Boston College pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has been a player talked about possibly going to the Ravens, and he already has some familiarity with one of Baltimore's standouts.
Ezeiruaku played his first two seasons at Boston College with wide receiver Zay Flowers, and the potential Day 1 pick said he spoke with the Pro Bowler ahead of the Combine.
"I've talked to Zay for sure, and Zion [Johnson], Christian Mahogany, and Elijah Jones," Ezeiruaku said Wednesday. "They pretty much told me this is a time to lock in. Take these couple months, and it will go by fast, but it's going to be the longest year of your life essentially because you're coming from a season and then into this season and then minicamp, OTAs, things like that. Just enjoy it, though, at the same time."
Ezeiruaku was second in college football with 16.5 sacks in 2024, and many draft analysts have him coming off the board at the end of Round 1. Although the Ravens finished second in the NFL with 54 sacks last season, General Manager Eric DeCosta said he's always looking for young pass rush talent.
Ezeiruaku could be an option for the Ravens at No. 27, and being a first-round pick would mean a lot to All-American.
"It would be important. Obviously, a dream come true," Ezeiruaku said of possibly going on Day 1. "Something that I've been wanting to do since I was seven years old playing this game. At the end of the day, it's on God's timing. I can't really control that. I got to do what I can do, control what I can control."
Defensive Line Prospects Praise Current Ravens
The Ravens have a strong defensive line, and NFL prospects are taking notice.
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams called Odafe Oweh one of his favorite pass rushers to watch, and Maryland defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote gave a shout out to Nnamdi Madubuike.
Both Williams and Akingbesote could be potential targets for the Ravens. Williams is a projected first-round pick, and his pass rush traits could be intriguing for Baltimore. Akingbesote is more of a run stuffer and could provide depth at defensive tackle on Day 2 or 3.
Former Ravens Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald Says He's Proud of Zach Orr
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr had big shoes to fill taking over Mike Macdonald's top-ranked unit, and after an up and down start, Orr was coaching one of the league's best defenses.
Macdonald was watching his former linebackers coach from afar and had nothing but praise for him.
"I think the world of Zach," said Macdonald, now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. "I've got a ton of respect for him. He's a heck of a football coach.
"I'm proud of Zach. I thought they played great football this year and they had a chance to win it all in the end. I'm sure he's going to be diving in like we are right now, trying to get better."
While Orr's defense didn't have any major changes from the Ravens defenses of the past, Macdonald said Orr's influence on the unit was clear.
"I think it's really cool that you see Zach's personality with their defense," Macdonald said. "That's a tribute to his leadership and the atmosphere that John [Harbaugh] built in Baltimore. All the things that go into it there [are] really neat. It shows you that no matter who's leading the defense, it's still Baltimore's defense, but they're able to evolve and kind of move and shape with who's calling the plays."
Ravens Rise in 2025 NFLPA Report Card
The NFL Players Association released its 2025 Report Card for all 32 teams, and the Ravens had the 13th-overall ranking, up from 15th in 2024.
The Ravens had well-rounded grades, earning a B- or higher in 10 of the 11 categories, including an A in ownership and A- in team travel.
"Once again, the Baltimore Ravens finish in the middle of the pack, with no significant weaknesses," the NFLPA wrote in its overview. "It seems the team provides a very solid workplace environment for their players. Players appreciate the strong leadership from the owner, general manager, and head coach."
