The Athletic’s Dane Brugler Joins The Lounge to Discuss His ‘The Beast’ Draft Guide and Ravens’ Ideal Fits
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, draft analysts are offering more detailed insight into the prospects that could shape the future of the league. One of the most respected voices in the industry, Dane Brugler of The Athletic, recently joined The Lounge podcast to discuss his comprehensive draft guide, “The Beast,” and to provide his thoughts on some of the ideal fits for the Baltimore Ravens. Brugler, known for his in-depth analysis and meticulous scouting, broke down the prospects who could help the Ravens improve in key areas as they continue to build a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl.
Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide is an annual favorite among NFL scouts, general managers, and fans alike. This 400-plus-page guide serves as a one-stop shop for scouting reports on hundreds of prospects, ranking them by position and offering detailed evaluations on their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fits at the NFL level. For Brugler, it’s more than just a draft guide—it’s a culmination of months of film study, interviews with coaches and scouts, and a deep dive into every facet of the draft process. When it comes to finding the right players for a team, Brugler’s insights are invaluable, and his recent appearance on The Lounge gave Ravens fans a unique look into the players he believes could be a perfect match for their needs.
During the conversation, Brugler focused on several positions of need for the Ravens, including pass rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback. These are areas the team has been addressing in recent seasons, but with the AFC North continuing to grow more competitive and the Ravens’ window to compete for a title still wide open, the team will need to add more talent if they are to truly contend in 2025. Brugler’s breakdown of potential fits highlighted several players who could make an immediate impact, both on offense and defense.
One of the first positions Brugler addressed was the pass rusher spot, which has been a long-standing need for the Ravens. While the team has a strong defense overall, their edge rushers have been inconsistent, particularly in terms of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Brugler mentioned several pass rushers who stood out to him, including a few players who could make sense for the Ravens as they continue to try to solidify their pass-rushing unit.
He singled out a standout edge rusher who has been climbing draft boards in recent weeks due to his combination of size, speed, and relentless pursuit. Brugler emphasized that this pass rusher’s ability to both rush the passer and set the edge in the run game would make him a valuable asset to the Ravens. His versatility and ability to play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive scheme were key factors in Brugler’s evaluation, as the Ravens have shown an affinity for players who can contribute in multiple roles. Brugler noted that the Ravens’ defense has always thrived when they’ve had versatile playmakers who can be moved around and used in a variety of ways, and this player would fit that mold perfectly.
As the conversation shifted to the Ravens’ offense, Brugler offered his thoughts on potential wide receiver targets. With the team’s receiving corps in flux and the question of Lamar Jackson’s long-term weapons still looming, Brugler highlighted a few wideouts who could provide a much-needed spark to the Ravens’ offense. One player Brugler particularly liked for the Ravens was a big, physical wide receiver who has shown the ability to win contested catches and dominate in the red zone. Brugler explained that this receiver’s combination of size and athleticism would make him an ideal target for Jackson, whose strong arm and mobility could allow this player to shine in the deep passing game.
Brugler’s analysis also delved into a wide receiver prospect with elite route-running skills and the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. While this player may not have the same size as the previously mentioned receiver, Brugler stressed his ability to create separation in tight spaces and make explosive plays, something that could fit perfectly into the Ravens’ offense. He noted that as the Ravens continue to evolve their passing attack, a receiver with these skills could help Jackson become even more dynamic, particularly in third-down and red-zone situations. Brugler’s insights here were particularly valuable for Ravens fans, as they have been eager to see their team add more firepower to the offense, and Brugler’s analysis provided hope that there are receivers in this draft who could help fill that role.
Defensively, Brugler also addressed the Ravens’ need for a cornerback to help improve their secondary. Although the team has some solid talent at the position, Brugler pointed to a few cornerbacks in the draft who could be immediate contributors. One player Brugler singled out had great ball skills and an ability to stay sticky in coverage, particularly in man-to-man situations. Brugler highlighted this player’s strong instincts and how he could help solidify the Ravens’ pass defense, particularly in a division that is home to some high-powered offenses. His ability to turn the ball over and disrupt the passing game could make him an ideal fit in Baltimore, where defensive playmakers are always valued.
Perhaps most interesting in Brugler’s analysis was his take on the Ravens’ draft strategy overall. Brugler explained that the Ravens have a strong history of drafting players who fit their culture, which values toughness, intelligence, and versatility. As a result, he predicted that the team would prioritize players who not only meet their positional needs but also align with their overall philosophy. Brugler noted that while many teams approach the draft with a need-first mentality, the Ravens are one of the few teams that can afford to make selections based on talent and scheme fit, rather than strictly positional needs. This approach could give the Ravens an edge as they look to add key pieces for 2025.
Another key point Brugler made was about the Ravens’ ability to develop players. He praised the organization’s track record of turning solid prospects into key contributors, citing the team’s success in developing defensive players and finding diamonds in the rough. This, according to Brugler, could play a significant role in their draft decisions. He suggested that the Ravens would likely target high-upside players with some development left in their game, confident in their ability to maximize their potential.
Brugler also took a moment to discuss the broader landscape of the draft, noting that while there are some standout prospects at the top of the draft board, this class offers depth across multiple positions. For the Ravens, this could be an ideal year to trade up or down, depending on their needs, as they could find value in both the first and second rounds. Brugler’s ability to break down the draft landscape in such a clear and thoughtful way gave the Ravens faithful a better understanding of the team’s potential approach to the 2025 draft.
Overall, Brugler’s appearance on The Lounge provided fans with a wealth of insight into the draft process and the prospects who could help shape the Ravens’ future. His analysis of the ideal fits for the team was particularly helpful, offering a glimpse into the types of players who could make an immediate impact on both offense and defense. With Brugler’s expertise and the Ravens’ strong draft history, fans can look forward to the team making another set of selections that will help them continue their push toward an elusive Super Bowl victory. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, and Brugler’s insights only add to the excitement.
