Ravens might’ve just drafted a future cornerstone no one’s talking about

In a draft class brimming with standout names and headline-grabbing selections, one team might have just added a future cornerstone player no one is talking about — and it’s the Baltimore Ravens. While much of the spotlight in the 2025 NFL Draft has focused on high-profile quarterbacks, flashy wide receivers, and elite defensive prospects, one pick has quietly captured the attention of analysts, scouts, and football insiders who believe the Ravens might have just landed a hidden gem.

With the 47th overall pick in the second round, the Ravens selected Jaxon “Jax” Reed, a player who, despite being somewhat under the radar coming into the draft, might just develop into one of the most important players in their future plans. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 215 pounds, Reed is a versatile, athletic wide receiver who played for a lesser-known program but managed to flash elite skills that could make him a star at the next level.

Reed, known for his combination of size, speed, and high football IQ, is one of the most intriguing picks in this year’s draft. His potential to grow into a top-tier NFL player isn’t just wishful thinking — it’s backed by his impressive college tape, a remarkable work ethic, and the way he fits into the Ravens’ future offensive scheme.

As the dust settles on the draft, it’s becoming clear that Reed might be the most underrated selection of the 2025 draft class, and the Ravens could have a future superstar on their hands. Here’s why.

The Unheralded Star: Jaxon Reed’s Journey

Jaxon Reed’s journey to the NFL wasn’t the typical route for a highly-touted wide receiver. He didn’t play in one of the so-called “powerhouse” conferences, and he wasn’t surrounded by a collection of future first-round talents. Reed spent his college years at Northwestern State University, a school that doesn’t often get the spotlight in major college football conversations.

However, what Reed lacked in national exposure, he more than made up for with his individual talent. Over the course of his four-year college career, Reed accumulated 3,800 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading his team in receiving yards each season. His final year saw him put up eye-popping numbers, with 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns, despite facing a rigorous schedule that often pitted him against superior competition.

It wasn’t just Reed’s stats that impressed NFL scouts, though. It was the way he played the game. With a unique blend of size, speed, and agility, Reed is a matchup nightmare for defenders. He uses his frame to box out smaller cornerbacks while also possessing the footwork and lateral agility to beat bigger defenders. Additionally, his ability to track the ball in the air — combined with his natural hands and leaping ability — makes him a deep-ball threat that can stretch the field and challenge defenses vertically.

Scouts also praised Reed for his high football IQ. His route running was polished, and he showed a natural ability to create separation with subtle nuances in his release off the line of scrimmage. While he’s not the fastest player on the field, his quickness and understanding of defensive leverage allow him to make plays other receivers can’t. He’s often been compared to some of the NFL’s top wide receivers because of his “old-school” approach to the game — thinking two steps ahead and using precision over raw speed.

What Makes Reed the Perfect Fit for the Ravens’ Offense?

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive scheme has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, and Jaxon Reed is exactly the type of player who could thrive in this evolving system. Historically known for their strong running game and quarterback mobility with Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have increasingly looked to add dynamic playmakers in the passing game — especially after the emergence of Jackson as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

Reed’s skill set is a perfect complement to Jackson’s playing style. Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs and throw on the run allows receivers to adjust their routes in real time, and Reed’s IQ and ability to improvise will make him a dangerous target in these situations. His vertical speed, combined with his ability to win contested catches, will make him an ideal deep threat for Jackson, who has shown significant improvement as a passer over the last few seasons.

Furthermore, Reed’s physicality and his ability to create mismatches will make him an asset in the red zone. The Ravens have struggled at times to find consistent weapons in the passing game, especially in high-leverage situations, but Reed’s ability to high-point the ball and make acrobatic catches in traffic can immediately elevate their passing attack. He is also more than capable of working underneath, creating space in the intermediate zones, and generating yards after the catch — another area where the Ravens have been searching for a playmaker.

The Ravens’ Vision: Building Around Lamar Jackson

In a post-draft interview, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta emphasized that the team’s selection of Reed was part of a larger plan to build around Lamar Jackson and give him the weapons he needs to elevate the offense to a championship-caliber level.

“We’ve seen what Lamar can do when he has the right pieces around him,” DeCosta explained. “But we know that for Lamar to truly reach his potential and lead us to where we want to go, we need to give him more targets, more playmakers — guys who can separate, stretch the field, and create mismatches. Reed is exactly that type of player. His skill set fits perfectly with our offensive system and what we want to do.”

The Ravens made it a priority in the 2025 draft to add depth to their receiving corps. They already had Rashod Bateman as a reliable weapon on the outside and Mark Andrews as one of the league’s top tight ends, but they knew they needed more explosive players. Reed provides that explosiveness, and his arrival could be the missing link the team has been searching for.

The X-Factor: Jaxon Reed’s Upside

While the Ravens’ choice to pick Reed may not have generated the same amount of buzz as other top picks, his upside is undeniable. He has the physical tools, the football IQ, and the work ethic to become a star in the NFL. But beyond that, Reed brings something that can’t always be measured on a stat sheet — potential.

Unlike many of the high-profile draft picks, Reed has flown under the radar and could have been overshadowed by bigger names coming out of the power conferences. But that very under-the-radar status may be what ultimately makes him a great pick for the Ravens. In a league full of talent, sometimes it’s the quieter, less heralded players who end up making the biggest impact.

What sets Reed apart is his hunger to prove people wrong. As someone who played in relative obscurity, Reed has always been motivated to show that he belongs at the highest level. He knows he’s been overlooked, and that chip on his shoulder could drive him to be the best version of himself in the NFL. His work ethic is relentless, and his determination to reach the top has been a defining feature of his career.

“I’ve always had to work for everything I’ve gotten,” Reed said. “I don’t expect anyone to just hand me anything. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m going to put in the work to show it.”

The Ravens’ organization, known for its attention to detail and its ability to develop talent, may be the perfect environment for Reed to realize his full potential. The Ravens have a strong track record of maximizing the abilities of their players, and if Reed can stay healthy and continue to develop, there’s no reason why he can’t be a top-tier NFL receiver.

What’s Next for Jaxon Reed?

Looking ahead, Jaxon Reed’s future with the Ravens is full of potential. As he continues to integrate into the offense, he will have the chance to learn from veteran receivers and coaches who know how to get the best out of their players. His transition to the NFL won’t be without its challenges, but Reed has shown throughout his college career that he can adapt and thrive in new environments.

For the Ravens, this pick could prove to be one of the most significant moves in their long-term planning. With Lamar Jackson now fully entrenched as the team’s leader and future MVP-caliber quarterback, adding Reed to the equation gives them another weapon that can make a huge difference in the passing game.

In a few years, the NFL might be talking about Jaxon Reed the same way it talks about other top wide receivers. The Ravens’ quiet second-round pick could very well turn into one of the draft’s biggest steals, and Reed might end up being the cornerstone player that Baltimore has been searching for to complement its dynamic quarterback.

In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, every team is always on the lookout for that one player who could turn into a future star — the one that might fly under the radar but end up being a foundational piece for years to come. For the Baltimore Ravens, Jaxon Reed could very well be that player.

With his unique blend of size, speed, and football IQ, Reed has the tools to become a game-changing receiver in the NFL. If the Ravens can help him realize his potential, they may have just drafted the future cornerstone of their offense — one that no one was talking about but who will soon be impossible to ignore.