The Baltimore Ravens have been unable to translate Lamar Jackson’s dominant play into deep playoff runs. They will hope their missing piece is in the 2025 NFL draft. Due to several free agents departing, the Ravens will have a boatload of late-round selections from compensatory picks. Baltimore has traditionally had an excellent scouting program, and it will need to effectively use these late picks if it hopes to take down the Bills and Chiefs next season.
Baltimore Ravens Needs and Draft Strategy
Offensive Line:
The Ravens build their team around a dominant run game, and a towering offensive line is a crucial component of their success. They are expected to lose Ronnie Stanley in the offseason, their two-time Pro Bowler played 9 seasons in Baltimore, and his position at left tackle is a crucial one to fill. Using their first round pick on a left tackle appears to be their best option, as the Ravens don’t have the cap space they need to land one of the big free agents.
Wide Receiver:
Lamar Jackson is capable of doing it all on offense, and the addition of Derrick Henry has already paid dividends. While Jackson’s MVP-caliber play cannot be taken advantage of, his big contract has prevented the Ravens from signing a top-tier wide receiver. Zay Flowers has the potential to develop into a solid receiver, but the Ravens need another young player to pair with Flowers if they want to unlock Lamar Jackson’s full potential.
Safety:
The Ravens have a long history of dominant, ball-hawking safeties. Thanks to an elite secondary, they won the 2001 Super Bowl and would love nothing more than to get back to the big game next year. However, Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington are not good enough to start on a team like the Ravens, and Baltimore should elect to use one, if not multiple, of their late picks on some big swings at the safety position.
How many picks do the Baltimore Ravens have in the 2025 Draft?
The Baltimore Ravens have 11 picks in the NFL draft. Four of them are courtesy of the league’s free agent compensation program, coming in the 4th, 5th, 5th, and 6th rounds. Although they lack top-end draft capital, some creative draft strategies will allow the Ravens to rebuild their roster with their 11 picks.
Their selections this year are as follows:
- 1st Round: 27th Overall
- 2nd Round: 59th Overall
- 3rd Round: 91st Overall
- 4th Round: 128th Overall
- 4th Round: 136th Overall
- 5th Round: 176th Overall
- 5th Round: 178th Overall
- 6th Round: 185th Overall
- 6th Round: 20th Overall
- 6th Round: 213th Overall
- 7th Round: 245th Overall
The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to late-round selections, and they often receive multiple compensatory picks in NFL drafts. The Ravens picked up Diontae Johnson in the trade market, which only cost them a fifth-round pick. In return, they received a sixth-round pick. With their stockpile of draft picks, the Ravens have no shortage of options, but finding hidden gems late in the 2025 NFL draft will be their top priority.
Potential Baltimore Ravens Draft Picks 2025
1st Round, 27th Overall: Josh Simmons (Offensive Tackle, Ohio State)
This is a risky pick for the Ravens first round selection, but it makes a ton of sense for their specific draft needs and roster configuration. Simmons is undoubtedly one of the best tackles in the 2025 NFL draft, but injury issues have dented his draft stock. He is likely to be available at 27th overall, and the Ravens should take a swing with him at the end of the first round. Baltimore has the number of picks needed to draft a few insurance plans later in the draft, and the upside Simmons has to offer is too good to turn down. He is massive at 6’5” at 310 pounds and will only get bigger in the NFL. Despite his towering frame, Simmons can move with good agility and is the perfect successor to Stanley in Baltimore.
2nd Round, 59th Overall: Billy Bowman Jr. (Safety, Oklahoma)
Billy Bowman Jr. is one of the best safeties in the 2025 NFL draft and has the potential to solidify the Ravens’ secondary. Teams are hesitant to use top picks on safeties, but Bowman Jr’s upside makes him worth the risk. He always finds a way to be in the right place at the right time and has the athleticism needed to have a long career in the NFL.
4th Round, 136th Overall: Xavier Restrepo (Wide Receiver, Miami)
The Ravens will need to take a shot with a receiver late in the draft, and Restrepo appears to be the perfect fit in Baltimore. He doesn’t have the straight line speed like Zay Flowers, but his potential to be a great slot receiver is undeniable. He finds ways to get open in the middle of the field, rarely drops the ball, and loves to block corners and safeties in run plays. For a run-heavy team like the Ravens, Restrepo would be the perfect fit in Baltimore.
