Three of the Baltimore Ravens’ top picks in the first round of the NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens are known for shrewd draft-day strategy, and in a year where the front office had its sights set on immediate impact and future stability, the team made a major splash with three picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. While most franchises would be lucky to snag one cornerstone player, the Ravens found themselves in an enviable position—selecting three athletes who not only fill critical needs but also fit the organization’s identity.

In a draft dominated by headlines surrounding quarterbacks and flashy offensive talent, Baltimore quietly executed a masterclass in roster construction. With General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh working in perfect synergy, the Ravens targeted value, athleticism, and leadership—ingredients that have long been the foundation of the franchise’s success.

Let’s break down the three first-round picks that are set to redefine the Ravens’ next era of football and how each player’s presence could alter the landscape of the AFC North.

1. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia – No. 14 Overall Pick

The first name off the board for Baltimore was Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims, a 6’8”, 340-pound mountain of a man with freakish athletic traits. Mims fills an urgent need for the Ravens following the departure of stalwart right tackle Morgan Moses in free agency and ongoing injury concerns surrounding Ronnie Stanley.

Mims’ physical tools made him a top-20 lock despite limited college experience as a starter. What convinced the Ravens to pounce was his ceiling: an All-Pro-caliber right tackle who can eventually swing to the left side. Mims’ footwork, power, and length make him a nightmare for edge rushers, and in Baltimore’s run-heavy scheme, his ability to displace defenders at the point of attack is invaluable.

According to DeCosta, “We view Amarius as a franchise cornerstone. His blend of size and mobility is rare. With our coaching staff, we believe we can get the most out of his skill set right away.”

Veteran offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris will be instrumental in Mims’ development, and the expectation is that he will compete for the starting right tackle job from Day 1.

With Lamar Jackson locked in as the franchise quarterback and the Ravens committed to protecting their MVP, the Mims selection signals a long-term investment in keeping the pocket clean and the ground game dominant.

2. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson – No. 21 Overall Pick

With their second first-rounder, Baltimore addressed a glaring hole in the secondary by selecting Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, an elite cover corner known for his blazing speed, fluid hips, and playmaking instincts. Wiggins ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, validating his status as one of the premier athletes in the draft.

The Ravens have seen their secondary tested repeatedly, especially with injuries to Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams in recent seasons. Wiggins offers immediate help in man-to-man coverage, particularly against speed receivers who’ve historically given Baltimore trouble.

What makes Wiggins stand out isn’t just athleticism—it’s his IQ and patience. His film at Clemson reveals a cornerback with an uncanny ability to read quarterback tendencies and disrupt routes with precise timing. His 2023 season included 2 interceptions and 9 pass breakups, and those numbers don’t reflect how rarely QBs targeted his side of the field.

Baltimore’s defensive coordinator Zach Orr called Wiggins “a dream fit” for their press-man coverage schemes. “He’s going to allow us to be more aggressive up front. With his range and speed, we can challenge routes without fear of giving up the big play.”

Given the AFC North’s wealth of wide receiver talent—from Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati to George Pickens in Pittsburgh—the addition of Wiggins gives the Ravens a counter-punch on the perimeter. Expect him to play significant snaps immediately, potentially starting opposite Humphrey.

3. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU – No. 30 Overall Pick

Perhaps the most buzzworthy pick of the Ravens’ first-round haul was Brian Thomas Jr., a big-bodied wideout from LSU who led the nation with 17 receiving touchdowns last season. Thomas stands 6’4”, weighs 205 pounds, and plays with the physicality and burst that Baltimore’s receiving corps has lacked for years.

Drafting a wide receiver in the first round is always risky business, especially for a franchise with a spotty track record at the position. But the Ravens believe they’ve finally landed their true WR1 of the future.

What separates Thomas from previous wideout gambles is his ability to win at all three levels. He has the vertical speed to stretch defenses, the strength to fight through press coverage, and the hands to make contested catches in traffic. His catch radius is enormous, offering Lamar Jackson a reliable red zone and sideline target.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken couldn’t hide his excitement after the pick: “Brian opens up everything. He’s going to make safeties think twice before they cheat, and he gives us options we haven’t had in the passing game.”

Thomas joins a receiver room featuring Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight end Mark Andrews. His presence could finally push the Ravens into the top tier of NFL passing attacks, especially with Jackson entering his prime and coming off one of his best statistical seasons.

The LSU product will likely see targets from Day 1, especially in red zone and third-down situations. His development could be the X-factor in Baltimore’s pursuit of another Super Bowl run.

A Cohesive Strategy

What stands out about Baltimore’s trio of first-rounders is the balance. Instead of reaching for need or leaning too hard into best player available, the Ravens merged both philosophies.

• Offense was bolstered with a dominant tackle and a dynamic receiver.
• Defense received a top-tier cornerback who can elevate an already stingy unit.

Each player also brings positional versatility—Mims could eventually move to left tackle, Wiggins can play outside or nickel, and Thomas can line up inside or out. Flexibility is a key trait that Baltimore values, especially in the modern NFL where hybrid players often determine postseason success.

DeCosta described the draft as “one of the most aligned processes we’ve had in years.” With Harbaugh, Orr, and Monken all voicing support for the picks, it’s clear that this was a well-orchestrated plan.

How This Impacts 2025 and Beyond

The AFC North is a brutal battleground, with all four teams possessing playoff aspirations and capable quarterbacks. If the Ravens hope to stay atop the division—or make it back to the AFC Championship—they must match elite talent with elite execution.

• Mims ensures that the offensive line stays sturdy for a run-heavy, play-action scheme.
• Wiggins gives Baltimore the ability to match up with elite receivers like Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper, and Diontae Johnson.
• Thomas Jr. may finally answer the Ravens’ years-long search for a legitimate alpha wideout.

Additionally, with rising stars like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith already in place, the infusion of this rookie class could be the difference between being a playoff team and being a Super Bowl favorite.

Baltimore’s front office has shown time and again that they can build contenders through the draft. This year’s class might be the most impactful yet.

Draft Grade & Outlook

Draft Grade: A

Few teams walked away from the first round of the NFL Draft with more immediate and long-term impact than the Baltimore Ravens. Their approach was methodical, and the results were exceptional. They not only checked positional boxes but did so with premier prospects.

This trio—Mims, Wiggins, and Thomas—could one day be viewed as a franchise-altering group. Each has Pro Bowl potential. Each plays with a competitive edge. Each fits the Ravens’ culture of toughness, intelligence, and adaptability.

As training camp nears and the rookies begin their journey into professional football, all eyes in Baltimore—and across the league—will be watching. And if early projections are any indication, this Ravens draft class could go down as one of the best in franchise history.