When GM Eric DeCosta visited the Lounge, he talked candidly about the plan for this year’s NFL Draft.

When Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta took a seat in the team’s official podcast studio—affectionately known as “The Lounge”—he brought more than just charisma and candor. He delivered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the franchise’s mindset entering the 2025 NFL Draft. DeCosta, known for being both methodical and innovative, offered up insights that painted a picture of a front office confident in its foundation but hungry to fortify a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

This wasn’t just a PR appearance or fluff-filled check-in. It was an honest, sometimes blunt reflection on where the Ravens stand, what they need, and how they plan to navigate one of the deepest and most unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

“First off,” DeCosta said with a smirk, “we don’t have a dozen picks this year. But we’ve got enough to get better. It’s about being strategic.”

Indeed, Baltimore heads into the 2025 NFL Draft with fewer than the usual complement of selections. Thanks to prior trades, compensatory pick outcomes, and aggressive offseason decisions—including retaining core veterans—the Ravens find themselves with a modest but potent set of picks. DeCosta emphasized that quality trumps quantity.

“We might not be able to swing as freely as years past, but that doesn’t mean we won’t move,” he added. “We’ll be active. We’ll listen. We’ll pounce when the board gives us a window.”

That philosophy aligns perfectly with DeCosta’s track record. Even with limited draft ammunition, he’s unearthed late-round gems like Isaiah Likely and Brandon Stephens. Now, with key depth questions lingering—particularly at edge rusher, cornerback, and offensive line—Baltimore’s brass must find value at premium positions.

A major thread throughout the podcast conversation centered around protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson. With stalwart left tackle Ronnie Stanley aging and the departure of right guard Kevin Zeitler, DeCosta acknowledged that offensive line is high on their radar.

“It’s not just about having five guys. You need eight. Sometimes nine,” he said. “You saw last year—we had to play musical chairs midseason. We can’t do that again.”

DeCosta praised the progress of young linemen like Andrew Vorhees and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, but admitted the team is actively evaluating top offensive line prospects. “If there’s a guy in the first two rounds that checks our boxes—length, anchor, intelligence—we’re gonna have that discussion.”

He also hinted at some potential surprises. “There are a couple of small-school guys we love. Just wait.”

One of the most revealing moments came when DeCosta addressed the team’s pass rush situation. After Jadeveon Clowney’s departure and with Odafe Oweh still developing, the Ravens are in the market for impact edge players.

“We need juice off the edge,” he said plainly. “You can’t have too many guys who can ruin a play before it starts.”

He name-dropped this draft class’s deep crop of hybrid edge defenders, noting how defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s system allows for flexibility.

“You give Zach a guy with twitch and tenacity, and he’ll find a way to make it work. But he needs the clay.”

While he stopped short of confirming the team would take an edge rusher in the first round, the implication was strong: if the right disruptor is on the board, Baltimore won’t hesitate.

Baltimore has historically been defined by its defensive backs—and DeCosta reminded listeners that tradition isn’t going away.

“We love our guys—Kyle [Hamilton], Marlon [Humphrey], Brandon [Stephens]—but we’ve learned you need layers. Depth. Variance.”

With safety Geno Stone gone and cornerback injuries haunting the team last year, cornerback appears to be a sneaky high priority. DeCosta alluded to several Day 2 and Day 3 corners who’ve caught their attention.

“There are players in this class with size, ball skills, and special teams value. That’s a Ravens guy. And we’ll find them.”

He also mentioned the possibility of drafting a versatile defensive back who can moonlight as a return specialist, citing the franchise’s renewed focus on winning the “hidden yards” battle.

While the Ravens made headlines this offseason by signing veteran running back Derrick Henry, DeCosta was surprisingly measured when asked about offensive skill players.

“We’re always gonna look. But let’s be honest—we feel good about our top options,” he said. “Zay [Flowers] is a star in the making. Mark [Andrews] is healthy. Rashod [Bateman] is hungry. And Lamar…well, Lamar is Lamar.”

Still, he left the door open for additions. A dynamic slot receiver or pass-catching running back could emerge as a mid-round target if the right fit falls.

“What we won’t do,” DeCosta said, “is reach for sizzle over substance. This is a draft to build bones.”

DeCosta was frank about the possibility of trading down in the first round, where the Ravens currently sit near the back end.

“If someone wants to overpay to come up, we’ll listen. But we won’t drop just to drop. It’s got to help us now and next year.”

He shared that the team has already fielded exploratory calls from multiple teams—and while nothing is imminent, the groundwork has been laid.

“We don’t panic,” he said. “We trust our board. We trust our scouts. And we trust our culture.”

The GM also acknowledged that draft-week trades are often dictated by surprise falls. If a top-15 talent begins slipping, DeCosta said, “That’s when we pick up the phone.”

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from the Lounge interview was DeCosta’s unwavering belief in the team’s draft identity.

“We’re not trying to be cute. We want football players. Guys who love the grind. Guys who won’t flinch in December.”

That mindset has defined Baltimore’s most successful draft classes. From Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith, the Ravens draft high-character, high-IQ players who thrive under pressure.

“Culture matters,” DeCosta stressed. “And this class has some warriors.”

He repeatedly referenced the importance of interviews, background checks, and mental toughness—especially with the increasing volatility in the NFL.

“You can’t just take the fastest 40 or the highest vertical. You need the guys who’ll bleed for the shield.”

DeCosta made sure to give flowers to the Ravens’ scouting department, which he described as “the best in football.”

“Our scouts have logged thousands of miles. They’ve met families, watched practices, talked to trainers. This is their Super Bowl.”

He cited collaborative work with the analytics team, medical staff, and coaching staff as key pillars of their draft prep.

“It’s not just me making decisions. It’s the village. And we trust our village.”

As the conversation neared its end, DeCosta zoomed out to address the franchise’s broader mission.

“We’re trying to win it all this year. But we’re also trying to win it all three years from now,” he said. “That’s the trick—balancing urgency with sustainability.”

He pointed to the successful drafting of contributors like Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum as proof that the team can thread that needle.

“This isn’t a one-shot window,” DeCosta emphasized. “This is a wide-open runway.”

When asked for a parting message to Ravens fans, DeCosta didn’t hesitate.

“We hear you. We see the passion. And we’re going to give you a team you can be proud of.”

He added a playful wink: “And hopefully, we’ll give you a few surprises along the way.”

Eric DeCosta’s visit to the Lounge wasn’t just a chance to spin talking points—it was a revealing look into one of the NFL’s most respected minds. The Ravens’ 2025 draft plan is rooted in realism, discipline, and faith in their process. They won’t be making flashy headlines just for the sake of buzz. But rest assured, Baltimore will exit the draft a better team—perhaps even a championship one.