Ravens mock draft 1.0: Establishing offensive and defensive lines, early edge rusher

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several needs across their roster, and with their strategy of building through the trenches, their first-round pick is expected to focus on strengthening both their offensive and defensive lines. With a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson and a solid supporting cast on offense, Baltimore’s next steps lie in fortifying the areas that have been critical to their success — namely their offensive and defensive lines.

In this first mock draft of the 2025 offseason, we’ll break down the Ravens’ most pressing needs, review their recent history, and propose potential selections that would help them stay competitive in the AFC.

Team Overview: Ravens’ Strengths and Needs

The Ravens’ organizational identity has always been centered around tough, physical football. From their emphasis on defensive dominance to their commitment to a physical running game, the franchise has always prided itself on controlling the line of scrimmage. However, as the team enters a new era with Lamar Jackson under center, a more balanced approach is necessary, one that complements their quarterback’s abilities with a dynamic offense.

Strengths:

• Lamar Jackson and the Offense: Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, both as a quarterback and as a dual-threat weapon, has transformed the Ravens’ offense. With his ability to make plays with his legs and arm, Jackson is a constant threat. However, he requires an offensive line that can provide stability in both the running and passing games.
• Defense: While the Ravens have been known for their historically tough defenses, their defensive line is still one of their strong suits. They’ve invested heavily in players like Calais Campbell and have talented edge rushers such as Odafe Oweh. With a defense that is still in the top tier of the league, there is always a need to add young, dynamic talent.
• Coaching Staff and Leadership: John Harbaugh has established a well-respected coaching staff, and general manager Eric DeCosta has shown an ability to identify talent in the draft. The Ravens’ consistency, culture, and leadership have remained strong, allowing them to stay competitive year after year.

Needs:

• Offensive Line Depth: Despite some solid pieces on the offensive line, Baltimore will need to invest in further depth, especially given the brutal nature of the NFL. An injury here or there could derail the team’s offensive success, especially with Lamar Jackson’s style of play requiring a more mobile offensive line to open running lanes.
• Edge Rusher: The Ravens already boast solid pass-rushers like Oweh, but an additional edge rusher opposite him would provide much-needed pressure. A new, dynamic rusher would make Baltimore’s defense even more formidable.
• Wide Receiver: Although the Ravens have made recent improvements to their wide receiver corps, adding another weapon on the perimeter to complement Jackson’s deep-ball ability could make their offense even more potent. However, this will likely be an area targeted in later rounds unless there is a premier talent available.

Mock Draft 1.0: Ravens’ First-Round Picks

Pick 1 (Round 1, No. 23 Overall): DT/Edge Rusher – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

With the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select J.T. Tuimoloau, a standout defensive lineman from Ohio State. Tuimoloau is a versatile player who can contribute both as an interior defensive tackle and as an edge rusher, providing flexibility for defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s schemes.

Why Tuimoloau Fits with the Ravens: Tuimoloau is an imposing 6’5”, 270-pound prospect who can dominate against both the run and pass. He has shown the ability to disrupt the quarterback, and his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage makes him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s aggressive defensive front. His ability to play across the defensive line will give the Ravens additional scheme flexibility, allowing them to create mismatches for opposing offenses.

Given the Ravens’ need for more pressure off the edge, Tuimoloau’s combination of strength, agility, and awareness on the field would make him an immediate impact player for the Ravens. Pairing him with Odafe Oweh would create one of the league’s most formidable edge rush duos. Additionally, his ability to move inside on passing downs will only enhance his value.

Impact for the Ravens’ Defense: The Ravens’ defense has always prided itself on its pass-rushing ability, and adding Tuimoloau to the mix would keep them competitive in a league that places increasing emphasis on quarterback pressure. With a disruptive pass rush, the Ravens’ secondary can capitalize on hurried throws, improving their chances of forcing turnovers and getting the ball back to Lamar Jackson and the offense.

Pick 2 (Round 2, No. 56 Overall): OT – Harrison Meeves, Michigan

In the second round, the Ravens look to shore up their offensive line by selecting Harrison Meeves, an elite offensive tackle from Michigan. Meeves is known for his exceptional pass-blocking and run-blocking skills, which are vital in Baltimore’s zone-heavy running attack.

Why Meeves Fits with the Ravens: Meeves is a physical, 6’6”, 320-pound tackle who is a natural fit for the Ravens’ power-running game. His size and strength allow him to dominate defensive linemen, while his quick feet and athleticism make him effective in both the run game and pass protection. Meeves’ ability to move laterally and keep pace with fast edge rushers makes him a perfect match for the Ravens’ offensive system.

With the need for a reliable tackle opposite Ronnie Stanley, Meeves could step into the starting role right away or provide solid depth for an offensive line that has faced injuries in recent years. The Ravens’ offense thrives when Jackson has time in the pocket to survey the field and when the running backs have space to operate. Meeves can provide that necessary protection, ensuring the offense continues to operate at a high level.

Impact for the Ravens’ Offense: Meeves’ selection would bolster the offensive line, allowing Jackson and the running backs to operate more efficiently. With an improved offensive line, Jackson can feel more comfortable in the pocket, and the running backs will have more room to run. This could make the Ravens’ offense even more dynamic and dangerous in 2025.

Pick 3 (Round 3, No. 89 Overall): WR – Marvin Mims, Oklahoma

To complement Lamar Jackson’s passing game, the Ravens add another weapon in the third round by selecting Marvin Mims, a wide receiver from Oklahoma. Mims is a quick, explosive receiver who can stretch the field and make plays down the field, an area where the Ravens have historically struggled.

Why Mims Fits with the Ravens: Mims’ ability to get open deep and create separation makes him a perfect fit for Jackson’s deep-ball strength. Jackson’s ability to throw on the run and make deep passes would play into Mims’ strengths, as the receiver has the speed to get behind defenders. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, Mims is small enough to be elusive yet physical enough to hold his own in contested situations.

The addition of Mims would give Jackson another threat on the outside, which would relieve pressure on Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. Mims’ ability to stretch the defense would open up more lanes for both the passing and running games.

Impact for the Ravens’ Offense: Mims would provide the Ravens with a legitimate deep threat and a valuable weapon for Jackson. By drafting Mims, the Ravens ensure that they are addressing their need for more wide receiver talent to maximize the potential of their offense.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Draft Approach

The Ravens have made a clear statement in this mock draft by focusing on building both their offensive and defensive lines early, while also addressing their need for a playmaker at wide receiver. The combination of Tuimoloau, Meeves, and Mims would give the Ravens an immediate upgrade in key areas, helping to elevate their overall performance on both sides of the ball.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, these additions would not only improve the Ravens’ roster but also ensure that they remain competitive in the tough AFC North division. As they continue to build around Lamar Jackson and their defensive playmakers, this draft class could be the cornerstone of the next era of Ravens football.

By securing strength in the trenches, adding another dynamic weapon for Jackson, and continuing to focus on the team’s long-term needs, Baltimore is poised for success in 2025 and beyond.