In order to bolster their team for 2025, the Baltimore Ravens may decide to concentrate their draft efforts on defense.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are in an intriguing position. The team has established itself as one of the league’s most consistent contenders over the past few years, largely due to their balanced and aggressive playstyle, especially on defense. However, to continue competing at the highest level and challenge for a Super Bowl, the Ravens may need to shift their draft focus to defense in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the team has had success building a solid offense under Lamar Jackson, their defense remains their bedrock. Baltimore’s defense has always been one of the team’s strongest assets, and it’s likely to continue being the core of the franchise’s identity in 2025. However, in today’s NFL, where high-powered offenses are the norm, bolstering the defense with top-tier talent could prove crucial for the Ravens’ aspirations of not only winning the AFC but also bringing home another Lombardi Trophy.

This article will explore why the Ravens should shift their draft focus to defense in 2025, what positions could be upgraded, and how this strategy could impact the team’s Super Bowl aspirations in the years to come.

The Ravens’ Defensive Identity

Since their inception, the Ravens have been synonymous with strong, physical defense. From Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata, Baltimore has produced some of the most feared defenders in NFL history. While their offensive system has evolved with the emergence of Lamar Jackson, their defensive prowess has remained a constant.

In 2024, the Ravens’ defense was ranked 8th in the NFL in terms of total yards allowed per game, but their pass defense was notably vulnerable. In the modern NFL, the passing game is king, and it is becoming increasingly vital for teams to have a dynamic, adaptable defense that can handle the deep passing attacks and mobile quarterbacks that dominate the AFC. The Ravens’ defense needs more versatility, and a focus on improving specific areas during the draft could make all the difference in returning to championship contention.

Key Defensive Areas of Concern

While the Ravens’ defense remains formidable, there are a few areas where they could benefit from additional talent, depth, and development. Given that the AFC has an abundance of top-tier quarterbacks and explosive offenses, it’s essential for the Ravens to ensure they have the tools to compete with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen in the postseason.

Cornerback Depth and Consistency

The Ravens have historically been strong in the secondary, but they have struggled to find a reliable No. 2 cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey is a proven elite player, but he cannot be expected to handle all of the opposition’s top receivers by himself. The Ravens need to add another cornerback who can consistently lock down top-tier wide receivers.

The lack of a high-quality cornerback opposite Humphrey has been exposed in high-stakes games, particularly in the playoffs. When facing teams with multiple weapons, like the Chiefs or Bengals, the Ravens’ secondary becomes stretched thin. A solid No. 2 cornerback would allow the Ravens to match up better against high-powered passing offenses and would allow the team to maintain their aggressive style of play without worrying about giving up big plays.

Pass Rusher Depth

The Ravens have been known for their pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but like their secondary, the pass-rushing unit could use some reinforcement. While veteran pass rushers like Justin Houston and Odafe Oweh have contributed to the team’s sack totals, there is a lack of depth and consistency at this position. Having one or two dynamic pass rushers can make a world of difference, particularly in high-pressure situations where teams need to get to the quarterback quickly to disrupt the opposing offense.

The Ravens need to add a premier pass rusher who can consistently create havoc in the backfield, especially given that in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are quicker and more mobile than ever before, it’s crucial to maintain constant pressure. Upgrading this position through the draft would give the Ravens the depth and versatility needed to rotate fresh legs into the defensive line and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially in critical playoff games.

Linebacker Depth and Versatility

The linebacker position has traditionally been a strength for the Ravens, with future Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis and C.J. Mosley leading the charge over the years. However, the modern NFL demands more versatility from linebackers, and the Ravens could improve at this position to ensure they can compete against the fast-paced offenses that have become the norm in the league.

The Ravens currently rely on players like Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, who have played well in recent seasons. But adding a linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range and the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage could give the team a massive edge. A linebacker who can impact both the run and pass game would add a level of flexibility to the defense, allowing defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to implement a more varied scheme without sacrificing defensive coverage.

Why the Ravens Should Prioritize Defense in the Draft

The case for the Ravens to focus on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft is multi-faceted. There are several reasons why this strategy could be beneficial for the team moving forward.

Competing in the AFC

The AFC is arguably the toughest conference in the NFL, with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert leading high-powered offenses. These quarterbacks are capable of putting up significant numbers in both the regular season and the playoffs. In order for the Ravens to contend with these teams, they need a defense that can match up with these explosive offenses.

A strong, versatile defense would give the Ravens a greater chance of stopping or limiting these high-flying offenses. As the Ravens have seen in recent playoff appearances, one missed stop can be the difference between winning and losing. To go toe-to-toe with the AFC’s best, the Ravens need to ensure that their defense is up to the challenge.

Capitalizing on Lamar Jackson’s Prime Years

While Lamar Jackson is still young and has the potential to lead the Ravens for years to come, his playing style involves a higher degree of physicality, and injuries could become a concern down the road. It’s crucial that the Ravens maximize Jackson’s prime years by putting a strong, playoff-caliber team around him.

The defense has been the foundation of the Ravens’ success for years, and continuing to build that side of the ball would not only allow the offense to be more effective but would also give Jackson a more well-rounded team capable of competing for championships. When Jackson has a solid defense behind him, he can focus on playing his game without the added pressure of needing to outscore every opponent.

Staying True to Ravens Football Identity

Ravens football is synonymous with strong defense, and while Lamar Jackson has made the offense more exciting and dynamic, the team’s identity will always be tied to its defensive success. By shifting the focus to defense in the draft, the Ravens can continue to build on that legacy and ensure they are competitive for years to come.

Defensive players tend to have longer careers than offensive skill players, and the Ravens have a long history of drafting successful defensive players. With their rich tradition of finding defensive gems in the draft, the team can look to continue that legacy and bring in young talent who can make an immediate impact.

Potential Defensive Targets in the 2025 NFL Draft

If the Ravens focus on defense during the draft, they will have several potential targets to consider. Some of the top prospects in 2025 include:

• Cornerbacks: The Ravens could target top cornerbacks like Kelee Ringo (Georgia) or Eli Ricks (Alabama) to pair with Marlon Humphrey and provide an immediate upgrade to the secondary.
• Edge Rushers: Players like Myles Murphy (Clemson) and Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) are expected to be some of the top pass rushers in the draft and could help bolster the Ravens’ edge rush.
• Linebackers: A linebacker such as Trenton Simpson (Clemson) or Jack Campbell (Iowa) would add both depth and versatility to the Ravens’ linebacker corps, allowing them to better defend against the pass and improve in run defense