The Baltimore Ravens’ top picks in the NFL Draft are Shemar Turner and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The Baltimore Ravens, one of the most successful and respected franchises in the National Football League, have always been known for their ability to make shrewd draft picks, which has contributed significantly to their sustained success. The 2025 NFL Draft saw them continue this tradition by selecting Shemar Turner and Donovan Ezeiruaku, two players who stand to add depth and talent to their already formidable roster. The Ravens, under the leadership of General Manager Eric DeCosta, have shown time and again their ability to make selections that not only fill immediate needs but also have the potential to shape the team for years to come. With Shemar Turner and Donovan Ezeiruaku, the Ravens have continued to prioritize defensive fortification, adding players who bring both versatility and high ceilings to the table.
Shemar Turner, a defensive tackle out of Texas A&M, represents the Ravens’ commitment to strengthening their defensive line. Over the years, the Ravens have consistently been one of the NFL’s top defenses, known for their ability to disrupt opposing offenses through aggressive pass rushes and stout run defense. The addition of Turner was a move designed to fortify an already formidable defensive front. Turner, a towering presence at 6’3” and weighing in at 300 pounds, brings to the table the ability to both collapse the pocket and hold up against the run. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a prototype for what the Ravens look for in a defensive tackle. Throughout his career at Texas A&M, Turner demonstrated his ability to dominate in the trenches, using his quick first step and powerful hands to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense, both in terms of sacking the quarterback and clogging up running lanes, made him one of the more sought-after interior defensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Turner’s skill set is a perfect fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme, which has long been built around creating chaos in the backfield. The Ravens have always valued interior pass rushers who can apply consistent pressure on the quarterback without needing to rely solely on edge rushers. Turner’s ability to push the pocket from the inside will allow the Ravens’ edge rushers more freedom to attack, knowing that the middle of the pocket will be disrupted. This type of synergy is essential in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are often able to evade pressure from the edge if they have a clean pocket in the middle. By adding Turner, the Ravens are further solidifying the foundation of their defensive line, ensuring that opposing offenses will have no easy time establishing a rhythm. Furthermore, Turner’s ability to handle double teams and play with a high motor will allow him to be a constant force in both passing and running situations, providing a level of consistency and toughness that the Ravens have come to expect from their defensive front.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, the Ravens’ other top pick in the 2025 draft, is a defensive end out of the University of Massachusetts. Like Turner, Ezeiruaku adds an element of athleticism and versatility to the Ravens’ defensive front. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 270 pounds, Ezeiruaku is the type of edge rusher who can affect the game in a variety of ways. Whether it’s getting after the quarterback, setting the edge against the run, or disrupting passing lanes, Ezeiruaku brings a well-rounded skill set that is invaluable to the Ravens’ defense. What makes Ezeiruaku particularly intriguing as a draft pick is his combination of length, speed, and burst. His long arms and explosive first step allow him to gain an immediate advantage off the line of scrimmage, while his speed and agility enable him to change directions quickly and track down quarterbacks or ball carriers. While Ezeiruaku may not have been as highly touted as some of the more established edge rushers in the draft, his potential is undeniable, and the Ravens are no strangers to developing raw talent into elite players.
Ezeiruaku’s ability to play both on the edge and in more interior roles gives the Ravens added flexibility. The team has long valued versatile players who can move around the defensive front and create mismatches against opposing offensive lines. Ezeiruaku, with his ability to line up as a traditional edge rusher or shift inside to create havoc in passing situations, fits this mold perfectly. His length allows him to get his hands on blockers and disengage with ease, while his explosiveness gives him the ability to quickly close the distance between him and the quarterback. The Ravens have always been known for their ability to develop young pass rushers, and Ezeiruaku has the potential to become a key contributor in this regard. His raw athleticism, combined with the guidance and mentorship from the Ravens’ veteran defensive players, could allow him to flourish in the team’s aggressive defensive system.
The addition of both Turner and Ezeiruaku speaks to the Ravens’ broader philosophy of building from the inside out. In an era where many teams are focused on acquiring elite quarterbacks or top-tier offensive weapons, the Ravens have remained committed to building one of the league’s most dominant defenses. Their approach, which often involves drafting defensive players who can immediately contribute, is grounded in the belief that a strong defense is the key to winning championships. This philosophy has paid off handsomely for the Ravens over the years, as they have consistently been among the top teams in the NFL when it comes to defensive metrics. By adding Turner and Ezeiruaku, the Ravens are ensuring that their defense remains not only competitive but also capable of dictating the pace of games, regardless of the offensive output from their opponents.
While much of the focus in the draft process is often placed on offensive players, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers, the Ravens have always understood the importance of securing the players who can control the line of scrimmage. By selecting Turner and Ezeiruaku, they are taking steps to ensure that their defensive front remains one of the most feared in the NFL. The defensive line is where games are often won and lost, and the Ravens understand that having dominant players who can both rush the passer and stop the run is essential for long-term success. With the additions of Turner and Ezeiruaku, the Ravens are positioning themselves to continue their tradition of defensive dominance for years to come.
The significance of these picks also lies in the fact that both Turner and Ezeiruaku bring a high level of upside. While neither player may be considered a finished product, both have the tools to develop into standout players in the NFL. The Ravens are known for their ability to develop talent, and with the guidance of their experienced coaching staff, both Turner and Ezeiruaku have the potential to become key contributors in the near future. Turner’s combination of size and strength, coupled with his natural pass-rushing ability, could allow him to quickly adjust to the NFL and become a mainstay on the Ravens’ defensive line. Similarly, Ezeiruaku’s athleticism and versatility give him the potential to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, especially once he refines his pass-rushing technique and becomes more consistent with his hand placement and recognition of offensive schemes.
In the grand scheme of the Ravens’ draft strategy, the selections of Turner and Ezeiruaku are emblematic of their larger team-building philosophy. While other teams may prioritize flashy offensive players or look to solve immediate needs at the skill positions, the Ravens continue to focus on the trenches, where games are often decided. By investing in their defensive line, they are ensuring that they can continue to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run with authority. This approach has served the team well in the past, and with Turner and Ezeiruaku now in the fold, the Ravens are once again doubling down on what has been a proven recipe for success.
Ultimately, the 2025 draft for the Ravens will likely be judged not by the immediate impact of these two players but by how they develop over time. If Turner and Ezeiruaku can fulfill their potential, the Ravens will have two more foundational pieces to their defense that could keep them in contention for championships in the coming years. Given the Ravens’ track record of player development and their commitment to maintaining one of the league’s most dominant defenses, the future looks bright for both of these players as they join a unit already brimming with talent. As the NFL continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the Ravens are as committed as ever to building a defense that can control games and win championships, and Turner and Ezeiruaku are the latest pieces of that puzzle.
