The Baltimore Ravens Make a Huge Mock Draft Trade to Get Fences
The Baltimore Ravens Make a Huge Mock Draft Trade to Get Fences: What It Means for the Team’s Future
In the fast-paced world of the NFL Draft, teams are constantly evaluating and reassessing their needs and potential opportunities. Every year, franchises across the league prepare for the draft with an eye toward improving their rosters and building a championship-caliber team. This year, the Baltimore Ravens made waves when they orchestrated a monumental trade in a mock draft scenario to secure a highly coveted player, described in the mock draft as “getting fences.” While this trade may have come as a surprise to many, the reasoning behind the move, the implications for the team’s future, and the potential impact on their playoff and Super Bowl aspirations deserve closer examination.
The Ravens have long been a respected franchise with a rich history of success. With two Super Bowl victories in their storied past and a reputation for tough, physical football, the team has consistently remained competitive in the NFL’s AFC North division. But recent seasons have raised questions about the team’s potential to advance beyond the playoffs and challenge for another Super Bowl title. In the face of increasing competition from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens’ decision to make a big trade in the mock draft suggests they are doubling down on their commitment to return to the pinnacle of NFL success.
This article will dive deep into the implications of the Ravens’ hypothetical trade to get “fences,” exploring the rationale behind the decision, the specific player or position the team might be targeting, and how this move fits within the broader context of the Ravens’ roster, management, and strategy.
Understanding the Context: The Baltimore Ravens’ Current State
Before analyzing the trade itself, it’s important to understand the current state of the Baltimore Ravens and their needs heading into the draft.
The Offense: A Work in Progress
The Baltimore Ravens’ offense has been built around their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who has been one of the most dynamic and electrifying players in the league since his arrival in 2018. Known for his running ability as much as his arm, Jackson has rewritten the record books for rushing quarterbacks and helped revitalize Baltimore’s offense with his dual-threat capabilities.
However, despite Jackson’s immense talent, the Ravens have been plagued by offensive inconsistency in recent seasons. The team’s offensive line has been a point of concern, particularly when it comes to protecting Jackson in the pocket. Injuries to key offensive players, including Jackson himself, have also hampered the team’s ability to generate sustained success. Additionally, Baltimore’s receiving corps has lacked the high-end playmakers needed to give Jackson the weapons he needs to dominate through the air.
In recent years, the Ravens have focused on building a strong ground game, particularly through the use of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, while utilizing tight ends like Mark Andrews as key targets in the passing game. However, the lack of a true, dynamic wide receiver has limited the team’s ability to stretch the field and put defenses on their heels.
As the team enters the 2025 NFL season, addressing the offensive issues is one of the top priorities for the Ravens. Whether it’s upgrading the offensive line, adding more weapons for Jackson, or finding a way to make the offense more balanced, the Ravens will likely look to the draft to make significant strides.
The Defense: A Pillar of Strength
On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens have maintained their reputation as one of the most physical and aggressive teams in the NFL. With Marlon Humphrey, Calais Campbell, and Patrick Queen leading the charge, the Ravens have consistently boasted one of the league’s toughest defenses. Their defense has kept them competitive in recent years, even when their offense has struggled.
However, even with the strong defensive core, Baltimore has occasionally found itself vulnerable in key areas. For instance, the team has been exposed by high-powered passing offenses, with opposing quarterbacks often finding ways to exploit matchups against the Ravens’ secondary. Additionally, the pass rush has been inconsistent at times, and the team will need to continue to bolster its defensive line and linebacking corps.
Ultimately, the Ravens’ defense is a strength, but it is not invincible. The team must remain committed to improving the defense to ensure they can compete at the highest level and stay competitive in a division with high-octane offenses like those of the Cleveland Browns and the aforementioned Bengals.
What Does “Getting Fences” Mean?
The phrase “getting fences” in the context of the trade may initially seem unclear, but there are several possible interpretations of what this could refer to, particularly when it comes to the Ravens’ approach to the draft.
A Playmaker on the Defensive Line: Securing the Fence
In a hypothetical mock draft trade, the term “getting fences” could refer to the Ravens addressing the defensive line by targeting a dominant edge rusher or a defensive tackle who can help anchor the defensive front. For years, the Ravens have been a team that prides itself on its ability to control the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively. This trade could signal an effort to bolster the pass rush or upgrade the team’s interior defensive line to improve pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
A key focus of this trade could be landing a high-profile prospect like Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama, or Jalen Carter from Georgia, both of whom have the potential to make an immediate impact. Anderson, in particular, is viewed as one of the most elite edge rushers in the 2025 draft class and could be the perfect fit for a Ravens defense looking to add an explosive pass rusher who can take over games. This would certainly be a trade that could be described as “getting fences,” as it would help solidify the team’s defense for years to come.
A Top Offensive Line Prospect: Fortifying the Fences for Lamar Jackson
Alternatively, “getting fences” could be a metaphor for strengthening the offensive line. Offensive line play is a major concern for the Ravens, particularly when it comes to protecting Lamar Jackson and providing him with the time to read defenses and make plays. The Ravens’ offensive line has been inconsistent, and Jackson’s ability to stay healthy and thrive in the pocket hinges on having solid protection.
In this scenario, the Ravens could use their mock draft trade to acquire a top offensive line prospect, such as Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones, both of whom are projected to be high draft picks in the 2025 class. By shoring up the offensive line, the Ravens would not only provide Jackson with the protection he needs but also create more opportunities in the running game for J.K. Dobbins and other backs. The trade for an elite offensive lineman would be an investment in the team’s future success and ensure the offense has a solid foundation.
Building a Future Around Lamar Jackson: Targeting a Star Receiver
Another interpretation of “getting fences” could relate to bolstering the receiving corps for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ wide receiver group has been criticized for its lack of a true number-one option, and a trade to acquire a high-caliber wide receiver could be viewed as securing a “fence” around Jackson’s potential.
If the Ravens were able to land a playmaking wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or another star prospect, this would give Jackson the elite weapon he needs to make his aerial attack more dangerous. The addition of a top-tier wideout could allow the Ravens to stretch defenses more effectively and take pressure off Jackson as both a passer and a runner. With the proper pieces in place, the Ravens could finally have a complete offense that would rival the best in the league.
Implications of the Trade for the Ravens’ Future
Whatever the ultimate goal of the trade might be, it is clear that the Baltimore Ravens are looking to make a significant move that could impact their chances of success in the coming seasons. The move could signal a change in approach for the Ravens, who are looking to build a more balanced and well-rounded team capable of competing with the league’s elite squads.
With a quarterback as dynamic as Lamar Jackson and a defense as formidable as Baltimore’s, adding the right pieces through the draft could be the key to propelling the team back into Super Bowl contention. Whether it’s adding a top defender to bolster the pass rush, investing in the offensive line to protect Jackson, or bringing in a dynamic wide receiver to complement the existing weapons, the Ravens are positioning themselves for the future.
