Mink: In some ways, the Ravens are already built similarly to the Super Bowl champion Eagles. But I do think Baltimore will continue to add pieces on both sides of the ball to improve in the trenches.
I don't expect the Ravens to use a first-round picks in back-to-back years on defensive tackles like the Eagles did with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Baltimore already made a big investment last offseason in Nnamdi Madubuike. But the Ravens will keep supplementing their defensive front seven. It would not at all be surprising for the Ravens to draft a defensive player first for the second straight year.
While I could certainly see a pass rusher or defensive lineman, Baltimore also has needs at cornerback and safety. The Eagles' top two picks in last year's draft were cornerbacks and they were both huge hits. Cooper DeJean had a pick-six in the Super Bowl.
Last year was Phase 1 of the offensive line rebuild, and I expect the Ravens to move forward with Phase 2 this offseason. That could mean re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley or it could be some other solution.
In summary, yes, I could see the Ravens putting a high emphasis on improving in the trenches this offseason. The Eagles' success against the Chiefs maybe emphasized that course of action, but I don't think it was the inspiration.
Brown: The Eagles' ability to pressure Patrick Mahomes consistently, without blitzing, was the key to them winning the Super Bowl. Their defensive linemen and edge rushers took over the game.
The Ravens will look to add players this offseason who can make their pass rush more ferocious, but they always do. As Mink said, the Ravens' top pick this year could be defensive player. Some potential first-round edge rushers like Mike Green of Marshall and James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee are being linked to the Ravens in mock drafts. Veteran pass rushers who are set to become free agents include Khalil Mack, Haason Reddick, Malcolm Koonce, Josh Sweat, and Chase Young.
Baltimore has not been shy about drafting and signing pass rushers. Kyle Van Noy has been a terrific addition, with 21.5 sacks since joining the Ravens two years ago. Odafe Oweh, a first-round pick in 2021, is coming off his first double-digit sack season. Madubuike, a third rounder in 2020, is a two-time Pro Bowler.
It's no secret that a relentless pass rush can rattle any quarterback, even the great ones, and that was reaffirmed by Philadelphia's performance. The Chiefs will undoubtedly make moves this offseason designed to shore up their pass protection. However, having a more disruptive front seven in 2025 would help the Ravens get past the Chiefs or anyone else standing in the way of reaching the Super Bowl.
Mink: I think this time of year is when we should be on the lookout for contract "extensions" with players before they become free agents. Last year, the Ravens inked a one-year deal with wide receiver Nelson Agholor on Feb. 18. So we're in that window currently. And sometimes they aren't the biggest money deals that get done first.
When I look at the Ravens' list of pending free agents, here are some candidates. Inside linebacker Malik Harrison stepped up and played well as a starter last year and has been a good special teams player. Offensive lineman Josh Jones could return to be a contender for a starting job or at the least an experienced sixth lineman. Retaining Tre'Davious White would assuage some of the need at cornerback. Defensive end Brent Urban could get another one-year deal. Tylan Wallace may be a "right player, right price" solution as a reliable depth wide receiver and special teamer.
Brown: I don't think it's crazy, but I don't think Hollywood Brown is returning to Baltimore.
Yes, Brown was an EDC favorite – his first draft pick as a general manager in 2019. But Brown eventually asked to be traded, and while I think he'd enjoy playing in Todd Monken's system, Brown has had some tough seasons since he left the Ravens.
He had 91 catches for 1,008 yards in 2021, his last year with Baltimore. Since then, he's had 67 catches in 2022, 51 catches in 2023, and just nine catches in 2024 after missing almost the entire season with a dislocated shoulder.
The Ravens are looking for wide receiver depth behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but Brown is going to draw interest as a free agent and will have options. I don't think we'll see a Hollywood reunion with the Ravens.
