Late for Work: Jeff Zrebiec Says Ravens Addressing Biggest Need in First Round ‘Might Be Difficult’

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, the Baltimore Ravens are fine-tuning their strategy for one of the most important events of the offseason. With pick No. 27 in the first round, the Ravens find themselves in an intriguing position—looking to address some key roster needs while also balancing the long-term development of their team. However, as Jeff Zrebiec, senior sports writer for The Athletic, pointed out in his recent analysis, addressing the Ravens’ biggest needs in the first round might prove difficult, particularly given the current landscape of the draft.

Zrebiec’s observations bring attention to the challenge facing General Manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens’ front office in trying to maximize their draft capital. While the Ravens are in a position to make a significant move, the nature of the draft means that teams will have to make calculated decisions to ensure that they don’t miss out on talent, especially at positions of need.

Ravens’ Key Needs Heading into the 2025 Draft

Before diving into the complexity of selecting at pick No. 27, it’s essential to evaluate the Ravens’ primary areas of need heading into the draft. While the team has built a strong roster, there are a few spots where additional depth and talent could pay dividends as they seek to compete for an AFC championship.

1. Wide Receiver

Despite Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers showing promise as key playmakers, the Ravens’ wide receiver corps remains a work in progress. Bateman has struggled with injuries, and Flowers, while talented, is still developing as a professional. The team could benefit from a true No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently produce in both contested situations and when stretching the field. This has been an ongoing issue for the Ravens, who have failed to land an elite pass-catching target in recent years.

2. Cornerback

The Ravens’ defense remains one of the best in the NFL, but there’s a significant gap between Marlon Humphrey and the other cornerbacks on the roster. Rock Ya-Sin, who was brought in as a free-agent addition, has shown flashes but lacks the consistency that the Ravens need. The team has historically valued cornerback play, and adding a second elite corner would provide the defense with more flexibility to handle some of the top-tier passing attacks in the AFC.

3. Offensive Line

While the Ravens have an elite rushing attack, their offensive line has shown vulnerabilities, particularly on the edges. Injuries to key players like Ronnie Stanley have prevented the team from fielding a consistently dominant offensive line. Even though the Ravens added some depth through free agency, a long-term solution at tackle could help solidify the offensive front and ensure that Lamar Jackson remains protected in the pocket.

4. Edge Rusher

The Ravens have strong interior defensive linemen, but adding a dynamic edge rusher could put their defense over the top. Odafe Oweh has shown flashes of brilliance, but his consistency remains a question mark. Baltimore’s defense could become even more dangerous with an elite pass rusher who can generate pressure from the outside. Pairing another elite rusher with Oweh would provide the Ravens with a formidable pass rush that could dominate opposing quarterbacks.

Why the First Round May Not Address the Ravens’ Biggest Need

While addressing one of these key positions in the first round may seem like an easy decision, Zrebiec’s analysis highlights several reasons why picking the right player for the Ravens’ biggest needs may be difficult, especially at No. 27.

1. Position Value and Draft Depth

Not all positions carry the same value in the NFL draft, and certain positions may be overrepresented or underrepresented in this year’s class. The wide receiver class, for example, is deep with talent, but many of the top wideouts may already be off the board by the time the Ravens are on the clock. Similarly, while cornerback is a pressing need, many of the top cornerbacks may also be selected in the first 15 picks, leaving the Ravens with fewer viable options.

In addition, the edge rusher class may be loaded with talent, but many of the elite pass rushers are projected to go earlier in the first round. As a result, the Ravens may be forced to choose between reaching for a player who doesn’t quite fit their immediate needs or taking a player who may not have the same impact as those selected higher in the draft.

2. The Challenge of Drafting for Need vs. Best Player Available

One of the perennial challenges of drafting in the first round is the temptation to address needs immediately. However, as Zrebiec points out, the Ravens’ front office has historically been inclined to take the best player available, rather than drafting purely based on need. This philosophy has led to the selection of some excellent players, but it also means that the Ravens may not address their biggest position of need if the best player on their board is at a different position.

For example, if a top-tier cornerback is available but the best player overall is an offensive lineman or edge rusher, DeCosta may prioritize taking the best player on the board over addressing a more pressing need. This decision can be difficult, but it’s a philosophy that has served the Ravens well in the past.

3. Trade Possibilities

Another reason Zrebiec mentions that the Ravens may face difficulty addressing their biggest need at No. 27 is the possibility of a trade. The Ravens could look to move up in the draft to secure a player who fits their needs better, or they could trade back to accumulate more picks. This could be particularly attractive if the Ravens feel that they can get a player at a later spot who addresses their needs without having to spend the 27th overall pick.

The decision to trade back, however, is never easy. The Ravens have to be certain that they can still get a player they are confident in, and there’s always the risk that a team ahead of them could snatch up the player they’ve targeted. Conversely, if they trade up, they might lose out on future draft capital, which is always a balancing act in the long-term development of the team.

4. Potential for a Player to Fall

In the unpredictable world of the NFL Draft, there’s always the possibility that a highly rated player could fall to No. 27. This could create an opportunity for the Ravens to land a top-tier talent who wasn’t expected to be available. For example, if a top-tier wide receiver or cornerback falls into their lap, the Ravens may not hesitate to pull the trigger, even if it wasn’t part of their original draft strategy. The key is whether or not the player who falls is a true value at No. 27, and whether he fits the long-term needs of the team.

Who Could Be Available at No. 27?

Although the first round may present challenges for the Ravens, there are still a number of players who could fall to No. 27 and help address their needs. Wide receivers like Quentin Johnston (TCU) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) could still be on the board, providing Lamar Jackson with a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field. On the defensive side, players like Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) and Deonte Banks (Maryland) could add much-needed depth to the cornerback room. If the Ravens choose to improve their pass rush, players like Myles Murphy (Clemson) or Nolan Smith (Georgia) could be available and provide an instant boost to their defense.