The Ravens are at the Combine, identifying the next crop of young talent to usher into the program while working on other important business with free agency just around the corner.
Here are my thoughts, all in 50 words or less:
- It's clear the Ravens are trying their best to keep Ronnie Stanley. It has long seemed like the best outcome for both parties was to stay together. As always, it largely comes down to price, which is something these two sides figured out last offseason.
- Re-signing Stanley also puts the Ravens in true best-player-available mode when it comes to the draft. In the first round, they could take a linebacker, safety, cornerback, defensive lineman, or offensive lineman. They're crossing off needs to cast a wide net and catch the most talented player at 27.
- This quote from Eric DeCosta didn't get much attention, but it stuck with me. "If I have my choice, I'm always going with upside, and I'm always going with talent." As Ravens fans watch the Combine workouts, keep an eye out for players with high upside (see, Nate Wiggins).
- The draft's top safeties, Georgia's Malaki Starks and South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori, both seem like good options for the Ravens at No. 27. They're both freakishly athletic playmakers who could complement and enhance those around them. Imagining either in Baltimore's secondary is a tasty choose-your-flavor exercise.
- Inside linebacker isn't near the top of the Ravens' needs, but could they draft Alabama's Jihaad Campbell at 27 if he's their best player available? He's highly athletic and brings versatility as an edge rusher. Campbell is No. 12 on Daniel Jeremiah's big board. DeCosta loves talent and value.
- The Ravens have drafted one defensive tackle (Travis Jones) in the past four drafts. With such a strong defensive line class in this year's draft, it would not surprise me if they double dip. Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith put the defensive linemen/linebackers through drills at the Combine.
- I think the Ravens feel pretty good about their guard situation. Daniel Faalele's growing pains are behind him and they're high on Andrew Vorhees. I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens draft a mid-round guard, as they've done many times, but I don't expect a substantial guard investment this offseason.
- Did Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart's Combine performance push him out of range for Baltimore? Though Stewart proved he's an elite athlete, it won't erase the 4.5 college sacks from being a question mark with GMs. The Ravens had this production vs. tools debate before with Odafe Oweh.
- The Ravens have interesting decisions to make regarding Ar'Darius Washington's restricted free agent tag and Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum's fifth-year options. Ultimately, I expect Washington to be a Raven in 2025 and perhaps beyond, and the other two in Baltimore for a long, long time.
- With 11 projected picks and not much salary cap space, DeCosta's primary focus is the draft. With most players coming back, the Ravens know they'll have a strong team in 2025. The mission is to improve it as much as possible and keep building to keep the championship window open.
