Examining possible targets for each of the three days of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Ravens
The 2025 NFL Draft will be an exciting opportunity for the Baltimore Ravens to continue building on their strong roster, particularly as they look to strengthen key areas and solidify their championship aspirations. The Ravens have had a storied draft history, making astute selections that have contributed to their success in the NFL. Heading into the 2025 draft, they have several needs that they can address across multiple rounds.
In this article, we’ll examine the possible targets for each of the three days of the 2025 NFL Draft for the Baltimore Ravens, considering their current roster and team needs, as well as potential draft prospects who could fill those gaps and contribute immediately.
Day 1: Round 1 – Immediate Impact Players
On Day 1, the Ravens will look to add an immediate difference-maker. Baltimore traditionally values players who are highly skilled, particularly in areas that can contribute to their offensive and defensive schemes. They typically look for players who can make an impact right away, and they are not afraid to take a chance on a player with high upside.
1. Wide Receiver
The Ravens have long struggled with their wide receiver corps. Despite recent improvements, including drafting Zay Flowers in the 2023 draft, they could still use another playmaker on the outside. They have a need for a true No. 1 wide receiver, capable of consistently winning matchups and providing Lamar Jackson with more reliable targets in the passing game. If there is a standout receiver in the 2025 class, they could be the perfect Day 1 target.
Possible Targets:
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State): One of the most highly anticipated prospects for the 2025 draft, Harrison Jr. is a polished route runner with exceptional hands and ability to win contested catches. His ability to stretch the field and make plays in all areas of the field would be a perfect fit for Lamar Jackson’s game. If Harrison falls to the Ravens at their pick, he would be hard to pass up.Keon Coleman (Florida State): A big-bodied, physical receiver with great ball tracking and contested catch skills, Coleman could be the go-to option the Ravens need to bolster their aerial attack. His ability to win 50-50 balls would complement Zay Flowers’ speed and agility nicely.
2. Offensive Line
The Ravens have a solid offensive line, but with some aging veterans and depth concerns, they could look to add youth and talent to the group. Protecting Lamar Jackson will always be a priority, and the Ravens need to ensure that their offensive line can hold up against the league’s best pass rushers. A versatile, powerful offensive lineman could shore up their line and give them more flexibility.
Possible Targets:
Joe Alt (Notre Dame): Alt is an athletic, strong tackle with excellent pass protection ability. His versatility to play either side of the line would make him an attractive target for the Ravens, who could use him on either side of the line.Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State): A massive, powerful tackle who is known for his excellent run-blocking skills, Fashanu could be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ run-heavy offensive scheme. His potential as a pass protector is also solid, which would help improve their overall line play.
3. Cornerback
The Ravens have consistently built strong defenses, and their cornerback group has been a strong suit. However, they’ve had issues with depth and injury concerns. Adding a top-tier corner could help them solidify the defense and create a deeper, more talented secondary.
Possible Targets:
Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama): McKinstry has been one of the top cornerbacks in college football, showing incredible athleticism and ball skills. His ability to cover wide receivers and make plays on the ball would elevate the Ravens’ defense significantly. His instincts and ability to make plays in critical moments would be a valuable asset for their secondary.Jahmal Banks (Louisville): Banks has been rising up draft boards thanks to his elite coverage skills, speed, and ability to shut down wide receivers in one-on-one situations. The Ravens could use him as a starting corner opposite Marlon Humphrey.
Day 2: Round 2-3 – Future Starters and Key Role Players
Day 2 is about finding future starters or players who can contribute in important roles right away. The Ravens will be looking to add talent at positions where they can find players who will develop into key contributors or become instant starters, especially if there are value picks available. There are several positions they could target on this day.
1. Edge Rusher
The Ravens’ defense has always been built around a strong pass rush, and while they have some solid pieces, they could use another dynamic edge rusher to complement their defensive front. Adding a high-impact pass rusher would help the Ravens create more pressure on quarterbacks and provide better pass defense.
Possible Targets:
Jared Verse (Florida State): Verse is a powerful edge rusher with excellent burst off the line of scrimmage. He’s a versatile defender who can rush from multiple spots along the defensive line, making him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defense. His ability to collapse the pocket would immediately improve the Ravens’ pass rush.Luther Byrd III (Oklahoma): Byrd is an explosive and athletic edge rusher who can disrupt quarterbacks with his speed and power. He has great flexibility and can win with both speed and strength, making him a versatile rusher for the Ravens to develop.
2. Linebacker
Baltimore has consistently drafted linebackers who can contribute in both pass coverage and run support, and that trend is likely to continue. They need a linebacker who can play sideline-to-sideline, cover tight ends, and be a key part of their run-stopping unit.
Possible Targets:
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson): Trotter is a physical linebacker with great instincts and a knack for finding the ball. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, along with his strength against the run, makes him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ system. He could step into a starting role early in his career.Kris Jenkins (USC): Jenkins is a hard-hitting linebacker who can play in multiple defensive schemes. His experience and leadership would bring a physical presence to the middle of the Ravens’ defense.
3. Running Back
While the Ravens have a strong running back room, adding depth and potential to the position is always a priority. They could look to draft a running back who is capable of handling a larger workload, especially given their run-heavy offensive scheme.
Possible Targets:
Blake Corum (Michigan): Corum is a quick, explosive back with excellent vision and balance. His ability to break tackles and create yards after contact would be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ running back group.Raheim Sanders (Arkansas): A bigger, more physical back with impressive speed and vision, Sanders could be a perfect complement to the smaller, more elusive backs already on the Ravens roster. He has the power to grind out tough yards and the speed to break away on long runs.
Day 3: Round 4-7 – Developmental Projects and Depth Pieces
On Day 3, the Ravens will be looking to add depth and developmental prospects who can eventually carve out a role on the team. These picks are critical for filling out the roster and finding future stars who can make an impact in niche roles or on special teams.
1. Tight End
The Ravens have a strong tight end group, but adding another player to give them depth or fill a specific role could be a smart move. A tight end who can contribute as a blocker or pass catcher would fit well into the Ravens’ offense.
Possible Targets:
Brayden Willis (Oklahoma): Willis is a versatile tight end who can play both in-line and out wide. He’s known for his strong blocking and ability to catch passes, making him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense.Sam LaPorta (Iowa): A more traditional tight end who can be used in multiple ways, LaPorta’s ability as a blocker and pass catcher would give the Ravens a solid depth option at the position.
2. Safety
Baltimore’s defense has been bolstered by playmaking safeties over the years, and adding another young, athletic safety could help build depth. The Ravens have typically looked for safeties who are versatile, capable of playing both as a box defender and a deep safety.
Possible Targets:
Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M): Johnson has a lot of upside and could provide immediate special teams value while developing into a contributor at safety. His athleticism and range would fit into the Ravens’ defense, and his ability to make plays in space could help them against dynamic offenses.Jordan Battle (Alabama): Battle is a well-rounded safety who excels in coverage and against the run. His intelligence and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary make him an ideal target for the Ravens.
3. Interior Defensive Line
Adding depth to the interior defensive line would be another key goal on Day 3. The Ravens have a solid front but could use a rotational player who can help stop the run and provide pressure up the middle.
Possible Targets:
Mason Cobb (USC): Cobb is a strong defensive lineman with a lot of upside as a run defender. His ability to take up space and clog up running lanes would help bolster the Ravens’ already stout front seven.Javon Bullard (Georgia): Bullard has a lot of potential as a disruptive force in the interior, capable of making plays against the run and generating pressure on the quarterback.
The 2025 NFL Draft offers a number of exciting opportunities for the Baltimore Ravens to continue building their roster and addressing key needs. Whether adding a dynamic wide receiver, bolstering the defensive line, or adding depth at important positions, the Ravens will need to make smart selections to ensure their continued success. With a combination of immediate impact players and future developmental prospects, they can strengthen their team across the board and maintain their competitive edge in the AFC North and beyond.
