The Baltimore Ravens are focusing on strengthening their wide receiver group in the first round of the upcoming draft.

As the NFL’s offseason begins to ramp up, teams are assessing their rosters and identifying key areas that need improvement. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team with a rich history of success built on a dominant defense and a unique, mobile quarterback in Lamar Jackson, one glaring need has become abundantly clear—wide receiver. Despite their competitive nature in the AFC North, the Ravens have struggled to find consistency in their passing game, particularly in terms of their receiving corps. The lack of a true No. 1 wideout has limited the team’s potential, especially in the high-stakes moments of the postseason.

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, it seems that the Ravens are zeroing in on strengthening their wide receiver group in the first round. This decision comes at a crucial point for the franchise as they look to maximize Lamar Jackson’s skill set and provide him with the tools necessary to take the offense to the next level. The need for a dynamic and reliable pass catcher has never been more pronounced, and this year’s draft class provides the perfect opportunity for the Ravens to address this need early.

The Need for a Top Wide Receiver

For years, the Ravens have been known for their dominant defense and powerful running game. This identity has worked for them, especially during the early years of Lamar Jackson’s career, when the team relied on a run-first offense and Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs. However, as the NFL has evolved into a pass-heavy league, the Ravens’ offense has begun to lag behind the competition.

Despite Jackson’s playmaking ability, the Ravens have failed to consistently surround him with high-level receiving talent. Hollywood Brown was the closest the team had to a true No. 1 receiver, but after trading him to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 offseason, the Ravens’ receiving corps became even more thin. Over the years, Jackson has developed a rapport with tight end Mark Andrews, but tight ends alone are not enough to establish a dynamic aerial attack.

Wide receivers like Rashod Bateman, who was drafted in the first round of the 2021 draft, have shown flashes of potential, but injuries have hampered his development, and he has yet to become the reliable No. 1 receiver that the Ravens need. Inconsistent play from other wideouts like Devin Duvernay and the now-departed Sammy Watkins has only exacerbated the issue. While the Ravens have tried to fill this gap through free agency and the draft, the absence of a true go-to receiver has been a constant obstacle to their offensive success.

As the Ravens enter the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s clear that they need to find a player who can stretch the field, create separation, and provide a legitimate threat on the outside. The addition of such a player would open up the offense, allowing Lamar Jackson to be even more dangerous and providing the Ravens with a more balanced attack.

The 2025 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Class

The 2025 NFL Draft class is expected to feature a number of highly talented wide receivers, making it an opportune year for the Ravens to select one early in the first round. Wide receiver has been one of the deepest and most competitive position groups in recent years, and this year’s class is no exception. Scouting reports on several top prospects have drawn comparisons to some of the best in the game, and the Ravens are expected to target a player who can contribute immediately.

A key factor to the Ravens’ draft strategy will be the depth of the wide receiver class. Teams often look to find immediate contributors at the wide receiver position, and while the Ravens may have to choose between a few highly rated prospects, they’re likely to be in a good position to secure one of the draft’s top talents. Let’s take a look at some of the top wide receiver prospects who could be on the Ravens’ radar.

Top Wide Receiver Prospects for the Ravens

1. Jalen Carter (Georgia) – The Elite Physical Specimen

One of the most highly touted wide receiver prospects in this draft is Jalen Carter, a physical marvel whose combination of speed, agility, and size makes him a true No. 1 option. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 210 pounds, Carter has the size and strength to be a mismatch for opposing cornerbacks, but he also has the quickness and top-end speed to separate downfield. His route-running ability has been praised, and his deep-threat capability would be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ need to stretch the field.

Carter was an explosive playmaker at Georgia, catching long passes, creating yards after the catch, and exhibiting the ability to make difficult catches in tight spaces. His versatility would allow him to fit in various offensive schemes, and with Lamar Jackson’s ability to make off-schedule throws, Carter’s dynamic skill set would provide Jackson with a dependable target.

2. Taye Edwards (Ohio State) – The Complete Package

Taye Edwards is another wide receiver who has garnered significant attention during the pre-draft process. Edwards is known for his polished skill set, which includes strong route running, exceptional hands, and the ability to make plays in the open field. Edwards is a well-rounded receiver who excels in both short and long routes. His quickness and understanding of defenses make him a dangerous player after the catch, as he can weave through defenders and turn short receptions into big gains.

Edwards is also adept at creating separation from defenders, an essential skill for a Ravens team that has often struggled to produce consistent, wide-open passing opportunities. With Jackson’s ability to move in and out of the pocket, Edwards would be an ideal complement to the Ravens’ offensive system. His ability to contribute as both a deep threat and a chain-mover would make him an ideal target for Baltimore.

3. Caleb Bennett (USC) – The Speed Demon

If the Ravens are looking for a wide receiver who can take the top off a defense with his speed, Caleb Bennett from USC is a player to watch. Bennett is a burner who runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and his ability to track deep passes is unparalleled in this draft class. While some wide receivers might rely on physicality to make plays, Bennett uses his elite speed to get open and burn defenders on vertical routes.

The Ravens have struggled with getting consistent deep-ball production, and Bennett’s elite speed would immediately make them a dangerous offense in the open field. Pairing Bennett with Jackson’s ability to throw deep accurately would give Baltimore one of the most explosive duos in the league. Bennett also has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch, adding an extra layer of dynamism to the Ravens’ offense.

4. Bryce Thomas (Alabama) – The Strong and Physical Receiver

Bryce Thomas is a big-bodied wide receiver with excellent strength and a physical style of play. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Thomas excels in contested catch situations and is a nightmare for defensive backs in the red zone. His ability to box out defenders and make tough catches in traffic makes him a great option in crucial situations. While Thomas may not have the top-end speed of some other prospects, his physicality, strength, and tenacity would complement the Ravens’ offense well.

Thomas’ play style would give the Ravens a big, reliable target who can operate on intermediate routes and make plays in the end zone. With Jackson’s mobility, Thomas’ physical presence would provide a safety net for Lamar when looking for a reliable target, especially in tight spaces. His ability to shield defenders and win contested catches would be a major asset in Baltimore’s offensive attack.

How a First-Round Wide Receiver Can Transform the Ravens’ Offense

Adding a dynamic wide receiver in the first round of the draft would have an immediate and transformative impact on the Ravens’ offense. Lamar Jackson has proven himself to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league, and giving him a reliable, elite wide receiver to work with would elevate his game even further. The addition of a top-tier wide receiver would force defenses to respect the passing game, opening up opportunities for other players on the field.

Not only would the addition of a wide receiver improve Jackson’s passing attack, but it would also benefit the Ravens’ running game. Defenses would no longer be able to stack the box against the run, as they would need to account for the deep threat and route-running ability of the new wide receiver. This would allow Jackson to exploit more favorable matchups and make the Ravens’ offense much more balanced and unpredictable.

A top-tier wide receiver would also provide stability and consistency for the Ravens. With so much uncertainty surrounding their receiving corps in recent years, having a player they can depend on week in and week out would bring much-needed clarity to their offensive game plan. The confidence that comes with having a bona fide No. 1 receiver would allow Jackson and the Ravens’ offense to thrive in critical situations.