Ranking the Baltimore Ravens’ Most Important Offseason Choices for 2025

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 offseason with a mix of optimism and urgency. Lamar Jackson is still among the league’s elite quarterbacks, and the defense remains one of the NFL’s most formidable. However, despite this foundation, the Ravens have failed to break through and secure the elusive Super Bowl victory. After another playoff appearance in 2024 that fell short, Baltimore’s front office, led by General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh, faces some pivotal decisions that will impact the team’s future.

The Ravens are in a unique position: they’re competitive but need to make the right moves to ascend from “good” to “great.” With an eye toward building a true Super Bowl contender, here are the most important offseason choices the Ravens must make heading into 2025.

1. Wide Receiver Upgrade: Finding a No. 1 Target for Lamar Jackson

Without question, the wide receiver position ranks as the most pressing need for the Ravens this offseason. While Mark Andrews remains one of the top tight ends in the NFL and Zay Flowers showed promise in his rookie season, the Ravens still lack a true No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently stretch the field and dominate opposing cornerbacks. This has become even more apparent in big moments, like playoff games, where Baltimore’s offense has too often become stagnant or too one-dimensional.

For Lamar Jackson to make his next leap as a passer—and for the Ravens to truly contend for a Super Bowl—the team needs to give him better, more reliable weapons. The addition of a true No. 1 wideout would help not only Jackson but the entire offense. A dominant receiver would force defenses to spread out, giving Jackson better passing lanes and opening up space for the run game.

There are several ways to approach this need:

• Free Agency: One of the best options could be targeting a proven veteran in free agency. Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) or Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) could be ideal targets, as both have shown the ability to be No. 1 receivers in high-powered offenses. If the Ravens can land a player like this, they would immediately elevate their receiving corps.
• NFL Draft: Another route is the draft, where a talented wide receiver class in 2025 could provide the team with an impact player on a rookie contract. Names like Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) and Malik Nabers (LSU) could be in play if the Ravens are willing to trade up or if they draft wisely in the mid-to-late first round.

However they do it, adding a No. 1 receiver must be the Ravens’ top priority this offseason.

2. Offensive Line Reinforcements: Protecting Lamar Jackson

For years, the offensive line has been a strength of the Ravens, and they continue to play a run-heavy offense that benefits from a powerful front. But despite their success in the ground game, the Ravens have had their struggles with pass protection. Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs has often covered up the line’s deficiencies, but with the need for a more balanced offense, the Ravens must do more to ensure Jackson has consistent protection in the pocket.

In 2024, the offensive line was inconsistent in protecting Jackson on passing downs. The Ravens need to give Jackson a cleaner pocket, especially in high-pressure situations during the playoffs, where the game slows down, and passing becomes more important.

The Ravens should target offensive line reinforcements in two areas:

• Tackle Depth: Adding depth at the tackle position could be key. The team could use a reliable backup or even a starting-caliber right tackle to improve protection on the edges. Investing in a young, high-upside tackle in the draft could set up the team for success for years to come.
• Interior Line: While players like Tyler Linderbaum (center) and Kevin Zeitler (guard) have been solid, the Ravens should look for an upgrade or depth on the interior line. The Ravens could use a more dynamic guard or another top-tier center to help improve the efficiency of the run game while also protecting Jackson on passing plays.

Making sure that Jackson isn’t forced to scramble more than necessary and has the time to go through his progressions is crucial for improving the offense’s balance and consistency.

3. Wide Receiver Coaching & Scheme Evolution: Adapting the Offense

Adding the personnel is one side of the coin, but the other is the offensive scheme itself. The Ravens have long been known for their run-heavy, play-action-based offense. While that has worked well during the regular season and in some playoff games, it has been somewhat predictable in critical moments. When defenses load the box and dare the Ravens to beat them with the pass, Jackson and the offense have sometimes struggled to respond.

The Ravens must evolve their offensive scheme to take advantage of Jackson’s growth as a passer. While the run game will always be important in Baltimore, they need to incorporate more variety and balance in their passing game. Specifically, Baltimore should look to implement a more modern West Coast offense or spread system that emphasizes short, quick throws, yards after the catch, and creating mismatches in space. By doing this, they will maximize the effectiveness of their passing attack, keeping defenses on their toes.

This will also require an upgrade in coaching, particularly at the wide receiver position. Hiring a coach or offensive coordinator who specializes in wide receiver development and modern passing offenses could be just as important as the talent acquisitions. Baltimore needs a clear vision for how to maximize the receiving corps they already have, including developing Zay Flowers into a more consistent threat and finding ways to integrate more receiving targets in the offense.

4. Defensive Line: Pressure Is Key

The defensive line has historically been one of Baltimore’s strengths. Players like Calais Campbell and Justin Madubuike have anchored the unit, but as these veterans age and with the future of Campbell uncertain, the Ravens need to ensure they maintain a fierce pass rush.

The Ravens need to prioritize a couple of areas to bolster the defensive line:

• Pass Rush: The Ravens could use a more consistent pass rusher. While Odafe Oweh has shown flashes of being a solid edge rusher, Baltimore has struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback. Adding a more elite pass rusher through free agency or the draft would help alleviate the pressure on the secondary and create more turnover opportunities.
• Interior Pressure: With the aging of Campbell, the Ravens need to shore up the interior of their defensive line. Adding a younger, quicker defensive tackle who can penetrate the pocket and stop the run would help complete the defense’s push for consistency and dominance.

The defensive line is crucial in the modern NFL, where passing offenses are king. Baltimore must add to the depth and talent on the front seven to give the defense a complete, dynamic presence that can dominate in all areas.

5. Cornerback Depth: Finding a Long-Term Partner for Marlon Humphrey

While Marlon Humphrey continues to be a lockdown corner, the Ravens’ secondary has faced challenges over the past few seasons, particularly in terms of depth. Outside of Humphrey and Marcus Williams at safety, Baltimore has lacked consistency at cornerback. Brandon Stephens and Jalyn Armour-Davis have had some moments but aren’t yet at the level necessary to consistently match up with elite receivers.

The Ravens must add a high-caliber cornerback either through free agency or the draft. A top-tier corner would give the defense the ability to match up with the league’s top receiving corps, which has become a critical need in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Adding a physical corner who can play man-to-man or an experienced player with ball skills could take the secondary to the next level.

If the Ravens can address their cornerback depth, they will be better equipped to shut down high-powered offenses and give Lamar Jackson and the offense more opportunities to score.

6. Special Teams: Improving Consistency

While the Ravens have had one of the better special teams units in the league in recent years, some areas could be improved, particularly in the return game and in coverage. Gunner coverage has been a bit inconsistent, and the Ravens must ensure they aren’t losing valuable field position through missed tackles or poor coverage.

Additionally, the kicking game has occasionally been an area of concern, although Justin Tucker remains one of the league’s best. Still, any instability in special teams could ultimately be costly in a tight playoff game, so consistency and depth must be maintained.

 Making the Right Moves in 2025

The Baltimore Ravens are on the cusp of greatness with Lamar Jackson at the helm, but they must make strategic choices this offseason to ensure they make the leap to Super Bowl contention. The most important decisions revolve around improving the passing game, specifically by upgrading the wide receiver position and modernizing the offensive scheme. The defense, while strong, also needs a few tweaks, particularly along the defensive line and cornerback depth.

If the Ravens can make the right personnel moves, combined with continued development of Lamar Jackson as a passer, they will have all the pieces in place to be one of the league’s premier teams in 2025. This offseason is crucial for the future success of the franchise, and how they approach these key areas will ultimately determine whether

they can reach the Super Bowl in the near future.