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Unless the drop down and pick up another 1st in 26. Hypothetical here. The giants want to jump back into the 1st to grab dart. They give up their 2nd pick this year and we take their 26 first pick. I fully expect them to be a top 5 picking team next yr so I would love that pick.

No I'd hate to see them move down. They already have 11 picks in this draft. Dropping lower would be a mistake. Crap, they're already down there at 27. I could only see doing it if they had a choice of 3 blue chip players at positions of need. Then maybe they could drop down 1 or 2 spots only. That is a highly unlikely scenario.

I just hope they don't move back

I wouldn't make that deal. I did have some good feelings about using Mark to move up in the draft.

I agree, big pay, big attitude at his age that spells trouble

Nope. I am souring on Ramsey.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, in his words, has “a lot of different balls in the air right now.” Even with the start of the NFL draft less than a week away, no two are perhaps bigger than the contracts of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Though Jackson is under contract through the 2027 season after signing a $260 million extension in 2023 and Henry still has one year left on the two-year deal he signed as a free agent last offseason, figuring out what to do with each are among Baltimore’s biggest priorities. How will the Ravens address each remains to be seen, but the coming weeks and months will be telling. Let’s start with Henry, because if the Ravens are going to extend the 31-year-old beyond the 2025 season, that’s a deal that would likely get done first if for no other reason than the timeframe and simplicity of such a move. Currently, the five-time Pro Bowl selection is set to make $6 million this year (not including up to another $3 million in bonuses). He’s also slated to count $12.895 million against the salary cap, a not completely insignificant number for a team that needs all the cap space it can get with just a handful of teams around the league having less than Baltimore’s $7.768 million in effective space, according to Over The Cap. Still, it’s a bargain when considering Henry was second in the league in rushing (1,921 yards) and averaged a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Whether it stays that way could be a different story, though, with the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley — who beat out Henry for the rushing title and helped Philadelphia to the Super Bowl title — signing a two-year extension for a whopping $41.2 million that reportedly includes a guaranteed $36 million with $15 million in incentives. That made Barkley, 28, the highest-paid back annually by $1.6 million over the San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey. By comparison, Henry is the 12th-highest paid back in terms of average annual value. “We saw the Eagles take care of Barkley — I know he won a Super Bowl — but Derrick Henry was great again,” said ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, who spoke with The Baltimore Sun last week on behalf of Sanofi and its screening for Type 1 diabetes, which both his wife Sharri and Ravens tight end Mark Andrews have both been diagnosed with. “If there’s a way to make him happier that doesn’t really compromise your cap all that much then why would you not do that? “I’m sure they will look to do something for Derrick Henry.” Or, they could choose to simply let Henry play out his contract. Though Henry has said he would like to retire as a Raven, if he signed with another team in free agency next offseason, Baltimore would all but certainly get a compensatory draft pick in return. Ravens running back Derrick Henry, shown practicing last season, made a major impact in 2024. The franchise could choose to extend him beyond the 2025 season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Jackson’s situation, of course, is more complex for myriad reasons. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player who finished runner-up to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen still has three more years on his deal. But his salary cap number skyrockets to a prohibitive $74.65 million beginning in 2026. The organization has had internal discussions about an extension, but where they are on those talks with Jackson is unknown, with both DeCosta and the quarterback preferring to keep those matters private. Currently, Jackson is the sixth-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of total value and ninth-highest in terms of average annual value ($52 million), just behind the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert. With a huge salary cap number looming, re-doing Jackson’s deal then is a matter of simply when, not if. “That’s a no-brainer,” Schefter said. “When you have a franchise quarterback, it’s like having a bank you can always borrow against. We see it all the time with all these other great quarterbacks.” To that point, Allen signed a six-year, $330 million extension with the Bills last month that made him the second-highest paid quarterback behind only the Kansas City Chiefs’ two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. At an average annual value of $55 million, only the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott makes more. At last month’s owners meeting, Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t equivocate when asked if it’s hard to put a value on Jackson. Related Articles READERS RESPOND: Here’s which position fans want Ravens to draft in 1st round NFL mock draft: Ravens beat writer Brian Wacker predicts first round Hacking case against ex-Ravens assistant might include Towson athletes Mike Preston: Joe Flacco considered Ravens return in offseason | COMMENTARY How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ “The value is the top,” he said. “When Lamar gets paid, he’s going to be the highest-paid player in football, just like he was last time. I think every contract he signs, probably until he decides to hang up his cleats, he’s going to be that guy.” What could that timeframe look like? “I’m sure at some point before the start of the season — no rush — the Ravens will probably address Lamar’s contract situation,” Schefter said. “If you can get his contract redone, make him happier and it’s not putting the organization at financial risk, which it wouldn’t, then you get that done, and that’s what I expect that they’ll do.” For now, though, DeCosta remains mum. “I’m not going to talk about what we’re doing, what we’re not doing behind the scenes business-wise with these guys,” he said. “I don’t think it’s good for me to do that, but I would say that aside from the draft, as you all know, we’re looking at guys that are still available, free agents on the street. We’re looking at re-signing our own guys. We’re blessed to have a bunch of really good players, and we’re going to try and keep as many of those guys as we can.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Would you trade Andrews & a late pick to Miami for Ramsey? Redo his deal to make it cap friendly?

We asked readers which position the Ravens should draft in the first round. Here are the results from our online poll: Edge rusher (40%) — 92 votes Cornerback (15%) — 35 votes Safety (15%) — 34 votes Offensive line (13%) — 30 votes Interior defensive line (10%) — 22 votes Other (7%) — 17 votes Here’s what some fans told us (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Draft the best player available ala Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Kyle Hamilton. — Allyns Best position, no contest! The best position for the Ravens is a first-round bye in the playoffs. — Bob Hodges The Eagles showed the best functioning of a defensive line. Their DL allowed the defense to drop seven players into coverage. No defensive back can stay with today’s receiver for more than 3 to 5 seconds, and 5 or more seconds is a coverage sack. The Ravens were third in sacks but their edge rushers only had a 27% rate of success. It is necessary to have excellent subs to rotate in the game. — John Blake The best player available is the way to go here. — Linda Tight end if they trade Mark Andrews. He would have to be the best TE in the draft. — Randolph I leave it to the discretion of GM Eric DeCosta and staff. The NFL draft is a moving butterfly effect where choices are made, in large measure based on what other teams ahead of them do. That said, it will surely be a defensive player. — czechm8d The best player available. — Tim Wide receiver. — Paul The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll Related Articles Adam Schefter on possible extension for Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: ‘No-brainer’ NFL mock draft: Ravens beat writer Brian Wacker predicts first round Hacking case against ex-Ravens assistant might include Towson athletes Mike Preston: Joe Flacco considered Ravens return in offseason | COMMENTARY How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ View the full article

With a week until the 2025 NFL draft kicks off Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Ravens beat writer Brian Wacker predicts all 32 picks in the first round. 1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami After misfiring on Will Levis in the second round two years ago, the new regime of general manager and ex-Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi and coach and former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan get their face of the franchise. Ward’s skills have drawn at least some comparison with Patrick Mahomes. 2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado The signing of Joe Flacco and trade for former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett to join an injured Deshaun Watson means the Browns will wait until next year, perhaps for Arch Manning. In the meantime, they get the Heisman Trophy winner, a potential two-way star and who many consider the best overall player in the draft. 3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State Like the Browns, the Giants will wait for their next franchise quarterback after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Edge rusher isn’t New York’s most pressing need, but Carter (12 sacks, 24 tackles for loss in 2024) is too good to pass on. 4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU After the Ravens re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley just before the start of free agency, the Patriots were forced to look elsewhere to find Drake Maye’s blindside protector. They spent in free agency and get the best tackle in the class to sign up on the left side opposite veteran and former Ravens starter Morgan Moses on the right side. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State The Jaguars have other needs, including at cornerback and defensive tackle, but Jeanty, who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, gives an offense that ranked 25th in total yards and 26th in rushing yards an instant jolt. Jeanty led the nation in rushing last year with 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham, warming up during a game last season, would fill a big hole up front for Jacksonville. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) 6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan With the Jaguars snagging Jeanty, the Raiders and new general manager John Spytek turn to improving a defense that ranked 25th in points per game and 22nd in sack percentage last season. Graham is an interior game wrecker who also comes from minority owner Tom Brady’s alma mater. 7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is a possibility here given the need for a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. But after taking Olu Fashanu 11th overall last year and with the departure of Moses in free agency, the Jets get bookend tackles to actually protect a quarterback who has been sacked plenty. 8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia Only two teams had fewer sacks last season than the Panthers’ 32. In Walker, they get a versatile 6-foot-1, 243-pound pass rusher who can be deployed in several different ways. 9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State With quarterback Derek Carr dealing with a shoulder injury, there’s been speculation that the Saints could need a quarterback. Or that could simply be subterfuge and they’ll go with a playmaking tight end who has size (6-6, 256), a big catch radius and could be a difference maker. 10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The Bears have a variety of needs, including at edge rusher and left tackle, but new coach Ben Johnson likes two-tight end sets. If Warren is already off the board, Loveland, who some think might be the best tight end in the draft, could be the answer to pair with Cole Kmet. Related Articles Adam Schefter on possible extension for Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: ‘No-brainer’ READERS RESPOND: Here’s which position fans want Ravens to draft in 1st round Hacking case against ex-Ravens assistant might include Towson athletes Mike Preston: Joe Flacco considered Ravens return in offseason | COMMENTARY How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ 11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas The offensive line is San Francisco’s biggest need. With Banks, they can plug him in immediately at right tackle with a long-term plan of moving him to left tackle to eventually replace the aging Trent Williams. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas This one checks the box of biggest need and best option available at the position with the 5-11, 191-pound Golden a nice complement to the bigger CeeDee Lamb. Other possibilities include Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. 13. Miami Dolphins: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina Interior offensive line is probably a bigger need among the many Miami has, so Booker or North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel could be options. But the offensive line class is deeper than it is at safety, and Emmanwori has been flying up the board given his freakish athletic ability and football IQ. North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel, shown participating in his school's Pro Day, could be a top-15 pick in the NFL draft. (Russell Hons/AP) 14. Indianapolis Colts: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State Perhaps the Colts trade up for Warren or Loveland. If not, Zabel might be the most versatile lineman in the draft with talent and experience at tackle and guard that can help protect injury-prone quarterback Anthony Richardson or free-agent acquisition Daniel Jones. 15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall The Falcons’ 31 sacks last season were the fewest in the league, and they were last when it came to sacks on third down, too. Enter Green, who led the FBS with 17 1/2 sacks and was tops in tackles among defensive linemen last year. 16. Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia There are needs on both the offensive and defensive lines. But with a dismal ranking of 28th in pass rush win rate (33.3%) last season, per ESPN analytics, the 6-5, 267-pound Williams could provide an immediate spark with his length, bend and power alongside free agent signing Josh Sweat. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon The Bengals need a guard, but they’ll wait until Round 2 to address that given the depth of the position. In Harmon, they get an interior disruptor against the pass and run, something the defense desperately needs with Trey Hendrickson currently the only player able to get after the quarterback. 18. Seattle Seahawks: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Offensive line, particularly on the interior, is the need here, but one that can wait a round with Zabel and others already off the board. Instead, coach Mike Macdonald gets a player with the kind of versatility he covets in Campbell, who has some medical concerns after surgery for a torn labrum following the scouting combine but led Alabama in tackles (117), tackles for loss (11 1/2), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (two) last season. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College Inside linebacker and cornerback are also needs for Tampa Bay. But Ezeiruaku, who is long and lean, racked up 16 1/2 sacks last season and has been climbing boards since the Senior Bowl. 20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina Hampton has long been mentioned as a possibility for the running back-needy Broncos. Denver was in the bottom third of the league in yards per carry last season, so this pick makes total sense for a coach in Sean Payton who likes to run things through the tight end and backfield. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could be a good fit for the Steelers, especially if he's given a year or two to develop behind a veteran starter. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Maybe Aaron Rodgers will still sign with the Steelers. Either way, they get their quarterback of the future with no pressure to play Sanders immediately if they do bring Rodgers aboard. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan Grant is huge (6-4, 330) and was a dominant run stuffer with the athletic traits to develop into a more complete force in the middle of the Chargers’ defense. He also played for Jim Harbaugh before the Michigan coach took over the Chargers last season. 23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Cornerback is the biggest need for a Packers team that lost a few players at the position and could trade or release Jaire Alexander. Last season, Barron had nine pass breakups, five interceptions, allowed just 279 yards and no touchdowns and is physical presence who can play outside or inside. 24. Minnesota Vikings: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi With the top two cornerbacks off the board, the Vikings turn to their next biggest need. It’s possible Nolen is long gone by this spot, but if not, the 6-4, 300-pound interior lineman is the kind of game-wrecker Minnesota would be glad to have. 25. Houston Texans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona The needs are two-fold — offensive line and wide receiver — after trading Laremy Tunsil and with little depth behind Nico Collins and the injured Tank Dell. But with the 6-5 McMillan, who had 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns on 84 catches last season, falling into their lap, it’s a no-brainer. 26. Los Angeles Rams: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky Hairston was a scouting combine standout, running the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds and was just shy of 40 inches in his vertical jump at his pro day. The 6-foot, 183-pound two-year starter also led the Southeastern Conference in interceptions (five) in 2023, had three career interceptions that he returned for touchdowns and played a mix of zone and man coverage. Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart records a sack in 2024. Stewart is viewed as a potential first-round NFL draft pick, and he would fit well on the Ravens' roster. (Randy J. Williams/AP file) 27. Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M The Ravens’ biggest needs are at edge rusher, cornerback and safety. Subscribing to their best player available mantra, Stewart fits the bill. Even though he had just 4 1/2 career sacks for the Aggies, that only tells part of his story, as he stood out at the Senior Bowl and had a fantastic scouting combine. 28. Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama If one of the aforementioned edge rushers falls to the Lions, expect them to go that route to pair said player with Aidan Hutchinson. As for Booker, there are concerns over him after a rough showing at the scouting combine, but he was a standout during his college career and could be a plug-and-play guard for the Lions’ largely gap run scheme. 29. Washington Commanders: James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee Off the field, there are concerns about Pearce’s commitment and character. On it, he’s viewed as a player with a high ceiling after recording 19 1/2 career sacks, including 7 1/2 last season. 30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia Grant could be an option given the suspension of recently signed defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. But the Bills can use safety help as well, and Starks is a versatile defensive back who has played nickel and safety, made plenty of big plays for the Bulldogs’ defense and has been praised for his football IQ. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State The rich get richer. Simmons would have been a much higher pick if not for a midseason knee injury, but he’s reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and would give the Chiefs another talented offensive lineman, even after signing Jaylon Moore to two-year deal in the offseason. 32. Philadelphia Eagles: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Speaking of the rich getting richer, Egbuka finished his Ohio State career as the school’s leader in receptions (205) and is a tough, skillful route runner who has been lauded for his intelligence at the position. He also gives quarterback Jalen Hurts another much-needed target for the reigning Super Bowl champs. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Say we can move up to 19-22 in the draft by sending mark with the 27th. That is well worth the move.

There is no way they can keep both in 26. A choice must be made. I will side with the guy who produces is the playoffs and will be cheaper than the older guy. All these players are cogs. Perform or be gone. hunter is not going to forgo a career. I just think he wants this known that he will not be shorted when he plays. If he is a top 5 corner and a superstar #3 wr he will get paid so much. It could outpace the qb market.

It's Todd Heap all over again. Great player who went above and beyond, a true Raven on and off of the field. But eventually father time and the cap catch up. They will save what, 10, 11 mil with a cut or trade, small dead cap hit, but let him play out his last 2 3 years at most, out West

A federal hacking case alleging that former Ravens and University of Michigan coach Matt Weiss gained access to thousands of intimate photos of college students might include former Towson University athletes as victims. Attorneys Megan Bonanni of Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers and Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller of Sommers Schwartz sent a preservation notice to the school to retain all relevant evidence, including emails, videos and any records involving personal data belonging to student-athletes who attended the university between 2012 and 2019. The attorneys — who represented survivors in cases against sports doctors Larry Nassar, who pleaded guilty in 2017 to sexually assaulting hundreds of young female athletes, and Robert Anderson, who was accused of sexual abuse by more than 1,000 mostly male Michigan athletes — filed the paperwork for a number of former athletes who believe Weiss might have illegally accessed their personal information during or after their time at Towson. At least five federal lawsuits have been filed nationwide in connection with the allegations. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” attorney Jon Marko said Monday at a news conference in Detroit announcing that 40 more student-athletes have joined a lawsuit against the University of Michigan. “I think as we peel back the layers of this rotten onion that the University of Michigan has created that we’re going to discover that there’s going to be different entanglements out there, that there’s going to be additional women and individuals [who were affected].” Weiss worked for the Ravens from 2009 to 2020 under coach John Harbaugh, filling positions such as defensive quality coach and running backs coach before moving to Michigan. He has no known connection to Towson, and it’s unclear exactly which schools aside from the University of Michigan might have been affected by Weiss’ alleged behavior. Ernie Larossa, associate athletic director and director of athletic communications at Johns Hopkins University, said that the school has not been contacted about this case. Sean Welsh, Towson vice president of university marketing and communications, did not immediately return phone calls and emails requesting comment. A Ravens spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last month, a court filing submitted by lawyers for victims included an email sent by the U.S. Justice Department revealing that investigators had found thousands of intimate photos and videos from Weiss, who was charged in March with 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. According to a federal indictment, Weiss accessed the social media, email and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes and more than 1,300 students or graduates from more than 100 U.S. universities to find private images, primarily of women. “Thousands of candid, intimate photographs and videos have been seized from the defendant’s electronic devices and from his could storage accounts,” the Justice Department’s Mega Victim Case Assistance Program said. “Many show victims naked. Some show victims engaged in explicit sexual acts.” Weiss has pleaded not guilty to identity theft and unauthorized computer access from 2015 to 2023. He and his lawyer have not commented on the case, which is set for a Nov. 4 trial. Related Articles Navy safety Rayuan Lane has set himself up to be a potential NFL draft pick Navy football meets President Trump for Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy presentation | VIDEO President Trump adds twists to Navy football’s Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy presentation Tracking the Terps: Maryland football loses players to transfer portal Maryland athletic director search: 4 candidates identified, sources say Weiss was Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator in 2022 when the team went 13-1 and participated in the College Football Playoff. He was fired in 2023 during an investigation of his computer use. Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who was Weiss’ boss at Michigan, called the allegations “shocking.” His brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh, used the same word when talking to reporters last month at the NFL’s annual owners meeting. “It’s just really shocking, surprising,” John Harbaugh said in Palm Beach, Florida. “I didn’t see that one coming. I found out about it the same time everybody else did. I don’t know what to make of it. I just feel really bad for the people involved that were affected by it, especially his family and then the people that were the victims of that … It’s really just a disturbing situation.” Have a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun. View the full article

I don't know. I guess I do feel a loyalty to Andrews since he's been a big contributor to Lamar's growth as a passer. Maybe it's because I'm old that I feel like he's being thrown on the scrap heap because of his age when he's still productive. Likely is the safest option if it comes down to a choice between the two from a GM's perspective. Hunter is out of his mind.

Exactly. He will be paid.

Pending what Likely will want, given what McBride got, this will be Andrews' last year here, Likely will take over as the top end next year.

So you want to let likely leave to keep Andrews? They can’t keep both and then add killer to that mix. i think hunter starts at cb. Within a month they will add a couple packages. I think he tops out at about 30 snaps on offense.

Former quarterback Joe Flacco had a brief conversation about returning to the Ravens this offseason, and once that didn’t happen, he made another investment in the Baltimore community with Caddix cleats, a local shoe company. According to Flacco, the Ravens inquired about his return but eventually signed former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush to a two-year, $6.2 million deal on March 18 that could be worth up to $12.2 million. Flacco, 40, signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns for $4 million last week. The initial talks with the club drew interest from Flacco, whose hot streak in the 2012 postseason led the Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 47. Flacco was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after completing 27 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. He started his career in Baltimore as a first-round draft pick out of Delaware in 2008, staying with the franchise until 2018. The Ravens won the AFC North twice and appeared in three conference championship games. “They did kind of reach out to [my agent] Joe [Linta], gauging my interest for something like that to happen,” Flacco said. “My agent called me up and was like, ‘What do you want me to tell them?’ I’m like, ‘Well, listen, I’m interested. I don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s not like choice No. 1, I don’t know what’s going to happen here with me if I’m going to get an opportunity to do something a little bit more, but I wasn’t against it.’ “I think I would’ve been excited about it in a little bit of a way.” Flacco still has strong ties in Baltimore, especially former teammates and tight ends Todd Heap and Dennis Pitta. So much, in fact, that all three have invested in Caddix, which has revolutionized cleats so that they “flex” or give a little instead of getting stuck in artificial turn. That can help alleviate injuries without sacrificing performance. The main feature is using smart-studs to reduce rotational force, which is responsible for many knee and ankle injuries. Flacco wore a pair this past season with the Indianapolis Colts, who are interested in making the shoes available to players in 2025. And the Browns might be next. “It felt like a normal pair of cleats to me,” Flacco said. “They break in quickly, and then there is the injury prevention thing. Everybody wants to extend their career and play as long as possible. “With the money that guys are making these days, why wouldn’t you want to try to stay around as long as you can and at least be a top performer for as long as you can? With all the noncontact injuries and how big and strong guys are getting, and the move from natural grass to turf because all these owners want to capitalize on the profit as much as they can in the offseason as well as in season, I just think it’s kind of a no-brainer and you’re gaining a bit of a peace of mind.” It does make a lot of sense, especially if a knee or ankle can’t lock into artificial surfaces. You wonder how many careers could have been saved or extended in the past 20 years with these spikes. It’s like what the NFL now does with helmets because of the increased concerns about concussions. Kirk McCullough, former team physician with the Kansas City Chiefs who also served on the NFL’s foot and ankle subcommittee, says the new spikes could be like the first commercial designs for automobile airbags, which were introduced in 1970’s. Quarterback Joe Flacco says Caddix Cleats feel like normal cleats, and he has seen other NFL players jump on the Caddix bandwagon. (John Amis/AP) “We just have to do the best job we can to limit risk with every cut and pivot and motion that they’re doing on those surfaces,” McCullough said. “I think there was probably a point at which someone thought when they first came up with airbags that, oh, that it just can’t work … it’s going to be too much of a risk, all these other things, and yet it’s now a standard look.” According to Flacco, about 20 to 25 NFL players wore the cleats last season, but that might jump to nearly 100 in 2025. The spikes were created by Jack Rasmussen, 30, of Catonsville, 11 years ago and Heap saw a video while scrolling through Instagram. Both Jack and his father, Jeff, the cofounder, were watching a football game when a player’s cleat got caught in the ground. Related Articles How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ Ravens GM Eric DeCosta noncommittal about trading Mark Andrews Who will the Ravens pick in the 2025 NFL draft? Grok AI weighs in. Mike Preston: Dont’e Thornton Jr. will never forget his Baltimore roots | COMMENTARY READER POLL: Which position should the Ravens draft in the first round? “My dad and I were watching a football game and someone went down with a noncontact [injury] and tore the ACL, and he and I both thought that looked preventable,” Jack Rasmussen said. “But he was an advertising guy and I was a college dropout, so we weren’t exactly the most fit team to figure it out. “So I brought a book about patents. I bought a pair of cleats and I tore them apart and figured out how they worked,” he said. “And the next day I quit my job, drove home and sat in my room for 13 months and taught myself biomechanics, physics, anatomy, material science, just all the stuff I needed to learn to get my head around what this injury was. My dad and I actually wrote the first patent when I was 19, and the mechanism that we came up with actually does reduce the force.” Actually, it seems that the spikes were geared more for women because they appear to struggle more with knee ligament tears. Several top women’s lacrosse players wear Caddix, including attackers Lindsey Marshall (Clemson), Ava Angello (Johns Hopkins), Alison Harbaugh (South Florida) and Northwestern defender Sammy White. “So we make football cleats that double as men’s lacrosse cleats, and we make women’s soccer cleats that double as women’s lacrosse cleats,” Jack Rasmussen said. “We do want to focus on women’s sports because they’re at a higher risk of injury because of anatomical differences between men and women. And we want to kind of help negate that as much as we can.” But Caddix makes every type of spike for just about every sport now, regardless of whether it’s men or women. At the same time, Jack Rasmussen gets to pal around with his longtime heroes. Pitta and Flacco were members of the 2012 Super Bowl team. Heap is in the Ravens’ Ring of Honor and Jack still has his jersey on a wall somewhere in his house. But the emphasis will be on the reduction of injuries, regardless of age. “The young athletes tend not to be as developed as a guy like myself or a 24-year-old professional athlete,” Flacco said. “It’s not like they’ve been in the weight room and doing all those things. And with the amount of load that they deal with these days, all the constant year-round sports they’re doing, I think it’s just a huge market for parents to feel like, OK man, this has given us a little bit of an edge and it’s protecting my kid.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

He will likely get a few plays a game as a receiver, there is just no way he can hold up playing 60 + plays a game. His risk of injury would double.

If they can't get a 2nd round pick for him, keep him. I think he's got a few more years of good football left in him. It will be interesting to see how Hunter is utilized by the team that drafts him. I can't believe he'll be effective as a 2 way player in the NFL.

I'm not sure they could get a 2nd for him... Travis Hunter recently claimed that he would quit football if the team that drafts him does not allow him to play both ways. He also said he feels he can dominate on both sides of the ball. Frankly I think this is just blustering. But at in the NFL, he will get injured if he plays consistently both ways. This isn't college ball where they might play 10 games. Big difference playing 7 more games and possibly playoffs where it is even harder play. As for dominant play, all power to him but he is likely a slot player on offense where he is an okay receiver, more quick than fast. He is a very good college corner, who played against, and dominated, against average at best offenses. He should be a very good corner if he can hold up to NFL rules; you can't have as much contact in the NFL as you can in college. So we shall see.

I wouldn't trade him for less than a 2nd despite his late season woes.

Yes on either or he is a throw in to move up. i also want Lindy’s replacement. You can’t pay a center 22 mil which he will get next yr.

With the start of the NFL draft just over a week away, the clock is nearly ticking for the Ravens. Baltimore held its third set of draft meetings last week, this one including the coaching staff. With 11 picks this year, there are plenty of players for them to hone in on. Tuesday in Owings Mills, general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh met with reporters to discuss this year’s draft at the organization’s annual and colloquially dubbed “liars’ luncheon.” It of course draws that moniker because Baltimore is not revealing its plans for the draft, which will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Still, at least some things could be gleaned from the 40-minute session. Defensive line a ‘priority’ With the retirement of Michael Pierce and Brent Urban hitting free agency and turning 34 next month, the Ravens are a bit thin along the defensive front. Put bluntly, it seems all but certain they’ll add to the position in this year’s draft. “I think it’s certainly a priority,” DeCosta said. “This is a fairly deep defensive line class. We’ve always been a team that wants to be big and strong and powerful on both sides of the line.” It helps that Baltimore already has Nnamdi Madubuike, the ascending Travis Jones and sometimes-starter and veteran Broderick Washington. Beyond them, however, there is no one who has played more than one season. And of that group — Adedayo Odeleye, Basil Okoye and C.J. Ravenell — none have appeared in a game, which could lead the Ravens to look at someone like Oregon’s Derrick Harmon with their first-round pick (27th overall). Left tackles don’t ‘grow on trees’ The logic to re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley to a contract extension ahead of the start of free agency was simple. “Left tackles don’t grow on trees,” DeCosta said. “I think Ronnie had one of his best years last year. Looking out at the draft and free agency, we just didn’t really see a lot of guys that we felt that were better than him.” Still, Baltimore needs depth along the offensive line and with DeCosta adding that the class is deep at both tackle and guard, it seems almost certain they will add one if not more players, including perhaps a swing tackle after losing Patrick Mekari in free agency. Said DeCosta: “I think that if you’re looking at the offensive line, the defensive line and the outside linebackers as a whole, I would say that they’re the three of the strongest positions in this draft class.” Related Articles Ravens GM Eric DeCosta noncommittal about trading Mark Andrews Who will the Ravens pick in the 2025 NFL draft? Grok AI weighs in. Mike Preston: Dont’e Thornton Jr. will never forget his Baltimore roots | COMMENTARY READER POLL: Which position should the Ravens draft in the first round? NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs Edge also a need The Ravens return their outside linebacker group from a year ago — including Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, who had 12 1/2 and 10 sacks respectively. Still, it’s a position of need, with only Tavius Robinson and David Ojabo, who struggled last season, next in line behind them. It’s also what DeCosta called a “good” class, particularly in the early and middle rounds. As for how he eyes traits versus production of a potential player? “It’s a cocktail,” he said. “You try to get the full depth of who that player might be. I’m a big fan of production … I think production speaks to consistency and doing it over and over again. “However, there are some really good players that for whatever reason might not be productive.” One player who fits that mold, for example, is Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who has met with the Ravens but could be off the board by the time Baltimore picks at No. 27 after a big performance at the NFL scouting combine. The Ravens see the depth of the 2025 draft class similarly to the 2022 class, in which they picked tight end Isaiah Likely in the fourth round. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Draft depth likened to 2022 The last time the Ravens had 11 picks in the draft was in 2022. That class was fruitful, early and later on. Baltimore got future All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick, future Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum 25th, defensive tackle Travis Jones in Round 3, and offensive lineman Daniel Faalele and tight ends Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely in Round 4. While this year’s class isn’t as front-loaded, the expectation is to find meaningful contributors in the middle rounds. DeCosta said the Ravens have 217 players as draftable — a big number when there have been some years that they’ve struggled to have 160. “That means that the mid rounds are going to be really good,” DeCosta said. “Also I think that undrafted free agency should have a chance to be really really good for us.” But with a roster that’s already deep, it also means that the Ravens likely won’t have all 11 draft picks make the team. Ravens continue to keep eye on kickers With uncertainty continuing to swirl around Justin Tucker, who is being investigated by the NFL over sexual misconduct claims by several massage therapists, DeCosta didn’t rule out the possibility that Baltimore will use a draft pick on a kicker — something the organization has never done. Asked if he thinks it’s worth using a pick on the position, he replied in the affirmative. “It’s worth it if you have the right kicker,” he said. “It should be said that some of the greatest kickers of all time weren’t drafted. There’s no blueprint for finding a kicker, except you gotta be able to evaluate the kicker.” That’s something that senior special teams coach Randy Brown has continued to do, DeCosta said. Ravens mum on Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry extensions Earlier this offseason, DeCosta said he might visit quarterback Lamar Jackson in South Florida in regards to a potential contract extension, something that he and others in the organization have also discussed internally. Where those talks stand, however, remains unknown, which of course is how DeCosta likes to keep things. Though he did concede the two have texted and had a “conversation” as the team readies for the draft. “Didn’t get into specific players,” DeCosta said. “We talked a little bit about the roster and what he’s up to and his vision.” He was equally non-forthcoming about a possible extension for running back Derrick Henry, who is in the final year of his two-year contract, and how that could pertain to the draft. “We have a lot of [different] balls in the air right now,” DeCosta said. “Aside from the draft we’re looking at free agents on the street, looking at re-signing our own guys. “We’ll also continue to build a roster after the draft. … There will be some good opportunities to fill holes after draft.” DeCosta remains noncommittal about Mark Andrews’ future DeCosta was asked bluntly if he fully expects tight end Mark Andrews, who is in the final year of his contract, to be on the roster this season and stopped short of simply saying yes. “Oh man, I never know what’s gonna happen,” he said before heaping praise on the Ravens’ all-time leading scorer. “He’s a great player, and we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can.” Andrews has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason, particularly with fellow tight end and the ascending Likely entering his fourth season and thus extension eligible. It’s still possible the Ravens could look to deal Andrews ahead of or during the draft for the right offer. But that is not a path they have generally taken (though they did deal wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to the Arizona Cardinals a few days before the 2022 draft). Safety Ar'Darius Washington is likely to remain in Baltimore as a restricted free agent. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ar’Darius Washington likely to remain with Ravens Friday marks the deadline for restricted free agent safety Ar’Darius Washington to sign an offer sheet with another team, something that appears less likely with each passing hour. “I’m fairly confident he will be back,” DeCosta acknowledged. Either way, though, he doesn’t see it impacting their decision making when it comes to the draft and all but said the obvious: that Baltimore will likely use picks on the cornerback and safety positions. “Corner is critical, important position,” he said. “They’re like Bugattis, they just break down.” DeCosta also said that they’d look at safeties to add to a group that includes second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, both of whom were core special teamers last season. Punt returner possibilities With the Ravens’ well-documented struggles on punt returns last season, will they look to draft a wide receiver or player at another position with that capability? “It’d be nice,” DeCosta said, before Harbaugh raised his hand with a big smile and added, “I am.” To the point, special teams coordinator Chris Horton Jr. has bene ranking prospects from first to worst when it comes to return skills. The Ravens do have some internal options — most notably wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who had the job before losing it last season — but it’s clear they haven’t made up their mind on the position and DeCosta said they want a “high ceiling” when it comes to the role. Deadline approaching for Hamilton, Linderbaum With Hamilton and Lindernbaum entering the final year of their rookie contracts, the Ravens have until May 1 to decide whether to pick up their fifth-year options. With each having been selected to two Pro Bowls, doing so wouldn’t come cheap. Hamilton would cost $18.6 million, while Linderbaum would ring in at $23.4 million. DeCosta, unsurprisingly, was mum on what Baltimore plans to do. Given Hamilton’s skill set and importance to the defense, though, picking up his would seem like a no-brainer as he’ll likely reset the safety market with an extension that would top the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield’s $84.1 million contract that has an average annual value of over $21 million. As for Linderbaum, the Ravens could hold off until next offseason and use the franchise tag on the center, which they could then pull while working out a long-term extension should they go that route. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article