Ravens NFL Draft big board 2.0: Examining options for Baltimore with pick No. 27 | The Athletic.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a unique position to continue shaping their future and adding talent to their roster. With pick No. 27 in the first round, the Ravens are in a prime spot to land a game-changing player who can make an immediate impact, whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. The Ravens’ front office has a reputation for excellent drafting and player development, and their decisions over the next few weeks will be critical as they continue to build on their recent success.

General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh have consistently found value in the draft, and with Baltimore having a solid foundation built around key players like Lamar Jackson and a defensive unit that remains one of the league’s most formidable, their draft picks can further bolster an already strong squad. With this in mind, we’ll break down the Ravens’ options with the 27th overall pick, examining potential prospects at positions of need and looking at how these players could contribute to the team’s success in the 2025 season.

Key Areas of Need for the Ravens

The Ravens enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several areas of need, although their roster is far from lacking. Here’s a look at some of the key positions where the team could look to bolster its ranks.

1. Wide Receiver

One of the biggest needs for the Ravens remains at the wide receiver position. While they have Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, their depth and consistency at the position could be improved. The departure of veteran Devin Duvernay and inconsistent play from other wideouts leaves the Ravens without a true top-tier receiving threat beyond Bateman and Flowers. Lamar Jackson needs more weapons to elevate the passing attack, especially as the Ravens look to compete with high-powered offenses in the AFC.

2. Cornerback

The Ravens have always prided themselves on their defensive prowess, and cornerback remains an important position of need. While Marlon Humphrey is one of the best corners in the NFL, there’s a significant drop-off in talent and experience after him. Adding another high-quality corner could help solidify the secondary, especially against some of the explosive passing offenses the Ravens face, including divisional foes like the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

3. Edge Rusher

Although the Ravens have a strong defensive front, adding another edge rusher could take the pass rush to another level. Odafe Oweh has shown flashes of brilliance, but there’s still uncertainty surrounding his consistency. Pairing him with another elite pass rusher would give the Ravens a deadly duo on the edge, complementing the dominant interior linemen like Calais Campbell and Justin Madubuike.

4. Offensive Line

The Ravens have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, largely due to their ability to run the ball effectively. However, some areas of the offensive line could use improvement, particularly at the tackle position. Ronnie Stanley has battled injuries throughout his career, and although Morgan Moses has been a reliable option, the Ravens may want to secure their future with a young, high-upside offensive tackle to provide depth and insurance.

Top Draft Options for the Ravens at Pick No. 27

With pick No. 27, the Ravens will have plenty of options on the table. They could look to add to any of the aforementioned positions, and it’s likely that some top-tier talent will still be available when it’s their turn to pick. Below is a closer look at some of the top draft prospects who could be available at pick No. 27 and how they might fit into the Ravens’ system.

1. WR Quentin Johnston (TCU)

Quentin Johnston is one of the top wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a nightmare for defenders. Johnston’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches is exactly what the Ravens need in their passing game.

Johnston’s ability to run the full route tree, combined with his vertical threat, would be a massive asset for Lamar Jackson, providing him with a big-bodied target who can win deep balls and create mismatches with defenders. His addition would give the Ravens an element they’ve been missing for some time—a true No. 1 receiver who can dominate in all areas of the field.

2. CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)

If the Ravens choose to bolster their secondary, Joey Porter Jr., a standout cornerback from Penn State, could be an excellent option. The son of former NFL linebacker Joey Porter, Porter Jr. stands at 6’2” and has the length and athleticism to cover some of the top wide receivers in the league.

Porter Jr. has impressed scouts with his ability to play physical, man-to-man coverage and his knack for getting his hands on the ball. Adding him would give the Ravens another elite option to pair with Marlon Humphrey and provide more flexibility in their defensive backfield. With the increase in pass-heavy offenses, an upgrade at cornerback could help the Ravens compete at the highest level in the AFC.

3. EDGE Myles Murphy (Clemson)

If the Ravens opt for a pass rusher, Myles Murphy could be the perfect fit. The 6’5” edge rusher from Clemson has been a disruptive force throughout his college career. With the Ravens’ strong defensive scheme, Murphy would be an ideal addition to help improve the pass rush and provide a consistent presence on the edge opposite Odafe Oweh.

Murphy has the size, strength, and technique to thrive in the Ravens’ system, and he could become a double-digit sack machine alongside their already elite defensive front. Adding him would allow the Ravens to apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks and increase their ability to disrupt the passing game, which would be crucial in their pursuit of an AFC championship.

4. OT Anton Harrison (Oklahoma)

As the Ravens continue to develop their offense, adding a quality offensive tackle like Anton Harrison from Oklahoma could help stabilize the line. Harrison is a powerful, athletic tackle with the versatility to play both sides of the line. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes would be an immediate upgrade for the Ravens’ offense.

Harrison’s selection would give the Ravens more depth on the offensive line, providing insurance in case of injury and ensuring that Lamar Jackson has the time he needs in the pocket to execute Baltimore’s dynamic offense. Additionally, his ability to contribute as a run-blocker would fit well into the Ravens’ scheme, which relies heavily on the ground game.

5. S Brian Branch (Alabama)

Although cornerback is the primary concern for the Ravens’ secondary, they may look to improve their safety depth as well. Brian Branch from Alabama is one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 draft class. Known for his intelligence, versatility, and ability to make plays in both the passing and running game, Branch could be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ defense.

Branch has the ability to play in the slot or at safety, making him a versatile piece for the Ravens. His instinctive play and ability to read the quarterback would give defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald more flexibility in his schemes, allowing the Ravens to do more in terms of coverage and blitzing. Branch’s high football IQ would also help him quickly assimilate into Baltimore’s system, making him an immediate contributor.