The Athletic reports that Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta finds value in the depth of this year’s draft class.

The NFL Draft season is in full swing, and as scouts, analysts, and front offices finalize their strategies for the big event, one organization stands out for its consistency and calculated patience—the Baltimore Ravens. General Manager Eric DeCosta, a key architect behind Baltimore’s sustained success, has built a reputation for identifying talent at every level of the draft. This year, DeCosta sees something special.

In a recent conversation with The Athletic, DeCosta didn’t hold back when discussing the quality of the 2025 draft class. While many observers have focused on a handful of star quarterbacks and a few high-profile edge rushers, DeCosta pointed out the true treasure of this year’s class lies in its depth.

“It’s one of the deeper drafts we’ve seen in a while,” DeCosta said. “You’re going to find guys who can contribute in rounds three, four, and even five. That’s where championship teams are built.”

For an organization like the Ravens, which traditionally selects later in each round due to perennial playoff appearances, valuing depth isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a necessity.

The Ravens’ Draft Legacy: A Blueprint for Sustainability

Baltimore’s draft history under both DeCosta and his predecessor Ozzie Newsome has become a blueprint for other franchises seeking long-term stability. The Ravens are known for stockpiling mid- to late-round picks and consistently hitting on undervalued players. From Day 2 gems like J.K. Dobbins and Justin Madubuike to Day 3 steals like Chuck Clark and Geno Stone, Baltimore’s ability to turn low-cost investments into core contributors has made them a model franchise.

DeCosta, now in his sixth season as general manager, continues to carry that legacy forward.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being able to build depth through the draft,” DeCosta said. “You can’t rely on free agency every year. If you’re going to have a sustainable roster, you need guys who can develop from within, especially under the salary cap.”

This Year’s Draft Class: ‘A Little Bit of Everything’

According to multiple scouts and league insiders, the 2025 draft class is considered unusually well-rounded. While previous years saw talent drop off sharply after the first 40-50 picks, this year’s depth stretches well into the fourth and fifth rounds. DeCosta agrees.

“There’s a little bit of everything,” he said. “We’re seeing quality depth at offensive line, edge rusher, and wide receiver. There’s also a group of really intriguing corners who may not be first-rounders but can absolutely start in this league.”

That analysis could bode well for the Ravens, who currently own nine picks in this year’s draft, including two fourth-round selections. With key areas of need—such as offensive line depth, cornerback rotation, and wide receiver depth—lining up with the strengths of this year’s class, Baltimore is in position to reload efficiently.

Offensive Line Reinforcements Loom Large

Perhaps the most pressing issue for the Ravens this offseason has been the offensive line. With the retirement of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler and the potential departure of tackle Morgan Moses, Baltimore needs to restock the trenches.

Fortunately, DeCosta believes the 2025 class offers plenty of help.

“It’s a really solid group of linemen this year,” he said. “There are guys who can play guard or tackle, and a lot of them are ready to compete right away.”

Names like Alabama’s J.C. Latham, Oregon’s Ajani Cornelius, and Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher are projected to go early, but the Ravens could find long-term starters in later rounds—exactly the kind of value DeCosta is hunting.

Expect Baltimore to target athletic linemen with versatility, capable of playing multiple positions—a hallmark of previous draft hits like Patrick Mekari and Ben Cleveland.

Wide Receiver: Still Room to Grow

Although the Ravens re-signed Rashod Bateman and have high hopes for Zay Flowers’ development after a strong rookie year, the team still lacks depth and consistency at wide receiver. DeCosta acknowledged the team is looking at prospects who could fill that void.

“We feel good about our top guys, but we’re always looking to add weapons,” he said. “This class has some mid-round options who we think can be playmakers.”

While early-round standouts like Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. may be out of reach, the Ravens could strike gold on Day 2 or Day 3 with prospects like Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley, or Florida State’s Johnny Wilson—big-bodied receivers with upside.

Cornerbacks and Coverage Versatility

With Marlon Humphrey returning from injury and Brandon Stephens stepping into a bigger role, Baltimore’s cornerback situation is serviceable—but shallow. DeCosta and defensive coordinator Zach Orr want more options.

“You can never have too many corners,” DeCosta said. “Especially in today’s NFL with the way offenses spread the field. We’re looking at guys who can play inside and outside, who can run and tackle.”

The 2025 class offers promising value in rounds 3-5. Prospects like Notre Dame’s Cam Hart, Oregon’s Trikweze Bridges, and Rutgers’ Max Melton fit the Ravens’ mold: tough, smart, and adaptable.

Mid-Round Success is Baltimore’s Sweet Spot

DeCosta’s emphasis on this year’s depth isn’t just coach speak—it aligns with how Baltimore has drafted historically. According to The Athletic, the Ravens lead the NFL in total games started by players drafted in rounds 3-5 over the past ten years. That kind of sustained success is why DeCosta’s words carry weight.

“We don’t panic if we miss out on a guy in the first,” DeCosta said. “Because we trust our board, and we trust our coaches to develop the players we bring in.”

That belief in process over panic is what keeps Baltimore competitive, year after year.

Strategic Trading: A Possibility

With nine picks, including a potential comp pick still to be confirmed, the Ravens have the ammunition to maneuver around the board. When asked if trades were on the table, DeCosta didn’t rule it out.

“We’re open to moving up or down,” he said. “It just depends on how things fall. If there’s someone we love, we’ll go get him. But sometimes the best move is to sit tight and let the board come to you.”

Expect Baltimore to use their extra fourth-rounder as a bargaining chip to either move into the third or secure a second pick in round two.

A Year to Build, Not Rebuild

Despite losing several veterans this offseason—most notably Zeitler, safety Geno Stone, and linebacker Patrick Queen—the Ravens are not in rebuild mode. They’re merely transitioning. DeCosta’s focus on depth reflects a broader organizational confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop players.

“We’ve got a strong locker room and great leadership,” DeCosta said. “We don’t need to swing for the fences. We just need to keep stacking good players.”

With quarterback Lamar Jackson in his prime and head coach John Harbaugh entering his 17th season, Baltimore is clearly in win-now mode. But they’ll do it their way—carefully, thoughtfully, and with an eye on the long game.

Ravens Fans Should Trust the Process

For Ravens fans used to splashy moves by AFC rivals like the Chiefs, Bills, or Bengals, Baltimore’s methodical draft approach can sometimes feel underwhelming. But the proof is in the results: 16 playoff appearances since 2000, two Super Bowls, and one of the league’s best win percentages over the past two decades.

DeCosta’s remarks to The Athletic reflect that patient mindset—and he believes this year’s depth-rich draft plays directly into Baltimore’s hands.

“It’s a great year to have picks,” he said. “We’re excited. There’s going to be a lot of opportunity.”

 The Ravens’ Next Core Could Be Built This April

In a league driven by headlines and hype, the Baltimore Ravens remain one of the few franchises that plays the long game. And this year, they might just have the perfect draft class to do what they’ve always done best—find future starters where others see filler.

Eric DeCosta’s belief in this class isn’t just about optimism. It’s about strategy. It’s about tradition. And most importantly, it’s about continuing the Ravens’ legacy of excellence—one mid-round pick at a time.