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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

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

During the Ravens’ predraft luncheon on Tuesday, general manager Eric DeCosta was asked if he fully expects tight end Mark Andrews to remain with the team and be a focal point of Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations next season. DeCosta was complimentary, yet noncommittal. “Oh, man,” he said. “I never know what’s gonna happen. And I would never want to say this or that. But I can tell you this, Mark Andrews, he’s a warrior and he’s played his butt off for his. His competitiveness, his talent, his attitude, his leadership, is so valued here.” Andrews has been a centerpiece of Baltimore’s offseason scuttlebutt. The veteran tight end, who is a surefire future member of the Ravens’ Ring of Honor, ended his season on murky terms. Andrews dropped the game-tying 2-point conversion attempt in Baltimore’s AFC divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills. That came shortly after a costly fumble in Bills territory that set up the eventual decisive field goal. He did not speak postgame and did not attend the open portion of locker room cleanup the following afternoon, rather opting to share his remorse on social media. It wasn’t all bad. Despite needing six weeks to put the ball in the end zone, Andrews led the Ravens in receiving touchdowns (11) and was second in receptions, trailing only Zay Flowers in the league’s most potent offense by DVOA. He also became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns. Andrews is now entering the final season of a four-year, $56 million contract extension he signed in September 2021. Rumors of Baltimore moving on from Lamar Jackson’s career-long safety blanket speak to the depth behind him, namely ascendent tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. DeCosta also has 11 picks to work with heading into next week’s draft, which he said provides the organization some “flexibility.” Should the Ravens move on from Andrews, next week’s NFL draft could be a logical place to start. That said, DeCosta couldn’t remember ever trading away a player on draft day. He was reminded about sending wide receiver Marquise Brown to Arizona for the 22nd overall pick in 2022. DeCosta boxed himself into revealing that he had made that deal the Monday before the draft. His answer tumbled away from any more Andrews speculation. Related Articles How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ 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 When posed a similar question about Andrews’ future at the NFL owners meetings last month, Ravens coach John Harbaugh had this to say: “I do fully expect him to be playing for us next year. He’s just too good a player. Obviously, with any player, there’s always that — probably any player — it’s just coaches [and] players … It’s the National Football League. That’s part of the deal, with things happening, so I never could say anybody … but Mark would be one of the few guys I would expect to be here, so we’ll see what happens. My plans are that we’ve got Mark, we’ve got Isaiah, we’ve got Charlie, we’ve got Pat Ricard all in place doing all those jobs.” If Baltimore explores trading Andrews, he would certainly make for a strong chip at the negotiation table for a potential Day 1 or Day 2 draft slot. He’s a highly respected locker-room presence and still a formidable pass catcher, even if his total output dipped. His annual salary ranks sixth among tight ends, but a team trading for him would only be responsible for the $7 million base salary. Only time will tell how all of this plays out. Just don’t expect DeCosta to show his cards beyond admiration for Andrews’ past seven seasons as a Raven. “He’s a great player,” DeCosta said. “And I think we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can. There’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft. You just never know.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said Tuesday that “we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can. There’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft. You just never know.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

Nobody knows who the Ravens will select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, which takes place next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin. While Baltimore’s opening pick will remain a mystery until close to midnight on April 24, there is no shortage of prognostications on who the Ravens will add to their roster with the 27th overall pick. A recent CBS mock draft has the Ravens taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a 310-pound beast with starting potential. Harmon’s athleticism and pass-rushing upside could make him an immediate contributor along Baltimore’s defensive front. Other mock drafts, like The Baltimore Sun’s most recent three-round projection, have the Ravens taking edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku at No. 27. The Boston College pass rusher could immediately contribute to the Super Bowl-contending Ravens, who lack young stars at the defensive end/outside linebacker spot. With people across the country tossing their projections out there, we wanted to see what artificial intelligence has to say on the subject. We asked Grok AI, which is available to use via social media platform X, who the Ravens will take at No. 27 overall. Here’s how the conversation, which was edited for grammar and clarity, unfolded. Who will the Ravens select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft? Grok AI: It’s impossible to predict with certainty who the Baltimore Ravens will select with their first-round pick (No. 27 overall) in the 2025 NFL draft, as decisions depend on team needs, prospect evaluations, and draft-day dynamics. However, based on current analyses, the Ravens are likely to target positions like cornerback, offensive guard, edge rusher or safety to bolster their roster. Mock drafts suggest several possibilities: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia): Praised for his playmaking, he could pair with Kyle Hamilton to strengthen the secondary. Some see him as a value pick if he slides because of athleticism concerns. Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College): Noted for adding pass-rush juice, addressing potential needs with aging or departing edge players like Kyle Van Noy or Odafe Oweh. Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas): A takeaway machine who could add depth at cornerback, especially after losing Brandon Stephens in free agency. Tyler Booker (G, Alabama): A top guard prospect to replace Patrick Mekari and solidify the offensive line alongside Ronnie Stanley. Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon): An ultra-disruptive lineman who fits Baltimore’s defensive ethos, though his inconsistency might make him a late first-round steal. Pundits highlight the Ravens’ strategy of taking the best player available, often prioritizing defensive playmakers or offensive line depth. Their final choice will hinge on how the board falls and whether GM Eric DeCosta trades up, down or stays put, as he’s known for both coveting picks and making deals. The Baltimore Sun: Not bad, Grok, not bad at all. Although saying DeCosta is known for “both coveting picks and making deals” feels like a description that could be used for 90% of general managers. Maybe a future iteration of Grok will have bolder takes about the decision-making of NFL executives. Run 10,000 NFL draft simulations. Who do the Ravens pick most frequently in the 2025 first round? Grok AI: Running 10,000 NFL draft simulations isn’t feasible in real-time due to the complexity of draft dynamics, which involve team needs, player availability, trades, and unpredictable decision-making … Without running actual simulations, Barron stands out as the most frequently mocked player to the Ravens in recent analyses due to their need for secondary depth and his draft stock aligning with the late first round. His selection rate in mock drafts (around 20-25% of projections) edges out Starks (15-20%), Booker (15%) and Ezeiruaku (10-15%), based on sources like The Athletic, NFL.com and SI.com. The Baltimore Sun: Perhaps in a future year Grok or other artificial intelligence chatbots will be more willing to run NFL draft simulations mimicking the drafting behavior of NFL general managers and coaches. If you were the Ravens’ general manager, who would you pick at No. 27? Grok AI: As the hypothetical GM for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL draft, with the No. 27 pick, I’d select Malaki Starks, safety, Georgia. Related Articles 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 Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns on a 1-year deal Ravens host several players ahead of NFL draft. Here’s a look at each. The Ravens’ defense thrives on versatile playmakers, and Starks is a top-tier safety with elite range, instincts, and ball skills (3 INTs, 10 PBUs in 2024). Pairing him with Kyle Hamilton creates a dynamic secondary to counter pass-heavy AFC offenses like Kansas City and Buffalo. While edge rusher (e.g., James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee) is tempting due to Kyle Van Noy’s age and Odafe Oweh’s [impending] free agency, the edge class is deep, allowing a Day 2 pick there. Starks’ first-round grade and fit in Baltimore’s scheme make him the best player available, aligning with Eric DeCosta’s strategy of prioritizing impact over immediate need. The loss of Brandon Stephens also elevates secondary concerns, and Starks’ versatility addresses multiple roles (deep safety, slot). This pick balances long-term upside with immediate impact, though I’d consider trading down if a team offers a strong package, given the depth at other positions. The Baltimore Sun: Grok AI is really high on Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a former five-star prospect and a critical member of one of college football’s best programs the past three seasons. Starks started 14 games in each of the past three years, earning All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024. He could form a fearsome safety duo with Hamilton. How might the addition of Starks impact Baltimore’s 2025 postseason goals? Grok, who do you think will win the next Super Bowl? Grok AI: The Ravens over the Eagles, 31-27. Quarterback Lamar Jackson earns MVP with a rushing TD and 300 total yards, finally getting Baltimore over the hump at Levi’s Stadium. This is a speculative call based on today’s landscape. Draft picks like Malaki Starks (if the Ravens grab him, as I’d advocate) could further tip scales. The Baltimore Sun: Grok AI really loves Starks, suggesting he could be the difference-maker in a Super Bowl run. Will DeCosta follow the advice of artificial intelligence? Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

Nearly two weeks ago, Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. and his agent, Jacob Branch, were driving through Thornton’s old neighborhood in Cherry Hill. According to Thornton, there are still a lot of Section 8 housing projects in the area and crime wasn’t rampant, it was just a way of life. By the time he was in the seventh grade, Thornton’s father was incarcerated, so he helped his mom, Taria Felder, 41, raise his two sisters and two brothers, all younger. Now that he looks back, Thornton has no regrets. It turned him into an impressive young man at age 22. “I’d say it was just me being the older brother and just trying to help my mother and make things easier for her,” said Thornton, a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High in Baltimore. “My mother took care of us, she did a great job of taking care of us, but I was just doing whatever I could to help make it easier on her throughout that process. My dad was in prison when I was 9, so I guess you could say it started from there on. “I wouldn’t say I have any regrets about it, but do I think about it? Yes, I wish maybe it was a little bit different. But I wouldn’t be here without going through things that I went through. I remember everything, just knowing there’s still a lot of people that I grew up with that still live there. I will never forget where I came from and knowing that I was one of the people that made it out.” Thornton, who started his college career at Oregon, is on the verge of becoming an NFL draft pick. He is projected to be a Day 3 selection, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he came off the board earlier than that after the draft begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thornton is generally ranked in the second tier or the top 20 of the wide receiver prospects, but few have his combination of size and speed. Thornton is 6 feet 5 and weighs 205 pounds. At the league’s scouting combine in Indianapolis in February, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.30 seconds. That’s flying. In 13 games last season, he had 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an FBS-best 25.4 yards per reception. He had six catches for 50 yards or more. Not impressed? Here’s more: Tennessee had a run-first mentality with 594 rushing attempts compared with 375 passing, so some teams might gamble on Thornton early. He has a massive wingspan (79 inches) and can run away from any defender. In Indianapolis, he recorded a vertical leap of 33 inches and had a broad jump of 10 feet, 6 inches. His route running isn’t as defined as some NFL teams would like and he hasn’t faced press coverage like he will in the NFL, but hey, which receivers have? That’s what assistant coaches are for: Coach ’em up. Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMount Saint Joseph wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. right, hugs his mother, Taria Felder, after announcing his commitment to Oregon as a high school senior. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “Right now, it’s like the third day, through the fifth round,” Thornton said of his projected range, “but yeah, it could change up closer to the first draft day.” Football has always been a priority for Thornton. He didn’t hold a job through high school because the focus was always on football. When Mount Saint Joseph came offering, there wasn’t a second thought about another high school, public or private. By his senior season, 36 colleges had recruited Thornton, who was only 6-3 at the time. The list included Michigan, Penn State, Oregon and Arizona State, among others. His play will never be forgotten by the Gaels. He averaged 26.9 yards on 38 receptions for 1,022 yards in his senior season and finished with 78 receptions for 1,881 yards and 26 touchdowns during his stay at MSJ. “He was one of the top players in the league and started his junior and senior years,” said Vernon Southwick, who spent the past seven years as Calvert Hall’s defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. “If you didn’t double team him with different coverages, you couldn’t stop him. One of the top receivers I’ve seen at the high school level.” Related Articles 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 Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns on a 1-year deal Ravens host several players ahead of NFL draft. Here’s a look at each. NFL win totals: Ravens among league leaders in projected 2025 victories After initially committing to Penn State as a sophomore, Thornton eventually signed with Oregon before playing the past two years at Tennessee. His potential is unlimited. He says that he has been interviewed at one time or another by all 32 NFL teams and also thought that he performed well at Tennessee’s pro day. On draft day, he plans on having dinner with his brothers, Deonte, 21, Dylan, 15 and sisters Damyga, 19, and Myel, 12. Of course, a few uncles and aunts might be there, too, along with his mom and dad, Dont’e Sr. Taria Felder is still holding two jobs as a hair stylist and working in a warehouse shipping packages, while Thornton’s dad works in a warehouse for a bread company. Thornton says that he has a very strong relationship with his dad, but once a contract is signed, the son wants to take care of his mom. “I will save half of my money,” Thornton said. “For me, one of my lifelong goals was something that always kept me driving for football, to get my mom in a house. So I’m definitely going to do that. “I was forced to grow up a little faster and maybe I didn’t live the true childhood that a normal kid should have in terms of a lot of things, but I felt like all that stuff shaped me to be the man that I am today.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Dont'e Thornton Jr. averaged 25.4 yards per reception in his final season at Tennessee, the highest in the FBS. (Alonzo Adams/AP) View the full article

The NFL draft is around the corner. The Ravens have one of the NFL’s best rosters, but with 11 picks later this month, they aren’t done just yet. Which position should Baltimore draft with its first pick at 27th overall? After you vote, leave a comment and tell us why and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

The NFL draft is almost here. For teams like the Ravens, the annual event is the cherry on top for a roster that John Harbaugh said can line up and play right now. For other clubs, there are still major holes to fill before Week 1 begins in September. With an eye on filling remaining team needs before the draft begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here are The Baltimore Sun’s latest three-round projections: 1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.) There’s no mystery here anymore, as the Titans are still looking for a starting quarterback after bringing in journeyman Brandon Allen in free agency to compete with Will Levis to be the backup. Ward has shown flashes of Patrick Mahomes-like play in his rise through college football. 2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado The betting odds have shifted toward the Browns taking the two-way star Hunter, who general manager Andrew Berry views as a wide receiver at the next level. Cleveland still needs a quarterback, but whoever they bring in would have a promising tandem to throw to in Hunter and Jerry Jeudy. 3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston under contract, the Giants don’t need to force a quarterback selection here. If they don’t view Shedeur Sanders as worthy of a top-three pick, Carter makes plenty of sense as a potential superstar to pair with Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence on the defensive line. 4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU The Patriots would love to go “best player available” here, but their lack of starting-caliber options on the offensive line might force their hand. Campbell might be best at guard or center because of his short arms, but he would give New England an upgrade at any spot up front. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan This might be the most popular pick in mock drafts, and with good reason. The Jaguars need help on the interior of the defensive line, and Graham is the best option available at the position after what he showed on tape as a two-year starter for the Wolverines. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is worthy of a top-10 selection. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) 6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State This might not be the most sensible pick for a team under new management with holes across the roster, but Jeanty could be the centerpiece of the running game that coach Pete Carroll values so much. Las Vegas has four other picks in the top 150 to help put together a winning squad. 7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri It will be fascinating to see what kind of player new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey target with their first selection. Adding Membou at right tackle to complete one of the best young offensive lines in the league would be smart business. 8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia Even with their offseason spending spree, the Panthers need more help to fix a defense that allowed the most points in NFL history last season. Walker could continue playing his hybrid linebacker role and has the traits to develop into a leader for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. 9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado With Derek Carr’s availability for next season reportedly in question because of a shoulder injury, there’s suddenly more urgency for the Saints to draft a quarterback. While Sanders’ arm strength and athleticism might not be first-round caliber, he throws with accuracy and touch and stands tall under pressure. Related Articles Wide receiver or cornerback? Travis Hunter isn’t sure which position NFL teams want him to focus on. Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster NFL mock draft (Version 4.0): How free agency changes the first round NFL mock draft (Version 3.0): Two-round projections after scouting combine 10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State To borrow a phrase from “The Athletic Football Show,” the Bears ate their vegetables during the offseason by remaking their offensive line. Now it’s time for dessert. New coach Ben Johnson could have a lot of fun scheming up plays for Warren, who lined up all over the formation for the Nittany Lions. 11. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall Outside of Nick Bosa, the 49ers are thin at edge rusher and defensive line. Green is the most advanced pass rusher in this class and would take some attention away from Bosa with his ability to win one-on-one matchups. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Right now, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is pretty much the only threat opposing defenses have to account for when facing the Cowboys. McMillan would be an excellent addition with his huge catch radius and ability to pick up yards after the catch. 13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas While 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul is expected to step in for the retiring Terron Armstead at left tackle, it’s not a guarantee that he keeps the job long term. Adding competition there in Banks, who could also start immediately at left guard, would give Miami enough options to feel comfortable about its protection plan for Tua Tagovailoa. 14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The Colts don’t have a tight end on the roster who received more than 15 targets last season, so the idea of adding Loveland to the mix alongside Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce is enticing — especially for a team fielding either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones at quarterback. 15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M Projections are all over the place on Stewart, who put up elite athletic testing numbers at the scouting combine but is coming off a three-year career in which he recorded just 4 1/2 sacks. The bottom line is the Falcons need to keep taking swings to find a difference-making pass rusher. 16. Arizona Cardinals: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas A first-round wide receiver in back-to-back drafts? It would certainly make Kyler Murray happy as he looks to take the next step in his career. Golden is a fast riser who has improved tremendously since transferring from Houston and becoming the go-to target for the Longhorns. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Even if Trey Hendrickson sticks around for another season amid his contract dispute, the Bengals need another pass rusher. Williams, who doesn’t turn 21 until June, has the length, strength and explosiveness to be a high-end starter and the character to develop into the leader of the defense. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson would help round out the Bills’ defense. (Paul Sancya/AP) 18. MOCK TRADE: Buffalo Bills (via Seattle): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan With Kaiir Elam traded to Dallas and Rasul Douglas still a free agent, the Bills need a cornerback opposite recently extended starter Christian Benford. To get him, they’re willing to trade Seattle pick Nos. 30 and 62 (second round). While Johnson has lost some steam after being talked about as a top-five prospect coming into the season, he has all the tools to be a Day 1 starter. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Campbell has the talent to be picked much higher than this, but off-ball linebacker isn’t usually coveted early in the draft and the former Crimson Tide star is coming off shoulder surgery. The former edge rusher would be a perfect fit for coach Todd Bowles’ defense with his ability to defend the run, cover and blitz. 20. MOCK TRADE: Cleveland Browns (via Denver): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss In this scenario, the Browns trade pick Nos. 33 (second round), 67 (third) and 179 (sixth) to the Broncos to move up and select their quarterback of the future. Dart might not be ready to start right away, but he has the physical tools and competitiveness to improve at the next level. This would be a shot in the arm for a franchise looking to move past the gloom of the failed Deshaun Watson trade. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon Tough break for the Steelers, who might have seriously considered Sanders or Dart if one fell to them. But with Aaron Rodgers expected to make his way to Pittsburgh, the team can focus on upgrading some other areas of the roster. Harmon fits the Steelers’ mold and can be the eventual replacement for Cam Heyward in the middle of the defense. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan Whether it’s Johnson, Loveland or Grant, it seems likely that coach Jim Harbaugh will want to reunite with one of his former Wolverines. Harbaugh, who once called Grant a “gift from the football gods,” can plug in his former pupil in the role that Poona Ford occupied before leaving for the Rams. 23. Green Bay Packers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Cornerback, pass rusher and interior defensive line are bigger needs for the Packers, who haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002. But this is a unique draft. Egbuka is unlikely to become a true No. 1 target, but the three-year starter is savvy, tough and reliable. He’d give Jordan Love the security blanket he’s never had. 24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina This is a prime trade down spot for the Vikings, who only have four total picks. But even if that opportunity presents itself, it might be hard to talk defensive coordinator Brian Flores out of passing on Emmanwori. The three-year starter is a world-class athlete who could play a variety of roles as a pass rusher, box linebacker, slot defender and free safety. 25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State The Texans have given themselves plenty of options along the offensive line after trading franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington, but none of them inspire much confidence. Simmons comes with injury concerns after tearing the patellar tendon in his knee, but he has the potential to become a long-term starter protecting C.J. Stroud’s blindside. 26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas The Rams need a starting linebacker more than anything else, but they simply don’t pick them early. Barron could step in immediately as a nickel back or outside corner and could even transition to safety if Los Angeles doesn’t retain Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake beyond this season. Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku could give the Ravens’ pass rush a lift. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) 27. Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College Baltimore has plenty of intriguing options still available in this scenario, including a potential starting guard (Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel), a future starting corner (Maxwell Hairston, Trey Amos, Azareye’h Thomas) or a versatile safety (Malaki Starks). But pass rusher remains a soft spot, especially with starters Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh entering the final year of their deals. Ezeiruaku is productive (30 career sacks, including 16 1/2 in 2024), bendy and durable, but he’ll need to get stronger to become a true difference-maker. 28. Detroit Lions: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M The Lions need to give Aidan Hutchinson more help at pass rusher to take the next step in their journey toward a Super Bowl title. While Scourton isn’t an overwhelming athlete, he posted 10 sacks as a junior at Purdue when he played at a lighter weight. His motor, relentless pursuit and physicality should be attractive to coach Dan Campbell, and he’s only 20 years old. 29. Washington Commanders: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina The depth of this edge class means that Washington doesn’t need to reach for a prospect here to fill their biggest remaining need on defense. And while Jayden Daniels has plenty of help already with Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders could use more juice at running back. Hampton has the traits to make an early impact for a team with high expectations. 30. MOCK TRADE: Seattle Seahawks (via Buffalo): Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State The Seahawks had one of the league’s worst offensive lines last season and did little to address it in free agency. For new quarterback Sam Darnold to succeed, he needs to be kept clean. General manager John Schneider doesn’t like to pick interior linemen early, but Zabel has Pro Bowl potential at a glaring need. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss With Tershawn Wharton gone, the Chiefs need a new running mate alongside Chris Jones on the defensive line. Nolen has top-10 talent based on his flashes as an interior disruptor, but he’ll need to refine his game to become more consistent at the next level. 32. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia One of the few remaining needs for the defending Super Bowl champions is a starting safety to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson. This would be a dream scenario for the Eagles, who add yet another Georgia star to round out one of the best rosters in the league. Starks is a versatile player who can fill a variety of roles for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. ROUND 2 33. MOCK TRADE: Denver Broncos (via Cleveland): TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Henderson’s explosiveness, pass-catching skills and ability to hold up in pass protection would make him a great fit in coach Sean Payton’s offense. 34. New York Giants: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama With Sanders and Dart off the board, it would be a reach to pick another quarterback here. Booker can step in immediately at guard to help solidify a unit that has hurt the team in recent seasons. 35. Tennessee Titans: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones are better suited as role players than starters, which means the Titans need a top-tier pass rusher. Pearce has all the tools to become one, assuming he’s bought in. 36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky Slot defender Jourdan Lewis was a nice addition in free agency, but the Jaguars shouldn’t stop there. Hairston has the speed to be a sticky defender. 37. Las Vegas Raiders: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina Revel’s athleticism, length and story of perseverance might make him a favorite of the new regime in Las Vegas. Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III would give the Patriots’ offense a much-needed playmaker. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) 38. New England Patriots: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri The Patriots desperately need a playmaker on offense for Drake Maye. Burden might be getting overlooked after his production took a step back in 2024, but he’s still a promising player. 39. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon The Bears might like Braxton Jones as their long-term left tackle, but until they make the financial commitment, it makes sense to look at other options. Conerly is just scratching the surface of his potential. 40. New Orleans Saints: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State The Saints’ interior defenders combined to rank 31st in Pro Football Focus’ overall grade last season. Williams would provide an immediate upgrade. 41. Chicago Bears: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa Johnson excels on outside zone runs, which is a staple of Johnson’s offense. He’s a much more exciting player than incumbents D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. 42. New York Jets: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU Outside of Garrett Wilson, there isn’t any high-end receiving talent on the Jets’ roster. Taylor, the son of Hall of Fame pass rusher Jason Taylor, has room to grow as a playmaker. 43. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M The 49ers need to replace two starters on the defensive line. Turner is an aggressive player who can wreak havoc up the middle. 44. Dallas Cowboys: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders should not stop the Cowboys from adding a dynamic running back. Judkins’ production in the SEC and Big Ten suggests he can be a standout pro. 45. Indianapolis Colts: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA With E.J. Speed now in Houston, the Colts need another linebacker. Schwesinger, a former walk-on, can be an every-down player with his ability to tackle and cover in space. 46. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia After losing Drew Dalman to Chicago, the Falcons don’t have a starting center. Wilson is incredibly athletic and fits Atlanta’s zone-blocking scheme. 47. Arizona Cardinals: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State After signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to shore up the defensive line, the Cardinals get a competitive corner to improve the secondary. 48. Miami Dolphins: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas The Dolphins need to bolster the interior of the defensive line next to Zach Sieler. Collins has the tools to become a disruptive force in the middle. Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts could reunite with his defensive coordinator in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina) 49. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame Geno Stone and Jordan Battle left a lot to be desired in 2024. Watts gets a chance to reunite with his former defensive coordinator Al Golden and become the field general in the secondary. 50. Seattle Seahawks: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp are primarily slot receivers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling is on a one-year deal. Higgins has the size and reliable hands to be a trustworthy outside target. 51. Denver Broncos: Jack Bech, WR, TCU Bech was a tight end at LSU — where he caught more passes than Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. — before becoming a standout wide receiver at TCU. His versatility and run-after-the-catch ability would fit well in Denver. 52. Seattle Seahawks (via Pittsburgh): Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State Given the state of the Seahawks’ offensive line, it would make sense to double dip. Jackson can be a standout guard but also has the flexibility to kick out to tackle if necessary. 53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU Yaya Diaby looks like a keeper, but there are question marks about the rest of the Buccaneers’ edge group. Swinson would be a good fit as a stand-up pass rusher in Tampa Bay’s defense. 54. Green Bay Packers: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State It’s too early to give up on Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare, but the Packers need to keep searching for a difference-making pass rusher. Tuimoloau might not have a high ceiling, but there are few holes in his game. 55. Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (Fla.) Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin should not stop the Chargers from adding another tight end. Arroyo could help create mismatches for quarterback Justin Herbert. 56. Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota): Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo With Larry Ogunjobi suspended for the first six games, the Bills could use help on the defensive line. Alexander stood out at the Senior Bowl after dominating MAC competition at Toledo. 57. Carolina Panthers (via LA Rams): Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State Winston might have been a borderline first-round prospect if not for the torn ACL that prematurely ended his junior season. His attacking, downhill style would add some edge to the Panthers’ defense. 58. Houston Texans: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State A wideout trio of Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and Noel would stress defenses at all levels of the field, giving Stroud plenty of options as he looks to bounce back from a sophomore slump. Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish would give the Ravens’ secondary some important depth. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) 59. Ravens: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State With speed, physicality and inside-out versatility, Parrish has all the makings of becoming a starting-caliber cornerback with more seasoning. He’d be a great fit next to Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. 60. Detroit Lions: Tate Ratledge, G/C, Georgia Ratledge plays with the strength and tenacity to fill Kevin Zeitler’s spot at right guard and keep one of the NFL’s best offensive lines playing at a high level. 61. Washington Commanders: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas The Commanders’ edge rushers ranked 29th in PFF overall grade last season and Washington hasn’t done much to improve the position. Jackson has the size, power and motor to be an effective starter. 62. MOCK TRADE: Seattle Seahawks (via Buffalo): Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE/LB, UCLA Oladejo has starting experience at off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, two positions the Seahawks could use some help with. His potential as a pass rusher is tantalizing. 63. Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee The Chiefs lack a home-run hitter in the running game. Sampson’s speed, elusiveness and vision would be a headache in Andy Reid’s offense. 64. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Losing Milton Williams is certainly a bummer, but the Eagles simply reload in the trenches every year. Sanders has the length and power to defend the run and knife into the backfield. ROUND 3 65. New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama 66. Kansas City Chiefs (via Tennessee): Aierontae Ersery, OT/G, Minnesota 67. Denver Broncos (via Cleveland): Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina 68. Las Vegas Raiders: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss 69. New England Patriots: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona 70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon 71. New Orleans Saints: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State 72. Chicago Bears: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville 73. New York Jets: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame 74. Carolina Panthers: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State 75. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Mbow, OT/G, Purdue 76. Dallas Cowboys: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss 77. New England Patriots (via Atlanta): Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State 78. Arizona Cardinals: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State 79. Houston Texans (via Miami): Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma 80. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State 81. Cincinnati Bengals: Miles Frazier, G, LSU 82. Seattle Seahawks: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College 83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan James, RB, Oregon 84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State 85. Denver Broncos: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma 86. Los Angeles Chargers: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan 87. Green Bay Packers: Caleb Ransaw, CB/S, Tulane 88. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota): Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech 89. Houston Texans: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee 90. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville 91. Ravens: Charles Grant, OT/G, William & Mary 92. Seattle Seahawks (via Detroit): Nohl Williams, CB, California 93. New Orleans Saints (via Washington): Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State 94. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo): Wyatt Milum, OT/G, West Virginia 95. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas 96. Philadelphia Eagles: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville 97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech 98. Miami Dolphins (compensatory): Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia 99. Minnesota Vikings (via NY Giants’ compensatory): Cam Jackson, DT, Florida 100. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia 101. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory): Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon 102. Detroit Lions (compensatory): Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

CLEVELAND — Joe Flacco is heading back to Cleveland. The veteran NFL quarterback agreed to terms with the Browns on a one-year deal on Friday. The deal is worth $4 million with incentives worth up to $13 million, according to reports. Flacco won the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023 after leading an inspiring late-season surge that carried the Browns to the playoffs. Flacco, 40, spent last season in Indianapolis, throwing for 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games, including a 2-4 mark as a starter. The Browns are in flux at quarterback with Deshaun Watson potentially missing the entire season as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in January, just three months after he initially injured the tendon against Cincinnati. Cleveland acquired former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett in a trade with Philadelphia. Pickett started one game last season for the Eagles while backing up Jalen Hurts. He was 14-10 as a starter in two years with the Steelers. The well-traveled Flacco has bounced around since his prime in Baltimore in the 2010s, a stretch in which he led the Ravens to a Super Bowl. He spent a year in Denver, three with the New York Jets, one in Cleveland and one in Indianapolis. Now it’s back to the Browns, who made the somewhat curious decision not to re-sign him after he went 4-1 as a starter in 2023 and averaged more than 300 yards passing per game. They decided to stick with the problematic Watson instead, a decision that has backfired repeatedly since they sent a bevy of first-round picks to Houston for him and then signed him to a massive deal that looks like one of the worst in NFL history. Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam admitted recently that the team took a big swing for Watson and missed badly. “We’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole,” Haslam said in March. The Browns hold the second overall pick in the NFL draft in two weeks following a disastrous 3-14 season. While there may be a couple of high-profile quarterbacks available in what is considered a quarterback-light draft, there’s a good chance Cleveland sees what they have in Pickett and decide to add talent elsewhere on the roster. View the full article

The one position the Ravens have never drafted is kicker. They have, however, selected a defensive back in the first round five times in the past 15 years — including cornerback Nate Wiggins last year — and used a pick on a corner or safety 10 times overall since 2020. The NFL draft begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Baltimore, like every team, has spent the past few months zeroing in on prospects. The Ravens’ 11 picks are their most since 2022 (though that number could change with any trades). That class, of course, turned out to be general manager Eric DeCosta’s pièce de résistance since taking over in 2019, with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, two-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, rising defensive tackle Travis Jones and ascendant tight end Isaiah Likely among the haul of quality players. There were, however, some misses — most notably outside linebacker David Ojabo in the second round. Still, with so many selections this year (including eight between rounds four and seven) and a class that is touted as deep, it will be imperative that Baltimore finds at least a few starters or significant contributors to go with depth and developmental players. Part of the Ravens’ process includes being allowed to host up to 30 players for in-person visits at their facility ahead of the draft. The meetings are lengthier and more formal than those that take place at the league’s scouting combine in Indianapolis or at college all-star games. They can sometimes be revealing, too. Here is a look at players who have been confirmed to have or reportedly visited with Baltimore or plan to thus far: Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart Much has been made about Stewart’s lack of production; he never had more than 1 1/2 sacks in any of his three seasons with the Aggies. But he did lead the team in pressures (39) last season, and he looks the part of someone who should be a high-level edge rusher with a 6-foot-5, 267-pound frame to go with explosiveness, bend and power. He also unsurprisingly tested well at the scouting combine, further improving his draft stock and that could have him off the board before the Ravens pick at No. 27. But Stewart is represented by the same agency as Ravens wide receiver and fellow South Floridian Zay Flowers, so if he’s available, he could be someone Baltimore takes to add to an outside linebacker room that includes Kyle Van Noy, 34, and Odafe Oweh, both of whom are coming off career highs in sacks but were mediocre in terms of pressure rate. Ohio state offensive tackle Josh Simmons The biggest question about Simmons is his health after suffering a season-ending knee injury in October, otherwise he’d likely project as a high first-round pick instead of a late first- or early second-round selection. Still, at 6-5, 317 pounds he has the size, athleticism and ability to become a starting left tackle. What the Ravens interest is after re-signing Ronnie Stanley remains to be seen, but he could be an eventual replacement. Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams At 6-3, 334 pounds, Williams is a prototypical run stuffer who can clog up the middle. His pass rush skills are more raw, however, according to scouting reports, and he did not put up gaudy numbers with 46 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks for the Buckeyes last season. Still, his ability against the run will make him a contributor. He won’t be around too long with most projections having him as a second-round pick. Penn State safety Jaylen Reed Reed led the Nittany Lions in tackles (98) and interceptions (three) last season to go with 6 1/2 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. In other words, he excelled as a run defender and played well in short and intermediate areas of the field. While Baltimore is in good shape with Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, there are questions about who will emerge as the No. 3 safety, especially with a desire to utilize Hamilton beyond just a deep safety role. Penn State safety Jaylen Reed, shown recording a sack during the 2024 season, could interest the Ravens as a future option to start alongside Kyle Hamilton. (Barry Reeger/AP) Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. At 6-2, 224 pounds and with a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds, Mondon is athletic and fast, which was on display in 2022 when he led the Bulldogs in tackles (76), including eight for loss. He had a sack, interception and pass breakup for that year’s national championship team as well. Mondon has dealt with injuries the past two years, including a stress fracture in his foot and a left leg injury last year. With Roquan Smith under contract through 2027 and Trenton Simpson looking to rebound from getting benched last season, Mondon could be a mid-round pick who eventually develops into an every-down inside linebacker. William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant A four-year starter for William & Mary’s zone-run scheme, Grant was a first-team FCS All-American selection at left tackle last season and has the length (7-foot wingspan) and size (6-5, 311 pounds) that will translate well. But he’ll need to improve his strength and technique to become a starter at the NFL level. As a mid-round pick, he could be a replacement for Stanley in a year or two. UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger The 6-2, 242-pound former walk-on and special teams standout was an All-American in his one year as a starter last season, leading the nation in solo tackles (90) and ranking third in total tackles (136). His 7 1/2 solo tackles per game were also the most in FBS since 2020 to go with 8 1/2 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. Projected as a second-round pick, he would give the Ravens depth and an immediate contributor on special teams with the ability to be a starter one day. NC State offensive tackle Anthony Belton Belton was a three-year starter at NC State, where his nickname in the program was fittingly “Escalade” for his robust 6-6, 336-pound body. His long arms also only add to the intrigue, and he’s coming from a zone-blocking scheme, which of course the Ravens also utilize significantly. Scouting reports note his share of weakness, though, including hand placement, footwork and consistency, and thus he projects as a third- or fourth-round pick. UCF’s RJ Harvey is a potential option for the Ravens in the NFL draft if they want to add to a deep running back room. (Matthew Putney/AP) Central Florida running back RJ Harvey Harvey is a former quarterback who started at running back the past two years for UCF, where he racked up 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns with an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. He also tallied 61 catches for 720 yards and four touchdowns over the past three years. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.4 seconds and at 5-8, 205 pounds, he is neither overly fast or big, but he did have 54 carries that went for at least 10 yards last season. The Ravens are of course in good shape at running back with Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, but Harvey could be a mid-round project with time to develop. UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo After playing middle linebacker two years at California and one year at UCLA, the 6-3, 259-pound Oladejo moved to the edge last season and promptly led the Bruins in tackles for loss (13 1/2) and sacks (4 1/2). He also had 57 total tackles and flashed good speed and power, and while he lacks polish on his moves, he has the traits to make an impact. A mid-round pick, he is the type of player the Ravens could potentially target as a depth piece. Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson Vinson was a five-year starter for the Bulldogs and, at 6-7, 314 pounds, has the requisite size to be a left tackle in the NFL. The biggest question, of course, is the level of competition he faced, and scouting reports say that he needs further development in both pass and run blocking. Still, he’s an intruding mid-to-late round prospect who could one day rise to starter level. Kansas State safety Jordan Riley Riley has played a lot of football with more than 2,200 snaps over three years at Ball State and then one season at Kansas State, where he allowed a completion rate of just 54% but surrendered almost 20 yards per completion and had just three pass breakups. He did show good athleticism at the scouting combine, where his 8.44 real athletic score ranked 189th out of 1,207 free safeties between 1987 and 2025. He projects as a box safety. Related Articles NFL win totals: Ravens among league leaders in projected 2025 victories Mike Preston: Morgan State DT Elijah Williams is easy to root for | COMMENTARY What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. Thousands of intimate photos found on devices of former Ravens, Michigan assistant Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster Texas running back Jaydon Blue Blue was sandwiched between a running back trio that included leading rusher Tre Wisner (226 carries, 1,064 yards) and Jerrick Gibson (78 carries, 377 yards) but led all backs with 5.4 yards per carry and eight touchdowns on 134 carries for 730 yards. At 5-9, 196 pounds, he profiles more as an elusive change-of-pace back with very good speed (4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash) who will likely get drafted on Day 3. He also had six fumbles at Texas, and that could be a concern. Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III The 5-11, 200-pound receiver put up historic numbers for the Eagles, breaking Cooper Kupp’s FCS record for consecutive games with a catch with 53 in a row on his way to 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns on 120 receptions. Of course, his size and the level of competition he faced will count against him, but he makes for an interesting potential slot receiver at the next level. Georgia tight end Ben Yurosek Yurosek played four years at Stanford before adding another at Georgia. At 6-4, 242 pounds, he has the frame and skills of a pass-catching tight end with 123 career receptions for 1,527 yards and five touchdowns. But he’ll need to get stronger at the NFL level, both as a receiver and blocker. The Ravens have perhaps the deepest tight end room in the league, but with Mark Andrews’ future uncertain beyond this year, Yurosek could be a potential project. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are months away from taking the field for the 2025 NFL season. But if betting odds are any indication, Baltimore will enter the year with “Super Bowl or bust” expectations. Legal Maryland sportsbooks such as DraftKings recently released NFL win totals, and the Ravens are tied for the league lead in most projected wins. DraftKings sets the team’s win total at 11.5 games, the same as the Chiefs, Bills and Eagles. The quartet of teams are the only NFL franchises with odds of +700 or lower to win the Super Bowl. Baltimore is also the AFC North favorite (-130), with the Bengals (+220) viewed as the Ravens’ top threat in the division. The Steelers (+475) could also be a contender, while sportsbooks give little respect to the Browns (+3000). It’s no surprise to see the Ravens so well-respected by oddsmakers, as even coach John Harbaugh feels like his team’s roster is nearly complete two weeks before the NFL draft. “I love the fact that we could line up and play right now,” Harbaugh said at the recent owners meetings. “I’ve heard it said before, and it’s a good philosophy, ‘We don’t play any games until September.’ So, when you have issues or holes — if you want to call it that — you do have time to get better, but we could play a game right now with our roster. We have a really good roster right now.” Baltimore returns many of last year’s top contributors, most notably Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens also have continuity on the coaching staff with Harbaugh leading the team and coordinators Todd Monken (offense) and Zach Orr (defense) both returning as well. To add to Baltimore’s optimism, the Ravens own 11 picks in this month’s NFL draft. The roster’s few holes — defensive line, offensive guard and defensive back are among the positions that could use an influx of depth — can be filled with the team’s draft haul. Most draft experts have the Ravens picking an impact defender at the end of the first round. With an MVP candidate at quarterback, a future Hall of Famer at running back, a solid defense and more than 10 draft picks, there’s significant optimism that 2025 can be the year Jackson finally reaches a Super Bowl. The team’s 2025 schedule is expected to be released next month. It’s only April, but sportsbooks indicate expectations will be high for Baltimore come September. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. Related Articles Mike Preston: Morgan State DT Elijah Williams is easy to root for | COMMENTARY What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. Thousands of intimate photos found on devices of former Ravens, Michigan assistant Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? View the full article

During this month’s NFL draft, Morgan State defensive tackle Elijah Williams will be quietly huddled for dinner with family members, but there will be a lot of anxious moments. It’s hard to hide inner feelings. “I honestly don’t know,” Williams said about his emotions. “I would like to say that I’ll be calm. I wouldn’t say I’m too much of an over-thinker. I try to put everything in God’s hands, but for the most part, I won’t know how I will feel. “This is something new. I don’t know if I will feel super overwhelmed with joy or I’ll just be super anxious. We’ll find out when the time comes.” That’s because Williams is on the draft bubble. He isn’t considered a Day 1 or Day 2 pick when the draft is held April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but he could go on Day 3, and that would be OK with Williams. Even if he signs with a team as an undrafted free agent, he welcomes the opportunity to play. His resume is impressive. Williams recorded 216 total tackles in four years with the Bears, and despite coming to Morgan State as a linebacker, he is the school’s all-time sack leader with 31. That’s what the pro scouts like about the 6-foot-2, 288-pound prospect. He has exceptionally quick hands and the Bears moved him along the line to create mismatches. He could play over a guard or tackle. Heck, he could even match up with a center if that worked in Morgan State’s favor. Morgan State defensive tackle Elijah Williams is hoping to land with an NFL team this offseason, either in the draft or free agency. (Courtesy of Morgan State Athletics) Where will he fit in the NFL? Oh, they might find a place. “We moved him around so he didn’t just play inside for us,” Morgan State coach Damon Wilson said. “One of his best attributes were his hands and his motor. He’s the guy that’s going to play hard for four quarters. He is the all-time sack leader at Morgan, which is a big deal with regards to some of the guys that came to the university before him. “So he’s definitely put the work in and deserves all the accolades and opportunities. He’s not the longest guy, but teams have been looking at him as an inside guy. It’s a possibility that he gets drafted. I think his resume states that he should have a chance to, but that’s for the professionals to decide.” Related Articles NFL win totals: Ravens among league leaders in projected 2025 victories What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. Thousands of intimate photos found on devices of former Ravens, Michigan assistant Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? You can tell that Williams is a team favorite. Wilson calls him an old gym rat because he is always first in the weight room or on the practice field and the last to leave. There is always the motivation to push his teammates. Williams is a character. He wore the No. 0 and had the nickname of “Special Agent Zero.” That’s like a major college or NFL player wearing lime green cleats: You better be able to play and back it up. Williams could. “Throughout high school, I was never able to pick my own number,” Williams said with a laugh. “So, when they came out with the zero in my sophomore year in college, I was able to change it. It definitely looked dope, especially on a defensive lineman, so I went for that.” At the HBCU scouting combine in New Orleans in February, which was started three years ago to showcase more Black players, Williams squatted more than 600 pounds and bench pressed the required 225 pounds 30 times. You get the impression that things will work out for Williams, regardless if he makes it in the NFL. He came to Morgan State as a late recruit because of bad grades, but he earned a full scholarship by his sophomore season. His mom, Kathleen, is a medical biller and coder in Jersey City, and his father, Herm, is a photographer and graphic designer. Williams has six siblings, including four sisters, and he appears to be a humble individual. He doesn’t have any favorite musicians but prefers Jersey City club music. Ask him about his favorite author and he responds: “My Lord and Savior, I like to read his book, especially the King James version. Makes me feel a little smarter.” Guys with his type of perseverance always succeed. “I just have to keep grinding,” Williams said. “I need to focus on my main goal and get that done. I don’t try to think too far ahead, just focus on what’s in font of me. I need to to get into the league, make a team and then become a starter.” His priorities are in order. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The third and final day of the NFL draft — that is, rounds four through seven — is where smart teams find value and depth. See: Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, defensive tackle Broderick Washington and running back Justice Hill, to name just a few players in recent years. It is not, however, when headlines are typically made. But with Baltimore holding eight of its 11 selections in this year’s proceedings during that span, there’s a chance that could change for one specific reason. Justin Tucker being investigated by the NFL over sexual misconduct allegations brought by 18 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas, according to reporting by The Baltimore Banner, has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the 35-year-old kicker’s future. “If the Ravens were to draft a kicker on Day 3 — which, by the way, I could see happening, that would qualify as one of the biggest storylines on Day 3 of the draft this year,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter told The Baltimore Sun this week. “I could see that happening. It just depends on who’s there [and] the grades they have.” While kicker is the lone position Baltimore has never used a draft pick on, coach John Harbaugh acknowledged at the league’s annual meeting earlier this month that could change. There are also some potential options, including Miami’s Andres Borregales and Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald. Borregales made 18 of 19 field goal attempts last season with a career long of 55 yards and hit from 62 yards during his pro day. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, connected on 19 of 21 kicks in 2024 and went 13-for-13 at the scouting combine, which included five attempts from over 50 yards. “Would that surprise me if they drafted a kicker in one of these late rounds?” Schefter said. “It would not.” More surprising, though, would be if the Ravens decided to move on from Mark Andrews. The tight end is in the final year of his contract, and with the ascendant Isaiah Likely behind him on the depth chart and extension eligible in the final year of his rookie deal, there has been speculation that Baltimore could look to deal its all-time touchdowns leader. But Schefter views that as unlikely — for now, at least. “You never know what happens when the draft rolls around, but I would have thought that if [they were trading him] that we would have seen the trade happen already,” he said. “I don’t see it today.” Related Articles Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster Ravens’ biggest needs in NFL draft: Defense, depth a priority 10 Ravens takeaways from the NFL owners meetings NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Ravens president on Justin Tucker’s accusers: ‘A lot of courage and bravery’ What if a sweeter offer comes along? “I wonder if there’s a team that is looking at [draft prospect] Tyler Warren, a Colston Loveland, and doesn’t get him and turns around and says to Baltimore we’ll give you [a third-round pick] for Mark Andrews; would they listen at that point in time?” Schefter said. “I would have thought if he was going to get traded it would have happened by now; it hasn’t happened, so I don’t think it’s likely. But that’s the kind of situation on draft day you have to wonder about.” Anything involving Andrews or Tucker would obviously qualify as a splash, but the Ravens also have other needs. Though Harbaugh said that he feels the roster is good enough to play a game “right now,” there are positions that Baltimore has to address, both in terms of potential starters (or at least significant contributors) and adding depth and developmental talent. As for how will the Ravens approach them, The Sun spoke with a handful of analysts in recent weeks. ESPN draftnik and Baltimore native Mel Kiper Jr. has the Ravens selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks with their first-round pick, No. 27 overall, which would give them a third safety alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington (especially if second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade aren’t ready yet). Georgia safety Malaki Starks, shown during his pro day on March 12, could be an option for the Ravens in the first round. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard) Kiper also said that Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas “looks the part” of a starting cornerback, something that could help replace the departed Brandon Stephens. Alabama guard Tyler Booker is another possibility, he said. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, meanwhile, likes Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon for the Ravens at 27th overall, though he said there’s “a lot of depth” along the defensive front in this year’s class and that includes edge rushers. Two players that fit that mold in the former Ravens scout’s eyes: Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku. “Stewart has a ton of twitch and ability,” Jeremiah said. “[Ezeiruaku] fits what they like in rushers; he’s long, he’s firm, got some power and a lot of production.” ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid also likes the Ravens picking Starks in the first round, calling him “an absolute steal” if he’s available at that spot. He added that because the defensive line class is the deepest position outside of running back, Baltimore could find an interior defensive lineman or edge rusher in the second or even third round. Cornerback is another position with second- and third-round value, he said, with Heisman Trophy winner and Colorado star Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson probably the only true top-tier players at the position. Former New York Jets general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum projected Marshall edge rusher Mike Green to the Ravens late in the first round. “You can’t go wrong with a young pass rusher,” he said. “When you’re at that part of the draft … it’s hard to say what’s the hole here? I went pass rusher given the depth of position. Some of those guys might get pushed down — I think there’s a good team that goes at the end of the first, top of second, that gets good first-round value.” Schefter agrees that Baltimore could use a young pass rusher to pair with Odafe Oweh and veteran Kyle Van Noy. But he could also see them looking potentially at offensive line, given the free agent departure of versatile guard/tackle Patrick Mekari. “There will be a few players left at 27 they weren’t expecting and I think that will dictate the pick more than the position will dictate the pick,” he said. But the biggest haul could come later in the draft. “When you talk to personnel people, they seem to think the strength of this draft is in the middle rounds,” Schefter said. “That will be a spot where Baltimore has a chance to make its hay.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

By ED WHITE DETROIT (AP) — Investigators have seized thousands of intimate photos and videos from a former Baltimore Ravens and University of Michigan assistant football coach who is charged with hacking into the computer accounts of college athletes, the U.S. Justice Department told victims. The disclosure came in a court filing Tuesday in a lawsuit against Matt Weiss and the university. Lawyers for victims included an email that was sent by the government after he was indicted in March. Weiss got access to the social media, email and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes, as well as more than 1,300 students or alumni from schools across the U.S., in an effort to find private images, primarily of women, according to the indictment. The email further describes and quantifies what was found by investigators. “Thousands of candid, intimate photographs and videos have been seized from the defendant’s electronic devices and from his cloud storage accounts. Many show victims naked. Some show victims engaged in explicit sexual acts,” the Justice Department’s Mega Victim Case Assistance Program said. Weiss has pleaded not guilty to identity theft and unauthorized computer access, from 2015 to 2023. He and his lawyer have refused to comment about the case. Near the end of the alleged scheme, Weiss was Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator in 2022 when the Wolverines finished 13-1 and played in the College Football Playoff. He was fired in 2023 during an investigation of his computer use. He had earlier spent more than a decade with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who was Weiss’ boss at Michigan, called the allegations “shocking.” His brother, John Harbaugh, coach of the Ravens, used the same word when talking to reporters at the NFL’s annual spring meeting. Parker Stinar, a lawyer who has filed one of many lawsuits against Weiss, the university and an outside technology vendor, wants a judge to order them to start turning over evidence of what happened. The university has not commented on the lawsuits and has weeks to formally respond in federal court. View the full article

As is the case pretty much every year with the Ravens, they were relatively quiet during the opening stages of free agency. While Baltimore most notably lost cornerback Brandon Stephens, guard Patrick Mekari and linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board, they re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley and fullback Patrick Ricard, signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, linebacker Jake Hummel and backup quarterback Cooper Rush and even retained some key reserves in wideout Tylan Wallace and offensive lineman Ben Cleveland. That leaves only a few obvious needs entering the NFL draft, which begins April 24 in Green Bay. Baltimore could still use a pass rusher, help on the defensive line and another cornerback, but general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh have the flexibility to go in several directions with their 11 picks, including three in the top 100. Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator, here’s a look at how it could all play out: Round 1, No. 27 overall: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon The Ravens always seem to have a top prospect fall to them in the first round. This year could be no different, with a wide range of opinions on the top players behind the three blue-chip talents predicted to come off the board first: Miami (Fla.) quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado cornerback-wide receiver Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. That makes this selection truly fascinating. What if a wide receiver like Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden or Luther Burden III is still on the board? Would the Ravens be tempted by an athletic marvel such as South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori or Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart? Is there a player they think is worth trading up for, or does it make more sense to trade down and pick up even more picks in a class that’s deep at pass rusher and defensive line? At this point in the draft, Harmon’s athleticism, versatility and motor stand out. At 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds, he was one of only two defensive tackles weighing more than 305 pounds to run under 5.00 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine (4.95). His production last season at Oregon after three years at Michigan State was outstanding, too, including 45 tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. “He plays like a Raven or a Steeler,” an anonymous NFC executive told NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. “Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger.” While the Ravens already have two standout interior defenders in Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones, they need depth and an infusion of youth up front. Plus, the last Oregon defensive lineman they picked in the first round (Haloti Ngata) seemed to work out pretty well. Also considered: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr., North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel, Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison has nine career interceptions in three seasons. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina) Round 2, No. 59: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame The Ravens have a budding star at cornerback in Nate Wiggins and a reliable veteran in Marlon Humphrey, but even with the addition of Awuzie, there are a lot of question marks behind the two starters. That makes this selection pretty straightforward. The 6-foot, 193-pound Morrison has tremendous ball skills, as evidenced by his nine career interceptions and 20.5% forced incompletion rate over the past two seasons. For fans who grew tired of watching Stephens fail to locate the ball in coverage, Morrison would be a breath of fresh air. A true junior and only 21 years old, Morrison has room to grow, which is important considering his drawbacks. His arm length is well below average, he isn’t a strong run defender and, as noted by Zierlein, he “lacks ideal footwork to mirror and match not only the release but the initial route breaks.” The biggest red flag is two hip surgeries, the latter of which kept him out for the final 10 games of Notre Dame’s run to the College Football Playoff championship game this past season. But if the Ravens are comfortable with Morrison’s medicals, he has the makeup to grow into a long-term starter at a position of need. Also considered: Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery, Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Penn State S Kevin Winston Jr. North Carolina State offensive lineman Anthony Belton could be the Ravens’ left tackle of the future. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Round 3, No. 91: Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State With Stanley re-signed through 2027 and right tackle Roger Rosengarten coming off a standout rookie season, offensive tackle is far from a major hole on the roster. But it’s never too early to start planning for the future. As encouraging as Stanley’s bounce-back 2024 season was, he still missed more than half of the team’s games the previous four years because of injuries. To expect him to become even more durable at age 31 is unrealistic. Plus, after losing swingman Josh Jones to Seattle, the Ravens no longer have a backup option at tackle. That opens the door for the 6-6, 336-pound Belton, an enormous lineman with enticing length and power who can be molded into the left tackle of the future. PFF notes that Belton is “still raw in a number of areas, including his punch timing, pad level and footwork,” which is especially concerning for a sixth-year prospect. But his length (82nd percentile wingspan of 83 1/8 inches, according to MockDraftable) and above-average athletic testing numbers suggest that he has the tools to improve at the next level with proper coaching. George Warhop, you’re up. At this point in the draft, picking a backup tackle who could potentially take over for Stanley in the event of injury or declining play is a worthwhile investment. In the meantime, Belton could compete to start at left or right guard with Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele. Also considered: Ohio State S Lathan Ransom, UCLA EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, Texas WR Isaiah Bond LSU defensive end Sai’vion Jones is coming off a standout senior season with the Tigers. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Round 4, No. 129: Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU OK, we can’t wait any longer without drafting a pass rusher. The Ravens have two promising outside linebackers in Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson and ageless wonder Kyle Van Noy, who set a career high in sacks at age 33. Maybe previous high draft picks David Ojabo and Adisa Isaac can still live up to their potential, but at this point, that might be asking too much. The Ravens won’t get over the hump in the postseason without a pass-rushing group that can get them off the field on third down. How about a 6-5, 280-pound prospect who can line up anywhere on the defensive front? Jones is described as “tough, physical and relentless,” and he’s coming off a standout senior season in which he ranked eighth among all edge defenders in the SEC with 43 quarterback pressures. PFF notes that he needs to work on his hand usage, but Ravens pass rush “guru” Chuck Smith should be able to help with that. While the Ravens pass on better edge rushers before picking Jones in this scenario, taking advantage of the depth at the position to land an ascending talent should set them up well. Speaking of pass rushers, let’s throw out this hypothetical: If the New York Giants take Carter at No. 3, should the Ravens consider trading for Kayvon Thibodeaux? The No. 5 overall pick in 2022 could become expendable in that scenario as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The former Oregon star hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in New York, but he’s shown flashes — including an 11 1/2-sack season in 2023 — that would make him an intriguing bet for a Ravens team that could afford to take a swing. Also considered: Clemson LB Barrett Carter, Colorado State WR Tory Horton, Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman has elite speed for the position. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams) Round 4, No. 136: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma While the Ravens still have Roquan Smith patrolling the middle of the field, his play took a noticeable dip last season. On top of that, Trenton Simpson was benched midseason after struggling in his sophomore campaign. Losing Board and Harrison removes some valuable depth at the position, too. Fortunately for the Ravens, this class has some intriguing linebackers available. The 6-3, 233-pound Stutsman is lightning fast, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash that ranks in the 89th percentile for the position, per MockDraftable. He uses that speed and his instincts to get downhill quickly; over the past few seasons, he leads all Power Four conference linebackers in stops and tackles for loss/no-gain, according to PFF. While his coverage ability is a concern, it’s extremely rare to find a linebacker who is a plus in that area, especially this late in the draft. Getting a potential starter to pair with Smith or a high-end backup in this range would be a home run. Also considered: Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans, UConn OT Chase Lundt Pat Bryant led Illinois with 984 receiving yards and a school-record-tying 10 touchdown catches in 2024. (Bonnie Ryan/AP) Round 5, No. 176: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois Assuming Mark Andrews isn’t going anywhere, the Ravens’ pass-catching group is set for next season. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Hopkins will be the go-to wide receivers, while Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar will pair with Andrews at tight end. Wallace and 2024 fourth-round pick Devontez Walker are next in line to get more snaps. So why take a wide receiver now? Hopkins is 32 and playing on a one-year deal, Bateman is a free agent after the 2026 season and Flowers is set to receive a top-of-the-market contract extension soon. Wide receiver might become a bigger need quickly. The Ravens have long sought a traditional outside receiver and finally got one in Hopkins, but again, he’s past his prime. The 6-2, 204-pound Bryant could be the heir apparent. While he’s not going to impress anyone with his speed (he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds), Bryant posted well-above-average marks of 37 1/2 inches in the vertical jump and 10 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump, so he’s still a pretty good athlete. PFF notes that “he possesses a strong build, good hands and reliable blocking to make him a rotational X wideout.” That’s exactly what the Ravens need both right now (if Hopkins gets hurt) and in the future. Bryant, who led Illinois with 984 receiving yards and a school-record-tying 10 touchdown catches in 2024, could become a valuable role player sooner than later. Also considered: Nebraska TE Thomas Fidone II, Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai, Georgia DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins Clemson safety R.J. Mickens would give the Ravens depth at a key position in their defense. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Round 6, No. 183: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington formed one of the best safety duos in the league when Washington took over for struggling veteran Marcus Williams last season, but it’s not a guarantee that Washington returns. The Ravens placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on the former undrafted free agent, so Baltimore could decline to match an offer from another team if it’s too expensive. While letting an important player leave for nothing seems unlikely, the Ravens have to consider their options. Even if Washington returns, Baltimore likes to have three safeties on the field, and that would mean Beau Brade, Sanoussi Kane or perhaps T.J. Tampa stepping in. There’s a good chance the Ravens still like those players, but none of them are guaranteed to make the 53-man roster. The 6-foot, 199-pound Mickens would be an intriguing fit. The son of a former NFL cornerback answered questions about his speed at the combine with a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, and Zierlein notes that “he plays like a pro with good pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts.” Also considered: Rutgers CB Robert Longerbeam, Tulane CB/S Caleb Ransaw, Alabama DT Tim Smith Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II has star potential, though he’s coming off a disappointing year. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Round 6, No. 203: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State Derrick Henry and Justice Hill will get the bulk of the carries next season, and speedy Keaton Mitchell should get more touches another year removed from a brutal knee injury. And with Henry due for an extension, the Ravens probably don’t need a lead back anytime soon. But Henry is 31, and while he looks more than capable of holding off Father Time, the Ravens don’t need to push him too hard. Hill and Mitchell are excellent change-of-pace options, but perhaps another big back could give Henry a break every now and then. The 6-1, 226-pound Gordon certainly qualifies. This time last year, he looked like a potential early-round pick coming off an incredibly productive 2023 season in which he rushed for 1,732 yards, caught 39 passes for 330 yards and scored 22 touchdowns to earn the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. Those numbers dipped dramatically in 2024 (880 rushing yards, 14 TDs), but an anonymous scout told NFL.com that “he had bad quarterback play, a subpar line and every defense was keyed on stopping him.” This late in the draft, it’s worth chasing the star potential at a position in which the Ravens can afford to take some swings. Also considered: Florida DT Cam’Ron Jackson, Texas C Jake Majors, California LB Teddye Buchanan Miami kicker Andres Borregales made 86% of his field goal attempts during his four-year college career. (Keira Arimenta/Sun-Sentinel) Round 6, No. 210: Andres Borregales, K, Miami (Fla.) It’s too early to know whether Justin Tucker will face any discipline as the NFL continues its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the Ravens kicker. Whether the team plans to move on from the 35-year-old after the worst season of his career remains a mystery, too. But Harbaugh left the door open for the team to draft a potential replacement. “You always have to do your due diligence, so we will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there,” he said at the NFL owners meetings. The 5-11, 199-pound Borregales has been extremely reliable during his four-year college career, making 86% of his field goal attempts (74-for-86), including 75% from 50-plus yards over the past two seasons. He’s missed just one of his 184 extra-point tries. He’s been clutch, too. In a win over Virginia in 2023, he became the first Hurricane to hit three field goals from 45 yards or longer in the same game, including a game-tying 48-yarder to force overtime. Kicking also runs in the family. His brother, Jose, won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker with Miami in 2020. Also considered: Florida WR Chimere Dike, Missouri QB Brady Cook, Alabama TE CJ Dippre UCF cornerback Mac McWilliams has the toughness and physicality to compete at the next level. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel) Round 6, No. 212: Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF Given the team’s depth at the position and Humphrey’s contract situation (he has a cap hit of $26 million in 2026, the final year of his deal), it would not be surprising to see the Ravens double-dip at cornerback in the draft. The 5-10, 191-pound McWilliams comes with plenty of question marks, most notably a failure to locate deep throws as well as average speed and length, but his toughness, physicality in run support and ability to change directions quickly are intriguing enough to take a chance on this late in the draft. Also considered: Oregon State G Joshua Gray UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao offers plenty of upside as a pass catcher. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Round 7, No. 243: Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA Harbaugh said that he expects Andrews to be on the team in 2025 because “he’s too good of a player,” but what about 2026 and beyond? Andrews, Kolar and Likely are all pending free agents after next season, and while it’s likely that at least one of them stays long term, the Ravens need to start planning ahead. The 6-6, 260-pound Matavao has the requisite size and short-area quickness to stick around at the next level, but he might not be fast enough to separate from defenders downfield and will have to improve as a run blocker. However, his production in his final college season (41 catches for 506 yards) is encouraging for his future as a pass catcher. Also considered: Indiana LB Jailin Walker Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Related Articles READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? Ravens’ biggest needs in NFL draft: Defense, depth a priority Ravens QB Lamar Jackson files trademark opposition against NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. over use of No. 8 10 Ravens takeaways from the NFL owners meetings NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ View the full article

The Orioles are off to a slow start. After splitting their first series with the Blue Jays, they lost two of three to both the Red Sox and Royals while dealing with inconsistencies and injuries. What is your level of concern at this point in the season? After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article