With general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh holding the Ravens’ pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. DeCosta cited the Ravens having 217 draft prospects currently on their board, a number considerably higher than some years. He also named the offensive line, defensive line, and outside linebacker as this draft’s strongest positions, which would align nicely with Baltimore’s biggest needs.
2. Of the Ravens’ 11 picks, only three fall in the first 125 spots, so it helps that DeCosta pointed to the middle rounds being this draft’s sweet spot. He compared it to 2022, but Baltimore had six picks in that fourth round compared to just two this year.
3. Asked about needing to draft a kicker, DeCosta said he would “never want to pigeonhole” himself into anything with the draft. However, this could represent the most practical remaining opportunity to replace Justin Tucker with a quality kicker. Either way, the weekend should be telling regarding Tucker’s future.
4. Of the seven kickers drafted over the last three years, four were taken in the sixth round, and the Ravens have four picks in that round. That said, they used a fourth-round selection on Jordan Stout three years ago, so they’ll be aggressive getting their guy — if they have one.
5. Given their need for more secondary depth, it would have been more newsworthy if DeCosta said he didn’t expect to take at least one safety and one cornerback in this draft. Given the injury history of Ar’Darius Washington and Chidobe Awuzie, you’d prefer to draft defensive backs earlier than later.
6. Per Sharp Football, the Ravens have invested fewer dollars in their offensive line than any team for 2025, something DeCosta referenced while complimenting their young talent on rookie contracts. Of course, that figures to change as two-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum moves closer to free agency.
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7. While Baltimore brings back its entire group of edge rushers from last year, it’s difficult to fathom not taking advantage of what’s perceived to be a strong class at that position. If that bumps someone like David Ojabo to the roster bubble, competition is a good thing.
8. Regardless of whether Mark Andrews stays put for 2025 or not, you’d have to think DeCosta is hoping to extend Isaiah Likely at a price that would be friendly for Baltimore. Of course, Likely could be more inclined to wait, especially if the Ravens do move Andrews.
9. Asked about an extension for Derrick Henry, DeCosta said the Ravens “have a lot of different balls in the air right now” without delving into specifics. Of course, they’ve had success making some post-draft veteran signings in recent years, and they have enough cap flexibility for another signing or two.
10. DeCosta declined to comment on the fifth-year option decisions for Linderbaum and Kyle Hamilton, but it’s notable that Linderbaum’s option would cost more than $23 million, creating plenty of urgency to work out a long-term extension. Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey, the NFL’s highest-paid center, is averaging $18 million per season.
11. It’s no secret Harbaugh doesn’t receive as many questions as DeCosta during the pre-draft press conference, but the head coach was sure to interject his opinion when a question was asked about drafting a return specialist. The Ravens certainly need to be better on special teams in 2025.
12. As Jeff Zrebiec noted, there were no questions about wide receiver in the wake of DeAndre Hopkins’ signing and career seasons from Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Though definitely a rarity, the same happened at the 2022 pre-draft press conference, and Baltimore traded Marquise Brown weeks later. You never know.
