As the NFL Draft draws closer the Ravens’ best-case scenario wild cards and sleepers

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting times for NFL teams, especially for a franchise like the Baltimore Ravens. A team with a rich history of success, the Ravens are constantly looking to improve, and the draft represents an opportunity to build for the future, plug in immediate needs, and secure players who can help the team return to contention for a Super Bowl. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, let’s take a deep dive into the best-case scenario, wild card picks, and potential sleepers for the Ravens.

The Ravens have had a unique offseason. With the signing of quarterback Lamar Jackson to a massive extension, the team now has its franchise signal-caller secured for the long term. This gives the Ravens a sense of stability, and the draft could be the perfect opportunity to continue surrounding Jackson with the right pieces to ensure long-term success.

While the Ravens have made strides in addressing their receiving corps, it remains a critical need. Despite having talents like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, the wide receiver group is still unproven, and adding a top-tier receiver could elevate the offense and provide Jackson with more options in the passing game.

In a best-case scenario, the Ravens would have the opportunity to draft a player like Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. Smith-Njigba is a polished route runner with excellent hands and the ability to make plays after the catch. His skill set would complement Jackson’s deep-ball accuracy, giving the offense a more balanced attack.

If Smith-Njigba is off the board, Jordan Addison from USC is another intriguing option. Addison is quick, agile, and has great vision, making him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ system. Adding a player like this would provide Jackson with a reliable target in the short and intermediate passing game, something that has been missing in recent years.

Despite having one of the better offensive lines in the league, the Ravens could stand to improve in a few areas. Specifically, depth at tackle and the interior of the offensive line could use some reinforcements. A best-case scenario for the Ravens would see them land a top-tier lineman like Peter Skoronski from Northwestern, who can play both tackle and guard. Skoronski is a high-character player with elite technique and would be an immediate starter for the Ravens, providing stability for Jackson in the pocket.

Alternatively, Broderick Jones from Georgia could also be a great option. He’s a powerful tackle with the ability to both pass protect and dominate in the running game. The Ravens could use Jones to help solidify their offensive line for years to come.

While the Ravens’ defense is typically one of the league’s best, they could still use more pieces, particularly in the secondary. With the departure of Marcus Peters and the aging of certain players, cornerback remains a critical area of need.

A best-case scenario would see the Ravens land Devon Witherspoon from Illinois. Witherspoon is an aggressive corner with fantastic ball skills and coverage ability. His instincts would immediately boost the Ravens’ secondary and provide a long-term solution at cornerback.

If Witherspoon is off the board, Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State is another strong option. Porter is a physical corner with great length, making him an ideal matchup against larger receivers in the AFC North.

The Ravens have a solid group of pass rushers, but depth is always important in the NFL. Adding a versatile player like Nolan Smith from Georgia could provide the Ravens with the flexibility to rotate players on the defensive line and add an additional speed rusher to the mix. Smith is explosive off the edge and has the ability to rush the passer from multiple positions. His high motor and relentless work ethic would fit perfectly in the Ravens’ defensive scheme.

While addressing core needs like wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback are important, the Ravens are no strangers to taking risks and finding hidden gems in the draft. These “wild card” picks are players who might not fit the traditional mold or aren’t considered consensus top picks but have the potential to make an immediate impact.

The Ravens have a strong tight end room with players like Mark Andrews, but adding another dynamic playmaker like Michael Mayer from Notre Dame would give Lamar Jackson yet another weapon to utilize in the passing game. Mayer is a tremendous all-around tight end who excels as both a blocker and a pass catcher. His ability to win at the line of scrimmage and provide a reliable safety blanket for Jackson would make him a dangerous addition to the offense.

Mayer’s potential as a versatile weapon would elevate the Ravens’ already dynamic offense, making them even harder to defend.

The linebacker position has been a strength for the Ravens in recent years, but there’s always room for improvement, especially with the evolution of offensive schemes. Trenton Simpson from Clemson is an athletic, fast linebacker who can cover ground quickly and provide value both in pass coverage and against the run. He’s an explosive playmaker who could add versatility to the Ravens’ linebacker corps.

Simpson might not be a top priority for the Ravens, but his skill set and the potential to develop into a high-impact player could make him a wild card pick that gives the Ravens’ defense an added dimension.

While the Ravens have invested in their backfield with JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Bijan Robinson from Texas is one of the best running back prospects in years. His vision, burst, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him an immediate upgrade to the offense. If Robinson somehow slips to the Ravens at their pick, it would be an intriguing proposition for them to add another dynamic weapon to their already dangerous offense. Robinson’s all-around game would allow the Ravens to employ more creative schemes and give Jackson an elite playmaker to lean on.

Every year, teams find sleepers in the draft—players who fly under the radar but end up being stars. The Ravens have had success finding these types of players, and in 2025, they could look to add a few more under-the-radar talents to their roster.

While running back is not an urgent need, Kenny McIntosh from Georgia could be a steal if the Ravens look to add depth at the position. McIntosh is a smooth runner with great vision and receiving ability. His style of play is reminiscent of some of the great all-purpose backs in the NFL, and he could provide the Ravens with a reliable back who can catch passes and contribute in various situations.

Though the Ravens just secured Lamar Jackson long-term, it’s always good to have a capable backup, especially for a team like the Ravens that relies heavily on the quarterback’s legs and mobility. Tanner McKee from Stanford is a polished pocket passer with good size and arm strength. While he may not be a long-term solution for the Ravens, he could develop into a solid backup or future trade asset. McKee’s development could help keep the Ravens in a strong position if Jackson ever goes down with an injury.

Tyler Scott from Cincinnati is a smaller, speedy receiver with the ability to stretch the field. His speed makes him a constant threat to defenses, and he could add an additional dimension to the Ravens’ offense. While he may not be a first-round talent, Scott’s speed and route-running ability make him a potential sleeper who could become a valuable contributor in the Ravens’ system.

In the back end of the defense, the Ravens could look to add a safety like Javon Bullard from Georgia. Bullard is an underrated player who can do it all—he’s great in coverage, can come up and stop the run, and has fantastic ball skills. Adding a player like Bullard would improve the Ravens’ secondary depth, giving them more flexibility in their defensive schemes.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are in a good position to continue their tradition of building through the draft. With a stable quarterback situation and a strong defense, their focus should be on adding offensive playmakers, improving depth on the offensive line, and continuing to build their defense for future success.

Whether it’s landing a top wide receiver, solidifying the offensive line, or finding a sleeper who develops into a star, the Ravens have the tools to make a significant impact in the draft. They have a talented roster, and the right moves in the draft could push them back into Super Bowl contention in the coming seasons.