second largest delta was Judon, who was on an Atlanta Falcons roster devoid of pass rush help. Sometimes, the data misses.

Return to Ravens​

If the same delta (-2.144) were to hold true in the case of Green, the rookie edge rusher could be setting the tone quickly for the Ravens’ defense. Some have even likened him to eventual Hall of Fame Raven Terrell Suggs.

“I think so,” CBS Sports’ Mike Renner said on “Glenn Clark Radio.” ”I don’t see him really being limited, because he is so explosive, and his bend is so good, and he is so relentless as a pass rusher that I think he is just going to get it done. While he has a smaller frame, he’s also a very good run defender, too. I think that part of his game got underrated throughout the draft process. He’s a true every-down edge. I don’t think that’s even a debate in my mind.”

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ojects-ravens-rookie-mike-green-will-be-elite

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Is sixth-round pick Robert Longerbeam the Ravens’ Day 3 steal?

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Ravens made five picks in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and analysts are raving about the final pick of the bunch, Robert Longerbeam.

On Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens went all-out in the third round, selecting five players, beginning with Western Michigan’s Bilhal Kone at No. 178 and finishing with Rutgers cornerback Robert Longerbeam with No. 212. High praise was given to many of the picks as the Ravens added Virginia Tech interior pass rusher Aeneas Peebles and a possible new kicker in Arizona’s Tyler Loop, but the player receiving the most commendation and curiosity was the final selection, Longerbeam. PFF’s Trevor Sikkema shared what he saw from the cornerback at the Shrine Bowl and sees positive traits to add for the Ravens’ defense.

“I like Robert Longerbeam a lot,” Sikkema said on the “PFF NFL Show.” “I think that this is a slot stud. I was watching him in person at the Shrine Bowl, and the stop and start ability that you have to have as a slot defender was excellent. I felt like he was great value in the sixth round. I really do. I like him for this Ravens defense. That secondary only gets more multiple with the guys they brought in.”

ESPN’s Field Yates named Longerbeam as one of his favorite picks in the sixth round.

“It is nice to have a specific trait to hang your hat on as a Day 3 pick, and Longerbeam’s is his excellent ball skills. He led the Big Ten in pass breakups in 2024 (12) after finishing second the season before for Rutgers (eight). Longerbeam has very good speed and instincts, allowing him to be a play disruptor.”

The Ravens’ defense is already stacked with starter talent; they entered the draft with few holes and more than anything were re-stocking for another Super Bowl push. But along with plugging holes, adding upside-potential talent to contribute like Longerbeam could be the difference, and the analysts are sharing positivity around the late pick.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...pick-robert-longerbeam-the-ravens-day-3-steal

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Does Tyler Loop’s drafting spell the end of Justin Tucker in Baltimore?

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Is the writing on the wall for Justin Tucker’s future in Baltimore after the Ravens drafted Tyler Loop in the sixth round?

The Ravens were one of the few teams in the league to use an actual draft pick on one of the three special teams positions as they selected Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round. Unsurprisingly, the decision to draft a kicker has stirred up the whispers about Justin Tucker’s future in Baltimore.

Tucker is still in the midst of allegations stemming from half a dozen massage therapists accusing the kicker of inappropriate activity. These allegations have come not too long after the Deshaun Watson saga that saw him get accused by dozens of massage therapists for the same actions.

The Ravens have shown in the past that they at least try to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy, specifically when they released running back Ray Rice following a video of him knocking out his then-fiancee in an elevator. Without actual video evidence, however, the Ravens are likely to take their time in letting the facts come to light before making a decision regarding the greatest kicker in franchise history.

Loop started his career as the Wildcats’ punter, playing in five games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The next season, he converted on all of his PAT and field goal attempts (12 each) while playing in eight games total.

The 2022 season was Loop’s first as the full-time starting kicker for Arizona. He was a perfect 38-for-38 on his PATs and 18-of-21 on field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards. That year, he earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12. In the team’s final season as a member of the Pac-12, Loop converted all 53 of his PATs and went 19-for-24 on field goals with a long of 52 yards end route to being named Second-Team All-Pac-12.

This past season in the Big 12, Loop was named Honorable Mention All-Conference after converting 23-of-25 PATs and 18-of-23 field goals with a long of 62 which was also a program record.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2025/5/2/24422419/ravens-tyler-loop-justin-tucker-allegations

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Projecting roles for the Ravens 2025 rookie class

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

How will the Ravens’ incoming rookies fit into the roster for their first season?

Now a week removed from draft weekend, time has allowed us to further digest the Baltimore Ravens’ loaded rookie class. The Ravens drafted 11 prospects in total, giving themselves a stacked group of fresh young talent for the upcoming 2025 season.

The performances of each incoming rookie during the forthcoming summer activities will go a long way in determining their role for the year. So too will other factors like potential injuries, trades, or additional free agent signings.

However, while it’s still early on, we can make a projection as to what role each prospect will have for the Ravens in 2025 based on their skill set, position group, and potential.

---

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Malaki Starks ​

The Ravens’ first-round draft pick should be primed to fill a big role on defense right away. Starks may not technically be listed as a starter early in the season, as that title may belong to incumbent Ar’Darius Washington alongside Kyle Hamilton. However, expect Starks to play significant snaps from the jump in multiple-safety sets — and look for his playing time to only increase as the season progresses.

While he has room for improvement and refinement like any rookie, Starks already possesses a polished all-around skill set. His combination of tackling in run defense, pass coverage abilities, and intangibles figure to translate at the professional level from day one.

Role: Starting Free Safety

---

Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Mike Green ​

Marshall’s Mike Green, whom the Ravens drafted with the No. 59 overall pick, was an excellent value pick. If not for off-the-field concerns, Green was very likely to be a first-round draft selection. Green led all FBS players in sacks last season (17) while also adding 84 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended.

Green will play a factor in the Ravens’ edge rusher rotation right away behind Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy. Green will push the likes of Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac and David Ojabo for snaps early, with his role likely to expand throughout the season.

Role: Rotational Edge Rusher

---

Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images

Emory Jones ​

While he played right tackle at LSU in college, many project Emory Jones will be better suited at offensive guard in the NFL. That’s likely where the Ravens intend to deploy him, although he’ll probably take snaps at both positions this summer. Jones could compete with Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees for a starting role at one of the guard spots but the chances he’d win the job aren’t great, given his development needed.

However, with positional versatility, Jones can replace Patrick Mekari as the team’s swing tackle right away and plug in as needed in extra offensive lineman sets and as a spot-starter in case of injury.

Role: Swing Tackle, Backup Offensive Lineman

---

Photo by Thien-An Truong/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Teddye Buchanan​

The Ravens drafted Buchanan in the fourth round out of California to address their need at inside linebacker - a position lacking depth after Malik Harrison and Chris Board departed in free agency. If Trenton Simpson can develop into the every-down linebacker the Ravens hope he can be, then Buchanan likely won’t play a huge defensive factor in Year 1. However, regardless he figures to be an immediate significant special teams contributor, where Board shined for many years. Buchanan has the potential to carve out a rotational role at linebacker as the season goes on.

Role: Backup Linebacker, Core Special Teamer

---

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Carson Vinson ​

After drafting Jones in Round 3, the Ravens double-dipped with offensive tackles by taking Carson Vinson out of Alabama A&M two rounds late. Vinson was a stud at the small-school level and possesses years of experience at left tackle. He projects as a developmental talent in the NFL, though, with much room to grow in terms of refinement, consistency, and technique. Once these attributes catch up to his raw physical traits, Vinson could become a starter-level player. It will help him to shadow behind Ronnie Stanley as a primary backup.

Role: Backup Offensive Tackle

---

Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Bilhal Kone​

The Ravens traditionally love cornerbacks with good size and length, who play well in press man coverage. Western Kentucky’s Bilhal Kone fits that profile at 6-foot-2 with experience playing the boundary. Kone’s tackling abilities will need to develop further at the NFL level but he has a good foundation to eventually develop into a starter-caliber cornerback. His early chances of doing that in Baltimore are slim, but he can play a valuable backup and special teams role from the onset while waiting in the wings for a larger opportunity.

Role: Backup Cornerback

---

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Tyler Loop​

Loop is the first kicker the Ravens have ever drafted in franchise history. The Arizona product has a strong leg and the Ravens became enamored with him during their scouring process. Loop’s rookie season is contigent upon the status of Justin Tucker, who is on shaky ground until a conclusion to his situation comes about. If there is a resolution and Tucker winds up remaining in the fold, Loop would likely be released and the Ravens would attempt to sign him to their practice squad if he’s not scooped up elsewhere. However, if the Ravens part ways with Tucker, then Loop will immediately step in as the heir to the throne and starting kicker.

Role: Starting Kicker or Practice Squad Candidate

---

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

LaJohntay Wester​

The Ravens’ lone wide receiver draft pick this year was slot and return specialist LaJontay Wester out of Colorado. Wester fell to the sixth round despite a strong five-year statistical collegiate career. Wester will be the immediate favorite to secure the No. 6 wide receiver spot on a crowded depth chart, where the Ravens already have five solidified wideouts and their starters set. Wester’s experience as a returner on special teams will help his chances of making the final roster, but he’s unlikely to make a big impact on offense unless there were injuries to players above him in the pecking order.

Role: Backup Wide Receiver and Return Specialist

---

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Aeneas Peebles​

Of all the team’s mid-to-late round draft picks, Aeneas Peebles out of Virginia Tech may have the best chance to make an impact right away. That’s because the Ravens are thin on the defensive line and Peebles was their only draft selection at this position. Peebles was, though, rated much higher as a prospect by some than where the Ravens drafted him in the sixth round. He should be in-line to play some rotational snaps behind Justin Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington right away. The Ravens could still supplement this group with another veteran or two, which may impact Peebles’ eventual role come August and September.

Role: Rotational Defensive Lineman

---

Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Robert Longerbeam​

Longerbeam was the second-to-last draft pick the Ravens made but is a sleeper candidate to exceed expectations. The Rutgers product plays an aggressive style of cornerback and was a playmaker in the slot in college. He has some athletic limitations and needs to develop further but has good intangibles and instincts. The Ravens cornerback room is crowded and Longerbeam will compete with Kone for a spot in the back-half of the depth chart, with the potential to climb.

Role: Backup Cornerback

---

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Garrett Dellinger​

The Ravens’ final draft pick of the class was LSU’s Garrett Dellginer, who will join his collegiate teammate Emory Jones in Baltimore. Dellinger started a lot of games for LSU as an offensive guard. The Ravens have a crowded interior offensive line group, but Dellinger’s experience might him a good chance to acclimate well early on. There’s a history in Baltimore of later-round offensive line picks exceeding expectations.

Role: Backup Offensive Guard

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...altimore-malaki-starks-mike-green-rookies-nfl

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens agree to terms with OT Joseph Noteboom

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After selecting three offensive lineman in the draft last weekend, the Ravens are continuing to reinforce their depth in the trenches up front. On Saturday afternoon, the team announced they agreed to terms on a contract with offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom.

We have agreed to terms on a contract with OT Joseph Noteboom! pic.twitter.com/pesLFOyKiK

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 3, 2025​

Noteboom is a seven-year veteran and former third-round draft pick in 2018 out of TCU. He’s spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams, before now joining the Ravens. He had signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Rams back in 2022 before suffering a torn achilles injury that following season. He will turn 30 years old this coming June.

Last year, Noteboom was sidelined by an ankle injury and only started four games in total on the season. For his career, he’s started in 35 games and appeared in 71. Noteboom is a natural offensive tackle.

For the Ravens. this signing represents a further effort to add depth to their offensive line. The timing of the move is interesting given they just drafted two listed offensive tackles in Emory Jones Jr. in the third round and Carson Vinson in the fifth round. The former is viewed as a possible candidate to kick inside and transition to guard, however.

Noteboom will help add some veteran experience to this position group, which is needed after the Ravens lost Patrick Mekari in free agency. The Ravens now have an even more crowded offensive line group and competition for playing time and roster spots will be fierce this upcoming summer.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...baltimore-offensie-tackle-signing-free-agency

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Baltimore Ravens sign 17 undrafted rookie free agents

Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

Baltimore Beatdown went 16/17 on our tracker.

On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens announced they’ve officially signed 17 of their undrafted rookie free agents. Baltimore Beatdown was successful in tracking 16 of the players, and found numerous others added for minicamp invites and participation.

Ravens Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

1. WR Jahmal Banks, Nebraska
2. OLB Diwun Black, Temple
3. OT Gerad Lichtenhan, Oregon State
4. WR Xavier Guillory, Arizona State
5. ILB Jay Higgins, Iowa
6. OL Reid Holskey, Miami (OH)
7. OT Ozzie Hutchinson, Albany
8. S Desmond Igbinosun, Rutgers
9. S Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
10. DT Jayson Jones, Auburn
11. CB Reuben Lowery, Tennessee-Chattanooga
12. RB Marcus Major, Minnesota
13. ILB Chandler Martin, Memphis
14. RB Sone Ntoh, Monmouth
15. OL Jared Penning, Northern Iowa
16. TE Sam PItz, Minnesota-Duluth
17. CB Marquise Robinson, Arkansas

---

It’s most curious how the Ravens have yet to truly address defensive line, as they added just one undrafted rookie defensive tackle along with drafting a more pass rush-centric defensive lineman in Aeneas Peebles in the sixth round. They’ve yet to add much at the nose tackle position. Though, it’s worth noting Jones is 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. For the Ravens’ sake, it would be nice to discover their next Michael Pierce after his retirement this offseason.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...gents-chandler-martin-jared-penning-sone-ntoh

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Emery Jones Jr. has labrum injury; expected to be out until training camp

Photo by LSU Athletics/University Images via Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens commenced their rookie minicamp this week, welcoming in their 2025 draft class and undrafted signees for their first taste of the NFL. Unfortunately, it was announced that one of their top draft picks won’t be participating — and may not see any action for an extended time.

Per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Head Coach John Harbaugh told reporters that offensive tackle Emory Jones Jr., who the team selected in the third round out of LSU, has a labrum injury and is expected to be sidelined until at least training camp.

Harbaugh said that third-round OT Emery Jones had a labrum issue. Hes not expected to practice until perhaps training camp.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 4, 2025​

The Ravens traditionally seem to have at least one rookie enter out of the gate with an injury and this year is evidently no different. Last season, coincidentally their 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac suffered a hamstring injury early in rookie minicamp.

Fortunately for Jones, it’s as early as it could be to have an injury, so he will have plenty of time to return to 100%. If the reported timeline proves to be accurate and Jones is back for training camp, that would give him until mid-July to recover. If his injury lingers longer and he’s forced to miss some of training camp, he could still return in time to participate in preseason action in August.

Jones, who played right tackle at LSU, is anticipated to move inside to guard for the Ravens or at least receive reps there early on. The Ravens are set at both starting outside spots and drafted another offensive tackle, Carson Vinson, while also just signing veteran Joseph Noteboom shortly after the draft.

They triple-dipped in the draft by selecting Jones’ college teammate Garrett Dellinger, an offensive guard, in the seventh round. Needless to say, the Ravens will not be short on depth along the offensive line.

Jones’ absence will give Vinson, Dellinger, and other young offensive lineman a chance to take on more reps and potentially carve out a larger role. When he does return later this summer, Jones will have to play a bit of catch-up.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...t-until-training-camp-baltimore-ravens-rookie

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Roundtable Reactions: Ravens cut Justin Tucker

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Baltimore Beatdown staff share their reactions to the news of the Ravens releasing kicker Justin Tucker.

The Baltimore Ravens announced they have released kicker Justin Tucker. Below are the reactions from the Baltimore Beatdown staff.

---

Early in my writing career, I grew a fascination for special teams; it became my specialty. I adored writing about the most accurate kickers in NFL history. It became my annual pre-season tradition. Lengthy hours poured into tracking every field goal attempt by the NFL’s most-accurate. It felt great highlighting kicking as a whole, and to shine a light on the greatness of Tucker. After all, he was a Raven.

For the past three months — and for the rest of my days — I’ll feel tainted by trumpeting Tucker’s on-field greatness.

He’s the greatest to ever do it. And yet, his legacy is ruined. More importantly, he hurt more than a dozen victims.

His actions hurt many. His actions fractured the Ravens’ moral standing, years after the team announced and boasted their “zero-tolerance policy” when the Browns signed Deshaun Watson.

I use this platform to not speak any more on Tucker, but to share a way to support victims of sexual violence. Consider donating to RAINN today. — Kyle Phoenix

---

The writing was on the wall when the Ravens drafted a kicker in the sixth round. The recent allegations against Tucker paired with his sharp decline on the field the past two seasons made this decision easy, but it’s still an unfortunate way for things to end for the greatest kicker in NFL history.

Baltimore now enters uncertain territory at the kicker position for the first time since 2012 when they went with Tucker as an undrafted rookie out of Texas. The Ravens special teams unit struggled mightily last season, so an unknown at kicker could present an upgrade. — Dustin Cox

---

It’s a weird feeling. This is the right move by the Ravens. Both for moral reasons and to give your rookie draft-pick kicker the best mindset going into the season. I assumed it would happen, but it’s invokes a foreign feeling.

Justin Tucker, for a long time, was the heart and soul of this team, especially during a time when offensive scoring was minimal after the Super Bowl 47. But his play the last two seasons had gone down, and, more importantly, the accusations against him were too great to ignore.

It’s a shame it had to end this way in Baltimore for somebody who should have been remembered as the greatest kicker of all time. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be the first thought now. — Zach Canter

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-sexual-assault-allegations-nfl-breaking-news

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Steelers trade WR George Pickens; How did he fare against the Ravens?

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded their second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, wide receiver George Pickens, to the Dallas Cowboys.

Pickens was a Steeler for three seasons and routinely was a thorn in the Ravens’ side. His departure is a positive for the Ravens, though they’re not without a different star receiver with D.K. Metcalf being acquired by the Steelers this offseason.

But how big of a loss is this for the Steelers — or a benefit for Baltimore?

Pickens vs. Ravens

In five regular season games against the Ravens, Pickens went 4-1. In their lone playoff matchup, he went 0-1. But the win total doesn’t paint the full picture.

Game 1 — Dec. 11, 2022

The first contest between Pickens and the Steelers, he showed out. Though the Steelers lost 16-14, his presence was revealed. He caught all three targets thrown his way for 78 yards. The first reception being a deep shot against Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams for 42 yards, moving the Steelers to the 7-yard line. The next play, Pickens drew a DPI penalty on Humphrey in the end zone, and running back Najee Harris scored one play later. His second reception went for 25 yards, once more against Humphrey. Down by six, the Steelers kickstarted their drive with an 11-yard catch to Pickens... against Humphrey.

Ultimately, the Steelers lost as the drive ended with a 40-yard field goal block by Calais Campbell and running out the clock as the Ravens had Anthony Brown as their third-string quarterback in the game.

Game 2 — Jan. 1, 2023

The beginning of the game, Kenny Pickett couldn’t sync up with Pickens. His first pass to Pickens was defended by Brandon Stephens. His second reception target was an illegal touch pass on Pickens.

Then, he converted a critical 3rd & 14 with a 14-yard reception against Stephens. The drive finished with a 51-yard field goal by Boswell to cut the Ravens’ lead, 13-6.

A drive later, he gained another 15 yards against Stephens as the Steelers marched downfield for a 33-yard field goal to further slash the lead, 13-9.

The Ravens’ applied more pressure toward Pickens’ way and were scorched by Pat Freiermuth and Steven Sims, as the due gained 52 yards in three plays, and made it into Ravens’ territory. A few plays later, Harris caught a Pickens touchdown throw and took the 16-13 lead with 56 seconds remaining. The Ravens, with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, failed to drive the ball down for a tie as he was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick and lost, 16-13.

Game 3 — Oct. 8, 2023

The second-year bump for Pickens was real as he finished the season with 1,140 yards and five touchdowns, and led the NFL in 2023 with 18.1 yards per reception. And in Week 5, he carved the Ravens’ defense, finishing with six receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown and a 16-yard run.

First reception went for 21 yards against Ronald Darby. The second for 11 yards. Then, he gashed the Ravens for 16 yards on the ground. He gained 23 yards on his third catch, and another 13 two plays later.

In the fourth quarter, with the Ravens’ leading 10-8, the Steelers gained possession after a bad throw by Lamar Jackson to Odell Beckham Jr. in the end zone. The Steelers converted a 3rd & 9 but quickly faced another 3rd & 4. But the chains moved yet again with Pickens beating Stephens for a 21-yard gain. Two plays later, the scored the game-winning touchdown on a nine-route for the 41-yard touchdown.

Game 4 — Jan. 6, 2024

The Ravens had locked up the No. 1 seed and decided to rest their starters. The Steelers took advantage and quarterback Mason Rudolph finished near passing perfection, going 18-for-20 passing for 152 yards and a touchdown. However, he fumbled the ball thrice, but recovered two of them. Pickens was not much involved, being held catch-less and one rush for three yards.

Game 5 — Nov. 17, 2024

Pickens finished his final regular season game against the Ravens with eight catches for 89 yards. He moved the chains on half his catches.

• 3rd & 1 (8 yards)
• 2nd & 16 (17 yards)
• 2nd & 15 (37 yards)
• 3rd & 5 (7 yards)

The Steelers did not score a touchdown in this game, but won as Boswell knocked through six field goals, including three from 50+ yards.

Wildcard Round — Jan. 11, 2025

The Ravens got the last laugh against Pickens, though they didn’t slow him in their final matchup. He caught all five targets his way for 87 yards and a touchdown. He led both teams with receptions and yards.

In the first half, Pickens wasn’t much involved. But in the third quarter, the Steelers and Ravens exchanged scoring drives. Van Jefferson scored a 30-yards touchdown to put the Steelers on the scoreboard, 21-7. The Ravens scored four plays later on a 44-yard Derrick Henry rushing touchdown. The Steelers once more answered as they scored five plays later, Russell Wilson hitting Pickens for a 36-yard touchdown. But that was the end of the Steelers playoff scoring. Even after Pickens helped move the chains late in the third with an 11-yard catch on 3rd & 4. And on their final offensive drive, Pickens gained 32 yards on two catches, helping keep them in the game with eight minutes left in the game. But their last gasp fell incomplete on 4th & 15 with six minutes remaining. The Ravens hammered them in the run game burned out the clock, winning 28-14. and a couple ch

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ge-pickens-how-did-he-fare-against-the-ravens

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Rob Gronkowski reveals Ravens planned to draft him in 2010

David Butler II-Imagn Images

The greatest tight end of all time was almost a Raven.

The Baltimore Ravens have fielded an impressive list of star tight ends during their short tenure as a team, including Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Todd Heap, Dennis Pitta, and Mark Andrews. The Ravens almost landed potentially the best tight end of all time to add to that list during the 2010 NFL Draft, however, the New England Patriots jumped one spot ahead of them in the second round to take Rob Gronkowski before they could.

Gronkowski recently revealed more information about the franchise-defining moment for the Patriots while speaking on the Dudes On Dudes podcast. The four-time Super Bowl champion tight end revealed that the Ravens were going to draft him in the first round with the No. 25 overall pick before trading out of the first round entirely with the Denver Broncos, who selected Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow.

“The Ravens have the 43rd pick now,” Gronkowski said. “Well then the New England Patriots got a sniff of it and they traded up one spot before the Baltimore Ravens at number 42, where I got drafted.”

Rob Gronkowski reveals that the #Ravens were going to pick him before Bill Belichick and the #Patriots traded up one slot ahead of them.

There’s also the matter of Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.

(via @DudesOnDudesPod) pic.twitter.com/B77XufkDJd

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 7, 2025​

Gronkowski went on to have a Hall of Fame career with Tom Brady throwing him the ball in New England and then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Ravens selected defensive end Sergio Kindle with the No. 43 overall pick. Kindle barely saw the field for Baltimore and was released during his third season in the NFL. The Ravens would leave the 2010 draft with a pair of good tight ends, though, in Pitta and Ed Dickson. Pitta played a crucial role during Baltimore’s 2012 Super Bowl run, although his career was sadly cut short due to multiple hip injuries. There is no telling how different things could have been for quarterback Joe Flacco if he had Gronkowski to throw to for his entire career with the Ravens.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ut-on-drafting-him-sergio-kindle-dennis-pitta

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Which player is on the roster bubble heading into training camp?

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

A certain room is stacked with players and leaves somebody on the way out.

The Ravens' roster is mostly set at this point. Outside of one more addition on the defensive line to boost the nose tackle spot and maybe a cornerback, the Ravens are likely done with signings. With OTAs right around the corner and training camp just a couple of months away, who on the roster is now potentially on the outside looking in?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which player is on the roster bubble?​

My answer: EDGE David Ojabo

There are some other options as well, mostly rookie contract players. However, Ojabo is by far the biggest bubble player. If the 53-man roster had to be set right now, I think he’s off the team. The edge room is filled with players now. They have seven guys who could legitimately make the roster: Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, Adissa Isaac, Malik Hamm, and Ojabo.

The Ravens don’t typically carry more than five on the roster, leaving Ojabo and Hamm on the outside looking in. Robinson played a ton of snaps last year and Isaac is a second-year, third-round player; they'll want to give him more time to develop into the pass-rusher he could become. That puts Ojabo and Hamm fighting for a sixth spot they might not even give out.

Ojabo is in the last year of his rookie contract after being a second-round pick coming off a torn achilles. He’s struggled to stay healthy but flashed when he did, notching two strip sacks in the five games he played his first two years. He stayed healthy last year, appearing in 13 games but still struggled to see the field, only taking 33% of snaps. He still managed to nab two sacks in 2024 but was seemingly benched often.

The ceiling for Ojabo could still be the double-digit pass rusher that made him a first-round prospect and talent before the injury. The Ravens could absolutely use that and if he can stay in Baltimore past 2025, he and Mike Green together would be a nasty duo with Van Noy and Oweh likely out the door. However, first he has to just make the roster and see the field before even worrying about finding sacks. Hopefully, he can find it and be re-signed on a smaller deal.

Is there anybody else you think is on the roster bubble, fighting for a spot? Let us know below!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...e-heading-into-training-camp-baltimore-ravens

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Report: Tyus Bowser withdraws $4.5 million grievance against Ravens

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The former 2017 second-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens filed a grievance against the team in March 2023. Now, he’s withdrawn it.

According to The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser has withdrawn his grievance against the team.

Bowser claimed the Ravens had misdiagnosed a knee injury which kept him off the field the for entire 2023 season. After being released in March 2024, Bowser filed the grievance which incurred a $1.8 million salary cap penalty against the team. Had he won the case, they’d be penalized another $2.7 million. The withdrawal will now have the ravens receive a $1.8 million cap credit.

Prior to 2023, Bowser played the final nine games of the season in 2022 after recovering from a torn Achilles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and the team expected Bowser to play in 2023, but things went awry quickly when Bowser arrived to the team facility on the NFI list and walked into the facility with his knee heavily wrapped.

Tyus Bowser arrives. Knee is wrapped and he’s got a limp.
Currently, Bowser is on the PUP list. pic.twitter.com/o111MGfJ4E

— Kyle Phoenix (@KylePBarber) July 25, 2023​

Note: My tweet of him being on PUP is incorrect. He was on NFI.

Since being released by the Ravens, Bowser played for two teams in 2024, the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins. He began with the Seahawks on the practice squad and was elevated to play in two games. Then, was claimed off the practice squad by the Dolphins and played in seven games. He finished with 11 tackles, five tackles for loss.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ithdraws-4-5-million-grievance-against-ravens