Baltimore Ravens Could Use Draft Capital to Land Cheap Defensive Help

The Baltimore Ravens, known for their strong defensive history and competitive play in the NFL, find themselves in an intriguing situation heading into the 2025 offseason. While the team has had its fair share of successes in recent seasons, it has also dealt with significant injuries and roster challenges, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With free agency and the NFL Draft approaching, the Ravens could be in a position to utilize their draft capital to address some critical needs on defense, particularly through cost-effective means.

With the NFL salary cap in place and teams across the league constantly working to manage their finances while improving their rosters, the draft becomes a valuable tool for teams like the Ravens who are looking to add talent without overspending. The Ravens have historically been adept at finding defensive gems in the draft, making it possible for them to continue their tradition of excellence on that side of the ball while simultaneously addressing other needs.

In this article, we’ll explore how the Ravens could use their draft capital to bring in cheap defensive help, the defensive positions they may target, and how these moves could position the team for continued success in 2025 and beyond.

Understanding the Ravens’ Current Defensive Needs

Before diving into how the Ravens could use their draft capital, it’s important to understand the team’s current defensive landscape. Over the past several seasons, the Ravens have been known for their strong defensive play, with a particular emphasis on developing young talent and maintaining a defense that is both aggressive and flexible. However, a number of factors have contributed to the team’s defensive struggles in certain areas, leading to a potential need for reinforcements.

1. Injuries and Depth Issues: Injuries have been a recurring issue for the Ravens’ defense in recent seasons. Key players such as cornerback Marlon Humphrey, linebacker Patrick Queen, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell have dealt with injuries that have forced the team to lean on depth players more than anticipated. While the Ravens have shown resilience, the lack of depth and the need for injury replacements is a real concern for the team moving forward.
2. Cornerback Play: The Ravens’ cornerbacks have been solid in some areas, but the team has struggled with consistency at times. With Marlon Humphrey being a top-tier corner, the team needs to ensure it has enough quality depth around him, particularly as they look to contend in a division filled with explosive quarterbacks and wide receivers. The team could look to add a cornerback through the draft to bolster its secondary and provide much-needed depth.
3. Pass Rush: Although the Ravens’ defense has historically been known for strong pass-rushing units, they have faced challenges in generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the departure of key players like edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, the Ravens may look to the draft to find a pass rusher who can generate pressure and create havoc in the backfield. The team could certainly use a cheap, high-potential player at this position.
4. Linebacker Depth: While the Ravens have solid linebackers in place, there is a question of depth behind them. Adding a rookie linebacker who can come in and contribute on special teams and in situational defensive packages could be a way to shore up this position without breaking the bank.
5. Defensive Line: The defensive line is another area that the Ravens could potentially look to improve. While veteran players like Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams have been anchors for the Ravens, they are aging, and the team may look to add younger players who can step in and make an immediate impact. Drafting a player with high upside could be a cost-effective way to replenish the defensive line.

The NFL Draft: A Tool for Cost-Effective Defensive Help

The NFL Draft provides a unique opportunity for teams like the Ravens to add young, cost-controlled talent to their roster. Unlike free agency, where teams often have to overpay for established players, the draft allows teams to bring in players on rookie contracts, which can significantly help with financial flexibility.

Given that the Ravens are not in a position to spend exorbitantly in free agency, using their draft capital to add defensive help makes a lot of sense. By targeting positions of need, the Ravens could effectively address their defensive issues without committing large sums of money to veterans who may not offer the same long-term upside.

Positions the Ravens Could Target in the 2025 NFL Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, here are several positions the Ravens could target in order to improve their defense while keeping costs low:

1. Cornerback: One of the most important areas for the Ravens to address could be the cornerback position. While Marlon Humphrey remains a top-tier player, the Ravens could benefit from adding a young, dynamic cornerback who can contribute immediately. Given the increasing importance of passing attacks in the NFL, having a strong secondary is essential, and drafting a cornerback would give the Ravens flexibility to continue playing their aggressive brand of defense.

   Potential Targets: With the Ravens likely to pick somewhere in the middle of the first round, they could target a cornerback like Kelee Ringo from Georgia or Cam Smith from South Carolina, both of whom possess great size, speed, and coverage skills. These players could immediately contribute and provide depth to the Ravens’ secondary.

2. Edge Rusher: The Ravens’ pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, and adding a young, high-upside edge rusher could be one of the most impactful moves they could make. Pass rushers are often the most coveted commodities in the draft, so finding someone who can develop into a key contributor could pay dividends for years to come.

   Potential Targets: A player like Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama would be a home-run selection, but it’s more likely that the Ravens would target someone in the second or third round, such as Myjai Sanders from Cincinnati, who has the potential to develop into a force off the edge.

3. Linebacker: The linebacker position is another area where the Ravens could benefit from adding depth. While Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith are strong starters, the team could use a rookie linebacker to provide depth, special teams contributions, and a potential rotational role on defense. A versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside could be a great fit for the Ravens.

   Potential Targets: Jack Campbell from Iowa is an intriguing linebacker prospect who could contribute immediately. He’s a well-rounded player with great instincts and leadership qualities. Trenton Simpson from Clemson is another player who could add a dynamic presence in both the run and pass game.

4. Defensive Tackle: The defensive line could also be a priority for the Ravens, as they could stand to add some youth to complement their aging veterans. A talented defensive tackle could help improve both their pass rush and run defense, offering versatility to their front seven.

   Potential Targets: Jalen Carter from Georgia is a top-tier prospect at defensive tackle, though he may be off the board early. A player like Mazi Smith from Michigan could provide excellent value and plug a significant need along the defensive front.

5. Safety: While the Ravens’ secondary is mostly solid, adding depth at safety could be important, particularly as the team looks to remain competitive in an increasingly pass-heavy league. A safety who can play in both coverage and run support would be an excellent addition to the Ravens’ defensive backfield.

   Potential Targets: Brian Branch from Alabama is a versatile safety who can do it all, from covering tight ends to coming up to stop the run. His ability to be a swiss army knife in the secondary would be a welcome addition to the Ravens’ defense.

The Ravens’ Approach: Draft Capital and Financial Flexibility

In addition to their roster needs, the Ravens also have the advantage of having draft capital at their disposal. With multiple picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team has the flexibility to move up and target specific players, or to stay put and add depth at multiple positions. The Ravens are known for their ability to draft well, and if they continue to make smart picks, they could find the defensive help they need without breaking the bank.

The team could also look to trade a few of their existing assets to acquire additional draft capital or targeted players. This flexibility will be key to their offseason strategy as they continue to retool their defense and build for long-term success.