2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Baltimore Ravens
Welcome to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.
For every team, we’ll cover:
- Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
- Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
- Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.
From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.
Third team in the series are the perennial Super Bowl contender Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens
Coaching Staff: Building on Consistency
John Harbaugh enters his 18th season as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, a testament to his consistent leadership and the franchise’s commitment to a winning culture. Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have remained a perennial contender, known for their physical, run-heavy offence and aggressive, opportunistic defence. The core philosophy remains “tough, smart, and disciplined,” but the offensive approach continues to evolve around their superstar quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken returns for his third season, having successfully integrated a more dynamic passing game into Baltimore’s established run identity. Monken’s system emphasizes play-action, vertical shots, and utilizing the full skillset of his receivers, making the unit less predictable.
On the defensive side, Zach Orr enters his second year as Defensive Coordinator. After taking over from Mike Macdonald (who left for the Seahawks head coaching job in 2024), Orr maintained the Ravens’ defensive dominance, continuing to deploy an aggressive, blitz-heavy 3-4 scheme that consistently ranks amongst the league’s best. With a strong veteran presence and key young talent, Orr has the pieces to maintain Baltimore’s defensive reputation. The continuity at both coordinator positions speaks to the stability and clear vision within the Ravens’ coaching ranks, positioning them for another deep playoff run in 2025.
2025 Offseason Recap: Strategic Moves and Draft Controversies
The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 offseason focused on making calculated additions and drafting for depth, though it was marked by significant off-field storylines. General Manager Eric DeCosta continued his philosophy of building through the draft and being selective in free agency, prioritizing players who fit the team’s culture and scheme.
Key Free-Agent Additions & Retentions:
- Ronnie Stanley (LT) – Re-signed on a 3-year, $60M deal ($44M guaranteed), ensuring stability on the offensive line and protecting Lamar Jackson’s blind side.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR) – Signed a 1-year, $5M deal, adding a seasoned, reliable target to Lamar Jackson’s arsenal after finishing 2024 with the Chiefs.
- Cooper Rush (QB) – Signed a 2-year, $6.2M deal, providing an experienced backup option behind Lamar Jackson.
- Chidobe Awuzie (CB) – Signed a 1-year, $1.255M deal, adding depth and experience to the secondary.
- Joseph Noteboom (OT) – Signed a 1-year, $2M deal, adding some versatility to the offensive line.
- Jake Hummel (LB) – Signed a 1-year, $1.2M deal, adding depth to the inside linebacker corps.
- Tylan Wallace (WR) – Re-signed on a 1-year, $2.1M deal, providing special teams value and another option at receiver.
- Ar’Darius Washington (S) – Re-signed on a 1-year, $3.263M deal, retaining a valuable rotational safety.
- Ben Cleveland (OG) – Re-signed on a 1-year, $1.17M deal, retained for offensive line depth.
Key Departures:
- Justin Tucker (K) – Released in May after the draft selection of Tyler Loop amidst off-field allegations. The surprising move marked the end of a legendary tenure and a new era for Ravens special teams.
- Patrick Mekari (OG) – Signed with the Jaguars on a 3-year, $37.5M deal.
- Brandon Stephens (CB) – Signed with the Jets on a 3-year, $36M deal.
- Malik Harrison (LB) – Signed with the Steelers on a 2-year, $10M deal.
- Chris Board (LB) – Signed with the Giants on a 2-year, $5.7M deal.
- Josh Jones (OT) – Signed with the Seahawks on a 1-year, $4M deal.
- Tre’Davious White (CB) – Signed with the Bills on a 1-year, $3M deal.
- Patrick Ricard (FB) – Signed a 1-year, $2.872M deal.
- Arthur Maulet (CB) – Signed a 1-year, $2M deal as an unrestricted free agent.
- Brent Urban (DT) – Signed a 1-year, $1.377M deal as an unrestricted free agent.
- Josh Johnson (QB) – Signed with the Commanders on a 1-year, $1.422M deal.
- Steven Sims Jr. (WR) – Signed a 1-year, $1.17M deal with the Seahawks.
- Diontae Johnson (WR) – Signed a 1-year, $1.17M deal with the Browns.
2025 NFL Draft Recap
The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Ravens tie for a league-high 11 selections, emphasizing defensive playmakers and trench depth, alongside a surprising pick at kicker. However, the draft’s primary storyline revolved around the Ravens’ handling of off-field allegations, leading to public scrutiny regarding their organizational consistency.
- Round 1, Pick 27: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia An incredibly athletic and instinctive safety, Starks was a top defensive prospect. He projects as a versatile playmaker who can contribute immediately alongside Kyle Hamilton, forming a dynamic tandem in the Ravens’ secondary.
- Round 2, Pick 59: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall Green was a high-upside edge rusher with elite pass-rushing traits who slid due to past off-field concerns. The Ravens, known for their thorough homework, felt comfortable with his situation, seeing him as a potential steal who can develop into a future starter.
- Round 3, Pick 91: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU A powerful three-year starter, Jones Jr. adds versatility and competition to the offensive line.
- Round 4, Pick 129: Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal Buchanan, a tackling machine with strong instincts and impressive athleticism, is expected to compete for an inside linebacker role.
- Round 5, Pick 141: Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M A developmental tackle, Vinson possesses the physical traits the Ravens seek in offensive line prospects.
- Round 6, Pick 178: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan Kone adds quality depth at boundary corner with his length, fluidity, and ball skills.
- Round 6, Pick 186: Tyler Loop, K, Arizona In a surprising move, the Ravens drafted a kicker. Loop, who made 18 of 23 field goals in 2024 (including a 62-yarder), will be given every opportunity to become the team’s new starter following Justin Tucker’s release.
- Round 6, Pick 203: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado Wester is an explosive playmaker with dynamic return potential who will compete for special teams duties and offer offensive versatility.
- Round 6, Pick 210: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech Peebles is an undersized but tenacious interior defensive lineman who projects as a rotational piece providing interior pressure.
- Round 6, Pick 212: Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers A competitive nickel-only corner, Longerbeam adds depth to the secondary.
- Round 7, Pick 243: Garrett Dellinger, OL, LSU Dellinger is a versatile interior offensive lineman who will compete for a reserve role.
Key Draft Storyline: Navigating Allegations and Perceived Hypocrisy
The most striking decision was the release of legendary kicker Justin Tucker shortly after the draft, a move that came amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple massage therapists. While the Ravens cited a “football decision” due to his declining 2024 performance and cap implications, the timing and ongoing NFL investigation into Tucker’s alleged behavior led to widespread speculation about the true reasons, marking an abrupt end to his tenure.
Adding to the complexity and drawing significant public criticism was the Ravens’ selection of Marshall edge rusher Mike Green in the second round. Green, a first-round talent on the field, fell in the draft due to his own history of sexual assault allegations from high school and college. While Green has denied the allegations, his past issues, and the fact that he was questioned by teams about them, created a perception of hypocrisy for a franchise that has previously emphasized a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding such conduct.
Critics quickly pointed out the juxtaposition: the team released a long-tenured, highly successful player (Tucker) amidst allegations, while simultaneously drafting a promising but troubled rookie (Green) with similar, albeit unproven, past allegations. This sparked a heated debate about the Ravens’ true commitment to their stated values versus their prioritization of on-field talent, especially when a player’s character concerns impact their draft stock enough to make them a “value” pick. General Manager Eric DeCosta stated the team did its “due diligence” on Green and felt “comfortable,” but the optics certainly raised questions about consistency in their personnel decisions.
Baltimore Ravens 2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction
After an offseason focused on strategic additions and roster depth, the Baltimore Ravens enter 2025 as strong contenders in the AFC North. Their schedule presents a mix of challenging divisional matchups and high-profile non-conference games. Navigating a tough AFC slate will require sustained health and consistent play, but the Ravens’ veteran leadership positions them well for another successful season.
Weeks 1–4: Early Challenges
- Week 1: at Buffalo Bills (SNF)
- Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns
- Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions (MNF)
- Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs
Outlook: A challenging start with two prime-time games, including a road trip to Buffalo and a rematch with the Chiefs. The home opener against the Browns is a crucial divisional game that the Ravens will need to get some momentum going through this brutal stretch.
Prediction: 2-2
Weeks 5–9: Maintaining Momentum
- Week 5: vs. Houston Texans
- Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears
- Week 9: at Miami Dolphins (TNF)
Outlook: This stretch includes three home games and a well-timed bye. The Texans and Rams are solid opponents, and the Dolphins on the road in prime time during a short week shapes up for an offensive explosion, but the Ravens should be able to take care of business during this stretch.
Prediction: 3-1 (Overall: 5-3)
Weeks 10–13: AFC North Showdowns
- Week 10: at Minnesota Vikings
- Week 11: at Cleveland Browns
- Week 12: vs. New York Jets
- Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (TNF)
Outlook: A challenging mid-season, with two crucial divisional games, including the Ravens second Thursday Nighter. The Jets are under a new regime so it is hard to predict what they will look like in year one, and the Bengals rivalry game in prime time is always intense. But the Ravens should manage to handle this stretch without too many complications.
Prediction: 3-1 (Overall: 8-4)
Weeks 14–18: Finishing Strong
- Week 14: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 16: vs. New England Patriots
- Week 17: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 18: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Outlook: The Ravens finish with two more divisional road games, including a critical trip to Cincinnati to play the Bengals for the second time in three weeks, and the season finale against the Steelers. The Patriots game should be winnable, but Green Bay could be a tough late-season challenge.
Prediction: 3-2
Final Record Prediction: 11-6
This schedule presents significant challenges, particularly early in the season with numerous strong opponents. However, the Ravens’ talent and coaching stability should allow them to navigate this tough slate and secure a playoff berth, putting them in the fight for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Final Take: Once Again, Ravens Set Their Sights on Super Bowl
The Ravens’ 2025 offseason was a mix of calculated continuity and bold, somewhat controversial, decisions. They prioritized retaining key talent like Ronnie Stanley to solidify the offensive line, while also making strategic veteran additions in DeAndre Hopkins at wide receiver and Chidobe Awuzie at cornerback. The draft saw them invest heavily in defensive playmakers, notably first-round safety Malaki Starks and second-round edge rusher Mike Green, though Green’s past off-field allegations drew significant scrutiny.
The most surprising move was the release of long-time kicker Justin Tucker, following the drafting of Tyler Loop amidst serious allegations, ushering in a new era for their special teams unit. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Ravens are poised to remain a formidable force in the AFC, powered by a high-octane offence led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and a dominant Derrick Henry.
Their defence, bolstered by young talent and veteran leadership, aims to be amongst the league’s elite. While the schedule presents early challenges and a tough divisional slate, the Ravens possess the roster depth and coaching stability to navigate it, with expectations of another deep playoff run and remaining in contention for the AFC North title.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: Keith Allison. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.