Ravens Load Up on Defense in Latest Mock Draft, Targeting Immediate Rookie Impact to Elevate Baltimore’s Already Elite Unit
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, speculation surrounding the Baltimore Ravens’ draft strategy continues to intensify. Known for their defensive identity and smart front office moves, the Ravens are once again drawing attention with their latest projected picks. In our most recent mock draft update, Baltimore goes all-in on defense — a strategy that reflects both need and long-term planning — with a full slate of selections focused on enhancing what has traditionally been one of the league’s most feared units.
While many fans and analysts assumed Baltimore might go after an offensive lineman or another wide receiver to aid Lamar Jackson, our projection reflects a more calculated vision by general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh. With a defensive-minded philosophy deeply rooted in Ravens tradition — from Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith — this mock shows Baltimore doubling down on that blueprint to ensure sustainability and dominance for years to come.
Baltimore currently holds nine total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including one in each of the first three rounds. Our simulation starts with a bang in Round 1, where the Ravens address a key position of need: cornerback. While Marlon Humphrey remains a staple when healthy, depth and youth have become major concerns. In this mock, Baltimore selects lockdown cornerback Malik Spencer out of Georgia. Spencer, a 6’1″, 198-pound press coverage specialist, brings a mix of physicality and elite ball skills. Known for his anticipation and ability to shadow top receivers, he’s a plug-and-play defender who could start opposite Humphrey from day one. His addition would allow Baltimore more flexibility in the slot and could help reduce the strain on a secondary that struggled with injuries in 2024.
In Round 2, the Ravens target the defensive line, snagging Penn State edge rusher Derrick Holmes. With Jadeveon Clowney unlikely to return and Odafe Oweh yet to become the dominant force many envisioned, Holmes injects much-needed juice into Baltimore’s pass rush. The 6’4″, 262-pound defensive end racked up 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his final college season, showing advanced technique, quickness off the edge, and a relentless motor. Holmes fits seamlessly into Baltimore’s hybrid front and offers versatility to line up both inside and out. His presence could free up Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen to make more plays in the second level.
The Ravens continue their defensive spending spree in the third round by selecting linebacker Jaden Wilson from Oregon. While Baltimore is blessed with a premier linebacker in Roquan Smith and young depth in Trenton Simpson, Wilson adds a different dimension — elite sideline-to-sideline speed and advanced zone awareness. Wilson thrives in coverage, particularly against tight ends and running backs, and brings a special teams pedigree that ensures he contributes immediately. Baltimore has long prized linebackers who play with instinct and aggression, and Wilson fits the mold perfectly.
By the time the mid-rounds arrive, Baltimore shifts its attention to the trenches, adding depth and developmental talent. In Round 4, the Ravens take a chance on nose tackle Brandon Talley from Texas A&M. At 6’2″, 325 pounds, Talley is a space-eater who excels at occupying double teams and clogging running lanes. His raw power and natural leverage make him an ideal fit for Baltimore’s interior rotation alongside Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike. With Talley, the Ravens reinforce the physical identity they’ve maintained for decades.
Round 5 brings in another cornerback, this time for depth and upside. The Ravens select Isaiah Bell, a rangy defensive back from Illinois known for his ball-hawking instincts and special teams value. Though not as refined as Spencer, Bell offers long-term starter potential and can contribute immediately on punt and kickoff units. He’s a developmental project in coverage, but his athleticism and football IQ suggest he’ll earn his way onto the field sooner than later.
In Round 6, Baltimore picks up another edge rusher: Chase Durham from Missouri. Though a bit undersized at 6’2″, Durham compensates with an explosive first step and incredible bend around the corner. He profiles as a rotational pass rusher in obvious passing downs, which Baltimore values immensely given their heavy reliance on defensive line depth. In passing sub-packages, Durham could be a situational weapon to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.
The final rounds of the draft continue the Ravens’ trend of loading up on defensive prospects with upside. Round 7 features safety Julian Rhodes out of Florida State. Rhodes may not have the coverage skills of a starting free safety, but he’s a thumper with exceptional tackling ability and strong football instincts. With Geno Stone departing in free agency, Rhodes offers depth at a suddenly thin position and could be a core special teams player while he develops in coverage.
Baltimore’s last pick is linebacker/safety hybrid Elias Mann from Washington. Mann is a classic Ravens selection — a high-character, versatile defender who doesn’t have a set position but makes plays wherever he lines up. At 6’0″, 219 pounds, he’s the kind of defender who thrives in sub-packages and thrives in Baltimore’s system. Mann is expected to earn his roster spot through special teams and nickel packages, with long-term potential as a dime linebacker.
In total, the Ravens use all nine of their projected selections on defense, a rarity even for a team known for prioritizing that side of the ball. But this approach isn’t simply about filling holes — it’s about sustaining excellence and building a unit capable of taking Baltimore from playoff contender to Super Bowl champion.
The Ravens were already one of the NFL’s top defenses in 2024, ranking third in points allowed and top-five in takeaways. However, injuries and aging depth exposed vulnerabilities that cost them late in the season. By aggressively targeting the draft to bolster all three levels of the defense — secondary, linebacker, and defensive line — Baltimore sends a clear message: the road to the Super Bowl goes through a dominant defense.
Additionally, this draft strategy has financial implications. With quarterback Lamar Jackson on a lucrative long-term deal and offensive skill players like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews commanding attention, the Ravens need affordable contributors on defense. Rookies offer both cap-friendly contracts and hungry production. History shows that Baltimore has been exceptional at developing young defensive talent, and this draft class is full of prospects ready to continue that legacy.
Of course, draft projections are always speculative, and the real draft board rarely falls exactly as expected. But this mock draft reflects a smart and calculated approach by the Ravens’ front office. Rather than chase flashy offensive names, they invest in what they know best: defense. It’s a strategy that’s worked for decades — and if this class delivers, it could bring the Ravens back to the Super Bowl sooner than later.
By leaning into their identity, addressing needs at every defensive level, and prioritizing high-character, high-upside players, Baltimore once again proves that the “Ravens Way” — smart, physical, and unrelenting — is still very much alive.
