All eyes are on the NFL Draft kicking off in 16 days (but who's counting?).
The Ravens like where they sit. As Head Coach John Harbaugh said at last week's NFL owners meetings, the Ravens feel like they could "line up and play right now."
"We have a really good roster right now. I love our players. I love our depth even – not that we can't get better," Harbaugh said.
"So, our mission right now is to try to improve and try to take it to the next level. The way the roster is set up, it gives us an opportunity to really go after the best player we can get – whatever the position might be to improve our team and make the whole better. So, I'm looking forward to the draft.
Here's where the Ravens can improve most in the Draft:
Defensive Line
The Ravens have a strong foundation with Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington, but they were reportedly in the hunt for Calais Campbell, which shows an interest in adding another high-impact player to the group. Baltimore also needs more depth with the retirement of Michael Pierce and Brent Urban still on the free-agent market.
Baltimore had the NFL's best run defense last season, allowing just 80.1 yards per game and 3.6 per carry. In the AFC North, it starts with stopping the run. The Ravens don't want to take a step back in that area.
However, the Ravens' pass rush could also get a boost across the board if they can get more pressure up front. Madubuike had 13 sacks in 2023 and 6.5 in 2024. He could use another running mate to take attention away from him and maximize one-on-one opportunities when opponents double Madubuike.
Three possible picks: Derrick Harmon (Oregon), Walter Nolan (Ole Miss), Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Safety
Who will start next to All-Pro Kyle Hamilton? Ar'Darius Washington proved he's up to the task last season, but Harbaugh also mentioned him as a possibility to play slot cornerback. Even with Washington at safety, the Ravens often like to use three-safety formations. After releasing Marcus Williams, the Ravens have a prominent position to fill.
The Ravens ironed out the coverage problems over the second half of last season, but they're still looking for more takeaways, as their 12 interceptions ranked middle of the pack. Turnovers are what have changed games in the playoffs for the Ravens, and they'd like to be on the right side of the ledger more often.
Three possible picks: Malaki Starks (Georgia), Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
Pass Rusher
Outside linebacker is a different situation because the Ravens are returning all their players from last season and they had strong production from the group. Baltimore had two members of the double-digit sack club in Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, who led a pass rush unit that finished with the second-most sacks (54) in the league. Tavius Robinson keeps improving as he enters Year 3. The Ravens are hoping David Ojabo stays healthy and breaks out in Year 4.
However, there are long-term questions with this group as Oweh, Van Noy, and Ojabo are going into the final year of their contracts. Plus, there's always space for another game-changing pass rusher off the edge and plenty of alluring options in this year's draft.
Three possible picks: Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Mykel Williams (Georgia), James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
Special Teams
The Ravens have never drafted a kicker, but with eight picks on Day 3, they've been gathering their intel. Ravens President Sashi Brown said at the NFL annual meetings that it remains uncertain when the league's investigation regarding Justin Tucker will conclude.
"I think there's a lot of good kickers in the draft, from what I'm told," Harbaugh said. "(Senior Special Teams Coach) Randy Brown is out there. He's been putting up the frequent flyer miles all over the country, and he texted me. It's like tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. We're tracking Randy on the evaluation of kickers right now.
"Obviously, there are a lot of layers to that whole conversation, but it's something we would have to do no matter what. At this point in time, you have to look. We will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there."
Baltimore re-signed an experienced punt returner in wide receiver Tylan Wallace, but Harbaugh said after the season that the team is looking to "get settled" at the position.. Baltimore is looking for more explosive returns.
The Ravens take pride in being elite on special teams, and they lost experience with the departures of Malik Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Chris Board (New York Giants), and Kristian Welch (Green Bay Packers). Baltimore signed linebacker Jake Hummel, who was a special teams ace with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Ravens will expect some of their draft picks to make an immediate impact in that phase of the game.
Three possible picks: Andres Borregales, Kicker, (Miami, Fla.), Ryan Fitzgerald, Kicker, (Florida State), Ben Sauls, Kicker, (Pittsburgh)
Offensive Line
Even if Andrew Vorhees steps in at left guard to join the four returning starters, the Ravens are looking to add depth.
Baltimore loves versatile offensive linemen who can play multiple positions. The Ravens lost their most versatile player up front in Patrick Mekari (Jacksonville Jaguars), who started most of last season at left guard.
While Ben Cleveland was re-signed, Baltimore also lost veteran tackle Josh Jones (Seattle Seahawks) in free agency. It would not be surprising to see the Ravens draft two offensive linemen, and they could grab one with their first pick at No. 27.
Three possible picks: G/T Tyler Booker (Alabama), G/T Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), G Joshua Gray (Oregon State)
