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Justin Tucker is still a Raven. For how much longer remains to be seen. On Saturday, Baltimore used a draft pick on a kicker for the first time in the organization’s history, selecting Arizona’s Tyler Loop in the sixth round. “I just thought he was a really talented player,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “It made sense for us to do that for a lot of different reasons. I told you guys multiple times this spring we would look at kickers.” When DeCosta was asked whether Loop will simply compete for the job or if the expectation is that he will be the team’s kicker moving forward, he demurred. “Right now, they’re both on the roster,” he said. “It was a situation for us where we’re just trying to find the best football players. “[Loop] will be here next week, get a chance to see his leg and that will help us address what our decision making is going to be moving forward.” The move comes as Tucker, 35, is being investigated by the NFL over sexual misconduct allegations brought against him by several massage therapists from numerous Baltimore-area spas. Tucker has denied the allegations and no criminal or civil actions had been filed against him. Given that investigation and a potential suspension, the decision by the Ravens to choose a kicker with one of their 11 draft picks this year was not a surprise. Tucker is also coming off the worst season of his career after converting just 73% of his field goal attempts in 2024. Coach John Harbaugh said that Tucker was at the team’s facility working out this week and that the two spoke about the possibility of Baltimore drafting a kicker. “He already understood,” Harbaugh said of Tucker. “He knew the situation. He’d seen all those quotes, too, [about drafting a kicker], so he knew that was a possibility.” Ravens senior special teams coach Randy Brown had also been traveling the country meeting with and working out kicking prospects in the weeks leading into the draft. Loop, who has one of the strongest legs in this year’s class, was of course one of those kickers. He met with Ravens scouts at the Hula Bowl All-Star game in January. He met with Brown at the scouting combine in February. He continued to talk with Brown and exchanged film with him. So when Miami’s Andres Borregales was selected 182nd overall by the New England Patriots, four spots ahead of where Baltimore was picking, the Lou Groza Award semifinalist had a feeling where he was about to go. Even before then he had an inkling, ordering a Ravens T-shirt a couple of days earlier that he wore during a call with reporters on Saturday. “Oh dude, total elation getting the call,” he said. “I saw the area code come across my phone and I was like, ‘Let’s go, I’m going to Baltimore.'” Arizona kicker Tyler Loop made 67 of 80 field goal attempts in college to finish with the highest field goal rate (83.75%) in school history. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Now the question is if he will replace Tucker, who joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2012 and has since become the most accurate kicker in NFL history. While it’s unclear when the NFL’s investigation into Tucker will conclude, or what, if any, punishment he will face, Ravens brass clearly felt that kicker was a position that needed to be addressed given the uncertainty surrounding Tucker. DeCosta said he has not gotten any recent updates on when the investigation could be finished and likewise said that he has not been given a timeline. Related Articles READER POLL: How would you grade the Ravens’ draft? Ravens draft by the numbers: One stat to know about all 11 picks 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 2025 draft Ravens draft grades: Analysts again give high marks — with notable caveat Ravens 2025 undrafted free agent tracker: Auburn DL, Rutgers DB added In drafting Loop, the Ravens landed at least one of the best kickers in the draft. An All-Big 12 honorable mention last season, Loop converted 18 of 23 field goal attempts and set a school record with a 62-yard field goal against Houston. For his career, he made 67 of 80 field goals to finish with the highest field goal rate (83.75%) in school history. Loop also made 23 of 25 extra point attempts last year to go with 53 touchbacks on 56 kickoffs. There’s a familiarity with Tucker as well. Loop said that as a Texas Longhorns fan growing up, Tucker was one of his favorite kickers. So was Arizona alum Nick Folk. “There’s elements of guys like that who’ve had success in the league and been regarded as elite placekickers in the NFL,” he said. “I admire a lot of parts of their games, but it’s one of those things, it’s like I’ve got things I can do to learn from them but I’ve also got my own style.” He also said it’s not daunting either competing with or following in the steps of Tucker, who is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. “I think it’s really exciting more than pressure just because it gives you something to shoot for,” he said. “You always want to be improving, we always want to be chasing perfection. “Getting to follow in the footsteps of a guy like that who’s been so elite and get to compete with him and maybe learn from him, that gets me fired up.” Now the only question perhaps is when Baltimore will move on from Tucker. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The annual NFL draft has always been a gamble for teams looking for prospective players, but the Ravens went off script Friday night in the selection of Marshall edge rusher Mike Green with the 59th overall pick in the second round. It could be the difference in Baltimore’s recent postseason failures. Overall, this draft could have significant impact even though the outcome won’t be determined for another three or four years until this class has developed. The Ravens drafted Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first round Thursday night with the 27th pick and then selected LSU right tackle Emery Jones Jr. in Round 3 on Friday night after Green. But it’s Green that has this city buzzing in more ways than one. He faced sexual assault allegations in high school and at the University of Virginia in 2022 before transferring to Marshall in 2023. Those allegations forced him to drop from the top 20 list of prospects, and it comes as the NFL continues to investigate numerous sexual misconduct allegations by massage therapists in the Baltimore area against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. This also follows the Ray Rice incident from 2014 in which video showed the former Pro Bowl running back punching his then-fiancée in the face in an elevator in a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It would seem that the Ravens would stay away from players with these reputations, but they still selected Green. “I would say that we investigated this situation very thoroughly. I think we have the best scouts in the NFL,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Friday night. “We’ve got great scouts that go into Virginia. They go into Marshall. We’ve got people that work for investigating different incidents with players all the time, and we felt comfortable taking [Mike Green]. “We think he’s a talented player. We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course, but doing our due diligence, we are comfortable with Mike. I personally spent an hour and a half with him in my office, and I think the best is yet to come with him, and I’m glad we got him.” Let’s be honest, what did you expect him to say? I believe DeCosta. At this point, the Ravens have too much to lose. Because of the video, Rice became the centerpiece of many discussions about domestic abuse in America and Tucker’s alleged misconduct has become the topic of numerous conversations around the NFL, especially since he might be the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history. But the Ravens’ zero tolerance policy in regards to players was fictional, even amusing. If that were the case in either the league or with the Ravens, there would be no NFL or Baltimore Ravens. There are few choir boys in the NFL, which is why the Ravens’ selection of Green was so intriguing. DeCosta revealed the most basic truth when he said, “We think he’s a talented player.” Case closed. If other teams wanted to pass over Green in the first round and late into the second, that’s their problem. If the Ravens did their due diligence, then they might have gotten perhaps the best pass rusher in college football even though he went to a smaller school like Marshall. If he doesn’t pan out in Baltimore, so what? This team has a history of messing up in the second round with clunkers like linebackers Sergio Kindle (2010 draft), Arthur Brown (2013), Kamalei Correa (2016) and Tyus Bowser (2017) and tight end Maxx Williams (2015). Ring a bell? The Ravens were in desperate need of edge rushers. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy had a career-high 12 1/2 sacks this season but he recently turned 34. The other edge rusher, Odafe Oweh, had 10 sacks but neither showed up in big games. Replacements Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac and Malik Hamm combined for 5 1/2 sacks. That’s not good enough, especially in the postseason. That’s where the Ravens will face the best in the likes of Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. The Ravens were in need of some fresh legs and some new blood, which they got in Green. It’s hard to tell if he will be the next Peter Boulware or Terrell Suggs, but at 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, he led the nation in sacks with 17 in 2024. He doesn’t have great bulk but an explosive first step, and his wrestling background allows him to gain leverage. He lines up on the outside but can twist inside against slower guards. He has a nonstop motor and can play with power, having bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. The Ravens have done well in the first three rounds. Starks’ ability to play the deep ball allows them to move fellow safety Kyle Hamilton up near the line of scrimmage, where he becomes an impact player. Jones fits the Ravens’ mold as a run blocker even though he has a strong punch and can neutralize an end once he gets his hands on him. But the addition of Green might be outstanding. In the past, the Ravens have remained status quo with their philosophy of drafting the best player possible even though they “stretch” like most other teams in certain situations. This time, though, they reached and gambled on Green. It could pay off. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens came into this year’s NFL draft with 11 picks and needs at safety, edge rusher, offensive line and elsewhere. With eight of those selections coming between rounds 4 and 8, they will be busy Saturday. After opening the draft with Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Marshall edge rusher Mike Green and LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr., there is still room to fill out a large rookie class. Baltimore entered the final day of the draft Saturday loaded with eight picks — Nos. 129 (fourth round), 136 (fourth), 176 (fifth), 183 (sixth), 203 (sixth), 210 (sixth), 212 (sixth) and 243 (seventh). Here’s a closer look at who they took. No. 129 (fourth round): California LB Teddye Buchanan Buchanan led UC Davis in tackles for two straight seasons before transferring to Cal for a fifth year. There, he led the Bears in both tackles and tackles for loss in addition to five sacks. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker from San Francisco projects as linebacker depth and a special teams contributor. Buchanan played quarterback until his junior year of high school. According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, a broken thumb sidelined Buchanan, but he didn’t want to miss any football so he wrapped it up and moved to linebacker — a position he blossomed at from a two-star recruit to Day 3 draft pick. This pick shows how heavily the Ravens are investing on the defensive side of the ball. There was a need for safety depth beside an All-Pro so they drafted a player who can provide versatility to shore up the back end. And Baltimore strengthened its defensive line Friday night. At linebacker, the Ravens have an All-Pro in Roquan Smith with some uncertainty in who could be his No. 2. Chris Board, Malik Harrison and Kristian Welch, the trio who handled duties by committee after Trenton Simpson was benched last season, all left in free agency. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

A pair of sexual assault allegations against Mike Green sent the Marshall edge rusher’s stock tumbling down the board at the NFL draft this week. Friday night, his free-fall ended perhaps surprisingly in Baltimore. Widely viewed as a top-20 prospect based on his ability and production that included leading the country in sacks with 17 last season, Green was instead selected 59th overall by the Ravens in the second round. In the end, while 31 other teams passed on Green, which included some that reportedly took him off their draft board entirely, the Ravens ultimately picked him because of his talent but also because general manager Eric DeCosta, coach John Harbaugh and others in the organization felt “comfortable” doing so. Comfortable with their due diligence into the allegations. Comfortable with Green’s character. Comfortable with the scrutiny that will undoubtedly come with investing in a player who faced the kinds of allegations the organization has spoken out against with a perceived zero-tolerance policy that eventually was clarified as not being one at all, with each matter determined on a case-by-case basis. “We investigated the situation very thoroughly,” DeCosta said of the allegations that were made against Green. “We’ve got people that work for us investigating different incidents with players all the time. We felt comfortable taking him. We think he’s a talented player. We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course, but doing our due diligence we are comfortable with Mike.” While Green, a Williamsburg, Virginia, native and an All-American, has never been charged and has denied the accusations, he faced sexual assault allegations both in high school and at the University of Virginia in 2022. He was also suspended from Virginia before transferring to Marshall ahead of the 2023 season. Green’s selection also comes against the backdrop of an NFL investigation into Justin Tucker after voluminous sexual misconduct allegations against the kicker by numerous massage therapists from spas around the Baltimore area. It also calls into question the perceived zero-tolerance policy, which was emphasized by owner Steve Bisciotti after the release of running back Ray Rice. In 2014, a video showed Rice punching his then-fiancee and future wife in the face in an elevator inside a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Still, DeCosta said he personally spent 90 minutes in his office with Green ahead of the draft. He also said the organization did more work behind the scenes looking at different things relating to Green and the allegations. “We got as much information as we could,” he said. “We considered the facts, we considered the allegations, we considered what the reports actually were and what they actually weren’t and we made the decision based off of that.” Yet even with the cloud of the Tucker investigation hanging over the organization, DeCosta stressed that it did not play a part in his decision on whether or not to draft Green. “I don’t think it would be fair to either player,” he said. “It’s two different situations. Allegations are severe. We take it seriously, we look at them individually and do as much homework as we can and specifically to Mike I feel like we did a good job talking to as many people as possible.” As for Green, he was not made available to reporters Friday night. He did, however, volunteer the allegations during the scouting combine in February and spoke at length. He also met with the Ravens during that process. Related Articles Ravens select OL Emery Jones Jr. at No. 91 in 3rd round of NFL draft Ravens draft Marshall’s Mike Green, who has denied sexual assault allegations Inside Malaki Starks’ journey from being homeless to Ravens draft pick Over 30 NFL drafts, the Ravens have made more than 240 picks. Search, sort and browse them all. Ravens draft highlights: Malaki Starks gets party started in Round 1 “There’s accusations out there. I’ve never been questioned,” he told reporters then. “I’ve never been asked. Nobody ever asked me a question about what happened before I departed from Virginia. It was just accusations that caused me to leave. “I have no problem with talking to these teams about it because I know who I am and I know the truth.” Harbaugh, meanwhile, echoed similar sentiments as DeCosta. He also called the due diligence the Ravens did exhaustive. Asked if it was still a difficult decision to use the pick on Green, DeCosta compared it to a multitude of factors. “It’s a difficult decision when a guy runs a slow 40 [yard dash]. It’s a difficult decision when a guy has allegations. It’s a difficult decision when a guy has an injury that you think he can’t overcome that but maybe he can overcome,” he said. “That all gets factored in because in the end there is an element of risk mitigation with everything we do.” Harbaugh also called him a “relentless” player. “The first thing that jumped out is his motor,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a guy thats gonna come in here Day 1 and he’s gonna make a mark.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

After choosing safety Malaki Starks in the first round and edge rusher Mike Green with their second pick, the Ravens took Emery Jones Jr. with their third-round selection in the NFL draft. Jones, an offensive lineman from LSU, started at right tackle for the Tigers opposite Will Campbell, who the New England Patriots selected at No. 4 overall. The 6-5, 315-pound Jones played every snap last season and nearly all of them over his first two years in college at right tackle. The Ravens view the two-time All-SEC selection as a swing tackle, general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh said Friday night, but they did not dismiss the possibility of him also playing at guard. “He’s got the chance to be a swing backup tackle for us right away,” Harbaugh said. “We’re gonna put him in there at guard and see how he does to get a feel for him.” It’ll be difficult for Jones to start immediately at either tackle position with left tackle Ronnie Stanley and right tackle Roger Rosengarten entrenched on both sides. But offensive tackle depth is difficult to acquire, as the Ravens learned when Stanley spent stretches over the past few years sidelined with injury. The interior is Jones’ easiest path to immediate playing time. DeCosta said Jones worked inside in front of scouts at the Senior Bowl. “I was just really impressed with his competitiveness in practice,” DeCosta said. “A lot of times, some players go down there and they sort of treat it as a fun week. With Emery, the one-on-ones, this guy was fighting and battling in all the competitive periods and really showed a lot of effort, tenacity. It just seemed like watching him, he’s a Ravens type of player.” DeCosta added he considered trading up to secure Jones. “Emery was a guy that we really liked,” the general manager said. “I thought there was a chance to get Emery down there, but it’s a long day. And you start to see linemen go. I’m just glad he was there.” If the Ravens view Jones as a future guard, there’s a potential opening on the left side opposite Daniel Faalele. Patrick Mekari, who started there for much of last season, departed in free agency. Andrew Vorhees could also be in line to start at left guard next season. The Ravens did not immediately make Jones available to the media Friday night through a Zoom or conference call, which the team did for Starks and is standard practice for every team with Day 1 and 2 selections, after also not making Green available to the media earlier in the evening. Green, who posted 17 sacks last season and was considered by many a first-round talent, was accused of sexual assault twice, once in high school and again in college at Virginia. He was dismissed from the team before transferring to Marshall and has denied both allegations. Baltimore is also navigating allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior against kicker Justin Tucker. “We investigated this situation very thoroughly,” DeCosta said. “We felt comfortable taking [Green].” Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons. Related Articles Ravens draft Marshall’s Mike Green, who has denied sexual assault allegations Inside Malaki Starks’ journey from being homeless to Ravens draft pick Over 30 NFL drafts, the Ravens have made more than 240 picks. Search, sort and browse them all. Ravens draft highlights: Malaki Starks gets party started in Round 1 3 takeaways from Ravens’ first-round draft pick, Georgia’s Malaki Starks View the full article

The Ravens selected Marshall edge rusher Mike Green with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday night, taking a first-round-caliber prospect who dropped because of sexual assault allegations. Green spent two years at Virginia before transferring in 2023 to Marshall, where he become one of the most productive players in the country. This past season, the Williamsburg, Virginia, native led all of college football in sacks (17), ranked second in the country in tackles for loss (22 1/2) and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award given to the nation’s top defensive end. Entering the draft, Green was ranked No. 17 overall on the consensus big board and a projected first-round pick. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday night that Green had been taken off several teams’ draft boards because he faced sexual assault allegations both in high school and at the University of Virginia in 2022, the latter of which Green previously said was an “anonymous report.” Green said he was suspended from Virginia before transferring to Marshall ahead of the 2023 season. He was never charged and denies any wrongdoing. “We investigated this situation very thoroughly,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Friday night. “We have the best scouts in the NFL. We’ve got great scouts who go into Virginia, they go it Marshall. We’ve got people that work for us investigating different instances with players all the time and we felt comfortable taking him. “He’s a talented player. We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course. But doing our due diligence, we are comfortable with Mike.” Green was not made available to speak with local reporters after the Ravens drafted him Friday night. In recent years, the Ravens have routinely set up a Zoom or conference call shortly after almost all their draft picks are made. Green’s lone comments were a post on X shortly after the pick became official, “#RavensFlock Watch what I do for y’all.” He did, however, address the allegations fairly transparently during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. “There’s accusations out there. I’ve never been questioned,” Green said in February. “I’ve never been asked. Nobody ever asked me a question about what happened before I departed from Virginia. It was just accusations that caused me to leave.” Green acknowledged that he would have no problem talking openly about it with teams during the predraft process. The Ravens brought him to Baltimore for a visit as part of their preparation before drafting him. They interviewed him at the combine as well. Coach John Harbaugh said that the team’s due diligence before making this pick was “exhaustive.” Baltimore made this pick while already under a microscope for an NFL investigation into Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. At least 16 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas accused the 35-year-old kicker of sexual misconduct, The Baltimore Banner reported earlier this year. Tucker has not been charged or faced any civil lawsuits as a result of the alleged incidents, which were reported to have taken place between 2012 and 2016. Ravens brass said they will let the investigation play out before making any formal decisions. In 2022, Harbaugh was asked about Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended by the NFL for 11 games and fined $5 million in 2022 after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. At the time, Harbaugh said, “Basically, we’re kind of zero tolerance. You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we’ve stayed away from that particular situation — when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents.” Related Articles Ravens select OL Emery Jones Jr. at No. 91 in 3rd round of NFL draft Inside Malaki Starks’ journey from being homeless to Ravens draft pick Over 30 NFL drafts, the Ravens have made more than 240 picks. Search, sort and browse them all. Ravens draft highlights: Malaki Starks gets party started in Round 1 3 takeaways from Ravens’ first-round draft pick, Georgia’s Malaki Starks DeCosta was asked about the team’s “zero-tolerance policy” at the combine in regards to how they may proceed with Tucker. “I think the biggest thing that we have to do is look at every single case differently,” DeCosta said at the time. “There are no absolutes. I think in this case, we’re still awaiting as much information as possible.” After the allegations against Tucker surfaced, the Ravens stated that they do not have a defined, written zero-tolerance policy and added that each situation stands on its own and that actions are determined once the facts are known. The mention of the Ravens and a zero-tolerance policy traces back more than a decade. After the 2014 release of running back Ray Rice after a video emerged of him punching his then-fiancee and future wife in the face, team owner Steve Bisciotti was asked if the Ravens would have zero tolerance for domestic violence going forward. He said, “Some things are going to change. I give you my word. I think that’s pretty safe [to say].” In 2015, during the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, then-team president Dick Cass said specifically that Baltimore did not have a zero-tolerance policy, even after the release of three players that offseason following their arrests. Then, during last year’s police investigation into Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers over an alleged domestic violence incident that was later suspended without any criminal charges, current team president Sashi Brown was asked about the team’s “zero-tolerance” policy. “No change in terms of our philosophy and our approach,” Brown said in part during the league’s owners meeting in Orlando, Florida. “Very hard circumstances, always complicated for us, for the league that investigates it, for law enforcement.” On the field, Green, at 6-foot-3, 248 pounds with a knack for bringing down the quarterback, blossomed into an All-American defensive lineman at Marshall, helping lead the Thundering Herd to a 10-win season culminating in a Sun Belt championship. During the Senior Bowl, he went viral for leveling eventual Washington Commanders first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. There was talk of the Ravens possibly drafting an edge rusher in the first round, so it’s no surprise that they capitalized early on Day 2. Under pass rush coach Chuck Smith, Baltimore has been among the league leaders in sacks each of the past two seasons. But 34-year-old Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh — both of whom broke out for career highs in sacks last year — as well as David Ojabo are all on expiring contracts in 2025. Tavius Robinson will be a free agent the year after. DeCosta said last month that he felt this was one of the deeper positions in the draft. There were several edge rushers on their draft board who “we think could come in and compete to play right away,” DeCosta said last month, “or develop and become really good players, so that’s exciting for us.” Green will benefit from strong mentorship in an impressive pass rush room. And Harbaugh said that he’s a guy who could arrive at rookie minicamp and make his mark immediately. Even if he’s not an immediate starter, Green figures to have high upside on the field despite arriving in Baltimore under a murky cloud of past allegations. “I think the best is yet to come with him,” DeCosta said, “and I’m glad we got him.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Malaki Starks is a hugger, always has been. “He’d give you a hug before practice, after practice,” Shane Sorrow, his former youth football coach in Jefferson, Georgia, told The Baltimore Sun. “He’d never curse. He told you he loved you.” Even when, as a 6-year-old playing against kids a year older in that small town (population 15,756) in the shadow of the University of Georgia where he would later star, he once took a handoff and ran 20 yards backward, out of bounds, behind the bench and down along the track because he didn’t like getting hit. Before his next time touching the ball, Sorrow told him to run toward the white lines in front of him. “He was 20 yards ahead of everybody, touchdown,” Sorrow continued in his deep Southern drawl. “It was cash money.” The Ravens’ newest safety, whom Baltimore selected with the 27th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, has always had a way, on the field and off. One day, as a sophomore at Jefferson High and already a budding star, his coach, Gene Cathcart, had to leave a film session early to deal with a relative out of state who was battling addiction. A curious Starks asked an assistant where he was going, and when he didn’t get a full explanation, continued to pry. Later that day, Cathcart said, he got a voicemail from Starks telling him that the coach was family and therefore whoever he was going to see was as well — and to let him and the rest of the team know if he needed anything. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m 57 years old and I’m not that mature,’” Cathcart told The Sun, a crack in his voice. “He didn’t have to kiss up for playing time. He was already the guy he was.” The next year, after losing 30-14 in the Class 4A state title game to Marist — the same school that Baltimore All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton prepped at — Starks was giving another hug. Tearing up from the defeat, he noticed assistant coach Devon Gales heading toward him in a wheelchair as he was walking off the field. Gales, a former college player at Southern, had been paralyzed during a 2015 game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium. Starks leaned over and the two embraced for several seconds, a moment that was captured in a photograph that still hangs in Cathcart’s office and is even closer to his heart. “Here’s an example of someone who’s literally the pride of his hometown,” Cathcart said. “He loves the game and the game has loved him back.” Safety Malaki Starks, second from right, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, poses with defensive coordinator Zack Orr, left, head coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Eric DeCosta during an introductory press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Georgia safety Malaki Starks, the Ravens' first-round draft pick, speaks to the media on Friday in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, left, the Baltimore Ravens’ first-round draft pick, speaks to the media alongside defensive coordinator Zach Orr during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, center, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, poses with head coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Eric DeCosta during an introductory press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, speaks to the media during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, speaks to the media during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, center, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, poses with head coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Eric DeCosta during an introductory press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, left, the Baltimore Ravens’ first-round draft pick, speaks to the media alongside defensive coordinator Zach Orr during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, second from right, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, poses with defensive coordinator Zack Orr, left, head coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Eric DeCosta during an introductory press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, left, the Baltimore Ravens’ first-round draft pick, speaks to the media alongside defensive coordinator Zach Orr during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Safety Malaki Starks, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, speaks to the media during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Show Caption1 of 11Safety Malaki Starks, second from right, the Baltimore Ravens first round draft pick, poses with defensive coordinator Zack Orr, left, head coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Eric DeCosta during an introductory press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., on Friday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Expand It didn’t matter that Starks was once homeless. When he was between the third and sixth grades, his mom Tisha and dad Larry bounced between hotels and a relative’s living room or a spare couch to find shelter wherever they could for Malaki and his older sister Mariah. His parents kept working and kept attending all of his practices and games and eventually things got better. The experience also had a profound and shaping impact. “I think when you look back on things that me and my family have been through, just being able to stay true to ourselves, but also keep God first,” Starks said Friday during his introductory news conference in Owings Mills. “Things happen for a reason, and you may never know, and you may know right away, but just having faith in that and staying true to ourselves is what really got me to my point today.” Athleticism and football IQ, among myriad attributes, didn’t hurt, either. In addition to being a top football recruit coming out of high school, Starks was a track star, too. He won the 4A individual state title in long jump (23 feet, 7 inches) and flashed elite speed by running the 100-meter dash in 10.55 seconds. Once he got to Georgia, his impact on the football field was immediate. On the first series of his college career, he recorded his first interception in leaping, dazzling fashion, picking off Oregon quarterback and future Denver Broncos first-round pick Bo Nix. Two games later in his first start in a game against South Carolina, he snagged another one on a wheel route pass intended for a running back. Starks finished the season with 68 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups — but that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. As a sophomore, Starks was even better as a first-team Associated Press All-American selection and finalist for the Bronko Nagurski (top defender) and Jim Thorpe (top defensive back) Awards after 52 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups as he helped the Bulldogs to a national championship. Last year, he led Georgia in tackles (77) to go with four tackles for loss, four pass breakups and an interception. Then came the NFL scouting combine in February. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound Starks’ athleticism stood out in the form of a 4.5-second 40-yard dash time and 33-inch vertical jump. But it was his 15-minute interview with the Ravens that blew general manager Eric DeCosta, coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Zach Orr away. “It was remarkable the way that he could discuss football, his awareness, his ability to call out the plays from their defense before we even show the plays, just based on formation,” DeCosta said. “His ability to dissect and talk about what happened at any given play and to know what his teammates were doing on any given play. It was like he was a coach, and when he got up, we were all kind of looking at each other.” DeCosta said the highest grade Baltimore gives prospects is a 7 and that Starks got that mark in every category. Harbaugh noted that Starks was given a “red star,” the team’s highest designation for a draft prospect. It’s easy to see why. In addition to his maturity, production and football IQ, Starks is versatile. At Georgia, he played multiple positions in the secondary. From deep safety to in the box to even playing some man coverage on receivers — a rare trait for a safety — he was all over the field. The possibilities are tantalizing to Orr. “We were already talking about all the different ways [of] how he adds to our defense, man, and we talk about the advantage that we feel like we have here in Baltimore is being positionless, and that’s all over the field, but especially with our secondary,” he said Friday. “He helps create an advantage for us and a disadvantage to the [opposing] offense, because he can line up all over the field for us and be productive along with the other DBs we have in the room, so we’re excited to continue to add to that, and it’s going to be great for us.” Related Articles Ravens select OL Emery Jones Jr. at No. 91 in 3rd round of NFL draft Ravens draft Marshall’s Mike Green, who has denied sexual assault allegations Over 30 NFL drafts, the Ravens have made more than 240 picks. Search, sort and browse them all. Ravens draft highlights: Malaki Starks gets party started in Round 1 3 takeaways from Ravens’ first-round draft pick, Georgia’s Malaki Starks It’s been that way since Starks’ early days. When he was about 9 or 10 years old, Sorrow said, he was playing defensive end when a toss sweep went the other direction. He contained his side of the field — then pursued the running back with such speed a verve that he beat the cornerback on that side of the field to make the tackle. Now, he hopes to be the next in a line of great safeties to play for Baltimore, from Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed to Hamilton now. He’ll wear No. 24, just as he did in college. He also hasn’t forgot how far he’s come and the journey that got him to Baltimore. “I was homeless twice and there was a period of time where I didn’t really see my parents because they were working day shifts, night shifts, whatever the case be,” he said. “But I’ve never seen them not work for anything, and I saw it, and it turned me into who I am today. “When things don’t go my way, when I don’t know what to do, I put my head down and work. It’s always been what I do.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Since their founding in 1996, the Ravens have drafted more than 240 players, more than enough to cover each sideline if draftees stood a yard apart. The group includes 34 wide receivers (the Ravens’ most drafted position going into the 2025 draft) and 12 players from the University of Alabama (most common school). It includes nine Ravens Ring of Honor members and three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Heading into the 2025 draft, it included 22 players who never made it into a regular-season NFL game. Search, sort and browse the full list below. Position key: C – center | CB – cornerback | DB – defensive back | DE – defensive end | DL – defensive lineman | DT – defensive tackle | FB – fullback | G – guard | LB – linebacker | OL – offensive lineman | OLB – outside linebacker | P – punter | QB – quarterback | RB – running back | S – safety | T – tackle | TE – tight end | WR – wide receiver View the full article

The NFL draft is a whirlwind. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of it all. In recognizing that fact, The Baltimore Sun has devoted this space to highlighting the most important stories and key moments involving the Ravens’ selections from the opening round on Thursday night all the way to pick No. 257 on Saturday afternoon. Best targets on Day 2 Who could be on the clock when the Ravens are picking at No. 59 overall (second round) and No. 91 (third) on Friday night? They still need to address defensive line, edge rusher, cornerback and offensive line. Here’s a look at some of the top players at those spots: Defensive line Darius Alexander, Toledo T.J. Sanders, South Carolina Alfred Collins, Texas Edge rusher Nic Scourton, Texas A&M Landon Jackson, Arkansas JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State Offensive line Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota Jonah Savaiinaea, G/T, Arizona Tate Ratledge, G/C, Georgia Continue reading here. 5 things to know about Malaki Starks Here’s a handful of things to know about Baltimore’s first-round pick. He was a three-year starter at Georgia He was a “red-star guy” It’s the third time in the past four years the Ravens took a defensive back in the first round He was a state champion track athlete in high school Thursday night felt long for Starks, too Continue reading here. 3 takeaways from Ravens’ first-round pick Here are three things we learned from the Ravens’ joyride that was Day 1 of the draft. Starks shined in predraft process The Ravens brought Starks in for a predraft meeting at the NFL scouting combine with DeCosta, coach John Harbaugh and numerous other team staffers. It lasted only about 15 minutes. That was plenty to knock their socks off. Versatility for the Ravens’ secondary John Harbaugh was already licking his chops. Asked if, between the 30 minutes after making the pick official and sitting down to field questions from reporters, he’d already started visualizing what that defense might look like, Harbaugh gave a big smile. “We have, we have.” DeCosta fielded trade calls The phone in the Ravens’ war room started ringing. They had a chance to trade back. DeCosta weighed the possibility of adding a draft capital, which they covet, versus the potential available in sticking and picking. Continue reading here. Mike Preston: Starks makes defense better, but maybe not enough The hope was that the Ravens would secure a top pass rusher on the first day of the draft. That didn’t happen, but they did get better on defense. They still might be able draft a talented pass rusher on Day 2, but it appears more likely that the team will have to sign another veteran free agent. Instead, on Thursday night, the Ravens selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round. Together with Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, the Ravens will have one of the best safety tandems (or trios) in the NFL. Continue reading here. Starks ‘ready to dive into the whole process of being a Raven’ Malaki Starks was sitting on a couch at the NFL draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday night getting ready to play UNO as he tried to keep his mind occupied as the minutes and hours ticked away. “It’s been a long night, so I was just trying to stay calm through the whole thing,” he said. “Then I heard the phone ring and I knew I was going to be a Raven. “I’m ready to dive into the whole process of being a Raven. I’m excited. I don’t want to waste the opportunity.” Baltimore didn’t either, so with the 27th overall pick, Baltimore selected the versatile Georgia safety who checked plenty of boxes in the eyes of general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh. Continue reading here. Instant analysis: Starks pick gets rave reviews “In landing Starks, Baltimore got not just a productive player (his 77 tackles led the Bulldogs last year), but a defender who can make plays on the ball and is versatile enough to play multiple spots in the backfield.” — Brian Wacker, reporter “The Ravens got better on defense. They didn’t get the edge rusher this team so desperately needs, but in Starks they have a prospect who can play center field on defense and allow fellow safety Kyle Hamilton to go back to playing near the line of scrimmage.” — Mike Preston, columnist “This is a pick to be excited about after the Ravens let up oh so many explosive plays (58 for 20-plus yards, third most in the NFL) in 2024.” — Sam Cohn, reporter “The Ravens’ defensive backfield is full of versatile pieces — a dream for [Zach] Orr, the young defensive coordinator who improved as the season went on and now gets another talent to experiment with.” — Taylor Lyons, reporter Continue reading here. 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

Eric DeCosta had a clear picture in his head of how he hoped to approach this NFL draft. That picture is him cruising down an empty highway with the wind whistling through his ears. The Ravens’ general manager envisioned himself comfortable in the driver’s seat, maybe one hand guiding the wheel. He’d reach for the dial to turn up the music. DeCosta claimed to have no expectations because what unfolded in the 26 picks before Baltimore was on the clock was going to dictate his calculus at No. 27. In this quirky metaphor from his predraft news conference, prodded about his selection process, DeCosta is “unencumbered and not worrying about [anything] but just driving,” he said, “just drafting and picking the best players.” Here are three takeaways from the Ravens’ joyride that was Day 1 of the draft, which ended with them picking Georgia safety Malaki Starks. Starks shined in pre-draft process The Ravens brought Starks in for a predraft meeting at the NFL scouting combine with DeCosta, coach John Harbaugh and numerous other team staffers. It lasted only about 15 minutes. That was plenty to knock their socks off. “Probably one of the most impressive interviews we’ve ever had at the combine,” DeCosta said. It was Starks’ ability to talk ball and his awareness that shined right away. They’d show him a clip to test out what he was seeing. Before pressing play, Starks, who was the starting safety on Georgia’s 2022 national championship team, was repeatedly calling out defensive schematics based solely on formations. He could dissect plays and had a knack for not only his responsibilities, but that of his teammates on any given play. DeCosta felt like he was sitting across from a coach. Starks walked out of the room and all the coaches looked at one another in amazement at the newest Raven, who Harbaugh called a “red-star prospect,” the highest honor for a Baltimore draftee. Ravens brass grades out those combine meetings on a 7-point scale. There are several categories to judge everything from a prospect’s character to his football IQ. Starks scored 7s across the board. “I haven’t seen that type of detail in a long time,” DeCosta said. When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick, Baltimore’s room full of scouts supposedly stood up and clapped. Harbaugh said “they were jacked.” Sometimes those scouts don’t show elation beyond a golf clap. Baltimore’s coach and general manager said the room was pretty excited about how Day 1 worked out. Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks poses after being chosen by the Ravens with the 27th overall pick of the first round of the NFL draft. (Jeff Roberson/AP) Versatility for the Ravens’ secondary John Harbaugh was already licking his chops. Asked if, between the 30 minutes after making the pick official and sitting down to field questions from reporters, he’d already started visualizing what that defense might look like, Harbaugh gave a big smile. “We have, we have.” Starks spent three seasons at Georgia. He left one of the most dominant programs in college football as a two-time AP All-American and two-time All-SEC selection. He was as reliable as they come, starting 42 consecutive games, pacing the 2024 Bulldogs in tackles (54) as a shifty, chameleon safety. At Georgia, Starks lined up at deep safety, box safety and nickel. Baltimore’s All-Pro Swiss Army knife, Kyle Hamilton does the same. So can Ar’Darius Washington, who broke into a starting safety role in the back half of last season. And cornerback Marlon Humphrey can play both inside and outside. The expectation with this pick is that Baltimore’s secondary — which struggled in deep coverage, leading the NFL in explosive plays allowed in 2024 — suddenly becomes a chess board but every piece is the all-powerful queen that can navigate like a rook and a bishop. “That’s a huge strength that they have,” Starks said. “That’s why they do so well on the defensive side of the ball, they have a lot of guys that can move around and be in different spots and produce at a high level. I think I bring that as well. I think I’m a safety who can move around. So I feel comfortable at the safety spot but I feel comfortable playing anywhere.” According to Pro Football Focus, Starks played 400 snaps as a deep safety, 271 in the slot and 215 in the box this past season. Those figures were similar in disparity the prior two seasons as well. And Starks’ missed tackle rate was below 10% in each of his three years as a starter, per PFF. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last year, “Malaki can be our best player at five positions.” DeCosta fielded trade calls There were five edge rushers drafted before the Ravens were on the clock. Two defensive backs came off the board. There were four defensive tackles and three offensive tackles that were plucked before Baltimore’s turn. Based on how the first 26 picks unfolded, DeCosta said there were three or four players at the top of their big board with a realistic chance to snag at 27. Related Articles 5 things to know about Ravens first-round NFL draft pick Malaki Starks Ravens draft targets on Day 2: Best available players at positions of need Mike Preston: Ravens defense better with Starks, but maybe not bold enough | COMMENTARY Instant analysis of Ravens’ selection of Georgia S Malaki Starks at No. 27 Ravens take Georgia safety Malaki Starks with 27th pick in NFL draft Draftees like Alabama guard Tyler Booker, Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, Georgia edge rusher/linebacker Jalon Walker, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart and Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon — all guys who were tied to the Ravens — were swooped up before Baltimore had a chance. And DeCosta doesn’t like to trade up, with the team’s move into the final pick of the 2018 first round to take Lamar Jackson being a notable exception. The phone in the Ravens’ war room started ringing. They had a chance to trade back. DeCosta weighed the possibility of adding a draft capital, which they covet, versus the potential available in sticking and picking. “For me, maybe I’m getting older and a little bit more conservative than I used to be,” DeCosta said. “But looking at the quality of player that we had with Starks versus what we might have to get, it just didn’t make enough sense for me.” It was a conversation and DeCosta entertained those calls. But Starks was “by far the best available for us when we made the pick.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

It was a long wait for the Ravens on Thursday night, but they came away from the first round of the NFL draft with a new safety who impressed the team on and off the field. Baltimore selected Malaki Starks from Georgia with the 27th pick, a versatile defensive back who complements what the Ravens already have at the position. That came after the Falcons traded back into the first round to jump Baltimore at No. 26 and take edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a possible Ravens target. But defensive coordinator Zach Orr is surely still leaving the first round satisfied. “I feel like it’s a great fit for me to come in and learn from a guy like Kyle Hamilton and other vets in the room like Marlon Humphrey,” Starks said. “I think I fit the culture very well.” Here’s a handful of things to know about Baltimore’s first-round pick. He was a three-year starter at Georgia Starks was not only an immediate impact player for the Bulldogs, but also a reliable safety who avoided injuries throughout his college career. He started 14 of 15 games as a freshman, then started every contest his sophomore and junior seasons. The 6-foot-1, 203-pounder totaled 197 tackles — he led Georgia in tackles with 77 as a junior — 23 passes defensed and six interceptions over his three seasons. He helped the Bulldogs win their second consecutive national championship as a freshman on a defense loaded with now-NFL players. “One thing I’ve learned from Ozzie [Newsome],” general manager Eric DeCosta said Thursday night, “experienced guys from winning programs, that’s a big deal.” He was a “red-star guy” The Ravens were in love with Starks’ intangibles, an obsession that began at their NFL combine interview. DeCosta called it “one of the most impressive” interviews he’s ever conducted. The Ravens have a grading scale to chart every combine interview across various categories, DeCosta said. Seven is the best score. “Across the board, he got straight sevens,” DeCosta said. “I haven’t seen that type of detail in a long time.” He similarly had a red star drawn next to his name on the Ravens’ draft board, a symbol reserved for the team’s favorite prospects. “The way the scouts felt about him once we once we picked him, they were, like, jacked,” coach John Harbaugh said. “On top of that, the mentality, the mindset, the football character, the guy just loves be out there. He can’t wait to hit the grass.” It’s the third time in the last four years the Ravens took a defensive back in the first round Baltimore’s defense-first mentality has been especially evident in recent drafts. Starks joined Kyle Hamilton and Nate Wiggins as Ravens first rounders in the secondary and will soon play in the same secondary to form what figures to be one of the best young trios in the NFL. Related Articles Ravens draft targets on Day 2: Best available players at positions of need Mike Preston: Ravens defense better with Starks, but maybe not bold enough | COMMENTARY Instant analysis of Ravens’ selection of Georgia S Malaki Starks at No. 27 Ravens take Georgia safety Malaki Starks with 27th pick in NFL draft NFL draft live updates: Browns trade No. 2 to Jaguars, who pick Travis Hunter DeCosta doesn’t quite agree with the notion that Baltimore’s focus on that unit has been intentional, but he’s quick to note the importance of the position and how depth there always proves elusive as seasons go on. “If you’re going to lose a game, an easy way to lose it is by having a bad secondary,” the general manager said. “We never want to be in that position.” He was a state champion track athlete in high school Starks’ athleticism has an obvious origin story. As a freshman in 2019 at Jefferson High School in Georgia, Starks won the individual state championship in the long jump with a 23-7 mark and led his team to a state title. He also touts a 100-meter dash personal best of 10.55 seconds. “I got into it because of my older sister, she ran track, and I wanted to do everything that she did,” Starks said in 2023. “My favorite event changed a lot. In middle school, it was high jump; I was very good at it. My favorite event from my freshman year to my junior year would be the 100. I hated the 200, but I learned to love it. And I love the long jump. I was a triple jump fan, but it did too much to my knees, so I switched over to long jump. Long jump was my baby.” Thursday night felt long for Starks, too In a news conference with the media shortly after being drafted, Starks said he was about to begin a game of Uno before being selected late Thursday night. Then a timely phone call from Baltimore gave him all the energy he’d need. “I was sitting on the couch about to play Uno. It’s been a long night, so I was just trying to stay calm through the whole thing,” he joked. “And then I heard the phone ring and I knew I was a Raven.” Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons. View the full article

The Ravens will be back on the clock before you know it. By picking Georgia safety Malaki Starks at No. 27 overall in the first round Thursday night, they addressed one of their biggest needs to help fix a secondary that struggled mightily last season. Now, attention turns toward finding players at other important positions on the roster: Defensive line, edge rusher, cornerback and offensive line. Here’s a look at some of the Day 2 prospects at those positions of need who could be available for the Ravens when they pick at No. 59 overall in the second round and No. 91 in the third. Note: Rankings are from the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board. Defensive line Darius Alexander, Toledo (No. 50 overall): The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Alexander recorded 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks in his final three seasons as Toledo. He stepped up against stiffer competition at the Senior Bowl, where he was voted the National Team’s top defensive lineman. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (No. 56): The 6-4, 305-pound Sanders had 8 1/2 sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for loss as a two-year starter for the Gamecocks. He’s described as a late bloomer because he didn’t focus on football until his junior year in high school. Alfred Collins, Texas (No. 63): The 6-6, 332-pound Collins posted 7 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in five seasons with the Longhorns, including 5 1/2 tackles for loss as a starter in 2024 after playing behind future pros T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy III. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M (No. 72): The 6-3, 290-pound Turner was a three-year starter for the Aggies, recording 10 sacks and 22 1/2 tackles for loss. The former five-star recruit pulled out of the Senior Bowl because of a stress fracture he suffered during 2024 fall camp and previously had surgery for shoulder and shin injuries. Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott celebrates on Sept. 8, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser) Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee (No. 74): The 6-2, 303-pound Norman-Lott played three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Tennessee, where he recorded 9 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in two seasons as a rotational player. He led all FBS interior defensive linemen in 2024 in pass rush win rate (12.6%). Joshua Farmer, Florida State (No. 84): The 6-3, 305-pound Farmer was a two-year starter for the Seminoles and posted 11 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. As a team captain in 2024, he finished second on the team in pressures (26). Ty Robinson, Nebraska (No. 97): The 6-6, 288-pound Robinson has played a ton of snaps as a five-year starter with the Cornhuskers, recording 12 sacks and 26 1/2 tackles for loss in 60 games. He was voted one of the team’s toughest players. CJ West, Indiana (No. 100): After four seasons at Kent State, West transferred to Indiana, where he had a breakout year as the man in the middle of the top-ranked run defense in FBS. The 6-1, 316-pound West recorded 42 tackles, 7 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks for the Hoosiers, standing out for his effort and burst. Deone Walker, Kentucky (No. 104): The 6-8, 328-pound Walker posted 10 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as a three-year starter at Kentucky, where he lined up at three-technique and nose tackle. He was diagnosed with pars defect, a fracture between two vertebrae in the spine, during the 2024 season but still played 11 games. Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon (No. 110): The 6-2, 332-pound Caldwell played scout team offensive line at community college and later walked on at junior college before transferring to Houston and enjoying a breakout 2023 season with 6 1/2 sacks. He played nose tackle at Oregon with more run-stopping responsibilities. Edge rusher Mike Green, Marshall (No. 17): The 6-3, 241-pound Green was considered a first-round prospect after leading the FBS with 17 sacks last season, but during the combine he acknowledged two sexual assault allegations stemming from his time in high school and college. Green was never charged and has denied any wrongdoing. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (No. 30): The 6-3, 248-pound Ezeiruaku ranked second behind Green with 16 1/2 sacks last season to finish with 30 over his four-year career, joining Mathias Kiwanuka as the only players in school history to do so. His size might be a drawback against the run, but he has the talent to be an effective pass rusher. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (No. 41): The 6-3, 257-pound Scourton posted a Big Ten-best 10 sacks at Purdue in 2023 and added five sacks with the Aggies playing at a much higher weight on a defense that doesn’t turn its pass rushers loose. He’s one of the youngest players in the class at 20 years old. Landon Jackson, Arkansas (No. 52): The 6-6, 264-pound Jackson, an LSU transfer, became the first player to lead the Razorbacks in tackles for loss and sacks in back-to-back seasons in a decade. He comes with some medical concerns after suffering two season-ending injuries in high school (torn ACL, broken ankle) and a neck injury in his final college game. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (No. 53): The 6-4, 264-pound Tuimoloau could be off the board by the time the Ravens pick after recording 23 1/2 sacks and 43 1/2 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Buckeyes, including three as a starter. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler describes him as “one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in the class.” Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (No. 57): The 6-4, 244-pound Umanmielen had 15 sacks in three seasons at Florida and nearly matched that total with 10 1/2 in his lone season at Ole Miss. If he can refine his game and play with more urgency, he has all the tools to succeed. UCLA defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA (No. 61): The 6-3, 261-pound Oladejo made the switch from inside linebacker to stand-up pass rusher this past season and thrived, recording a career-best 4 1/2 sacks and 13 1/2 tackles for loss. He might just be scratching the surface of his potential. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (No. 65): The 6-4, 260-pound Sawyer has been somewhat overlooked, but he showed during Ohio State’s four-game run to the College Football Playoff national championship (4 1/2 sacks, 6 batted passes, fumble recovery TD) that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Against top competition, he posted 23 sacks in his four-year career. Bradyn Swinson, LSU (No. 68): The 6-4, 255-pound Swinson made the most of his lone season as a starter, leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (13), sacks (8 1/2) and pressures (59). He’s inexperienced but has the tools to develop into an impact player. Jordan Burch, Oregon (No. 71): The 6-4, 279-pound Burch is a former five-star recruit at defensive tackle who began his career at South Carolina before transferring to Oregon for his final two seasons. The 24-year-old pushes the pocket effectively, recording 8 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while battling knee and ankle injuries in 2024. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan (No. 81): At 6-1, 249 pounds with no athletic testing numbers, Stewart is not going to be for everyone. But the Coastal Carolina transfer has 30 sacks, 47 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles on his resume and jumps off the screen with his explosiveness. Kyle Kennard, South Carolina (No. 90): The 6-4, 254-pound Kennard transferred from Georgia Tech and led the SEC with 11 1/2 sacks to become the first South Carolina player to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. His inconsistency, however, could push him to late Day 2. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville (No. 94): The 6-3, 264-pound Gillotte recorded an ACC-leading 14 1/2 sacks to earn second-team All-America honors in 2023 and finished his career ranked fifth in school history in tackles for loss (39 1/2) and sixth in sacks (25 1/2). He’s not fast or flexible, but he plays with power. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss (No. 119): Another Georgia Tech transfer, the 6-6, 274-pound Ivey recorded 16 sacks and 26 1/2 tackles for loss in three seasons at Ole Miss. His 82 3/4-inch wingspan, 85th percentile among defensive linemen, is appealing. David Walker, Central Arkansas (No. 132): The 6-1, 263-pound Walker packs a lot of punch in his compact frame, recording 82 1/2 tackles for loss and 39 sacks over the past four seasons at Division II Southern Arkansas and FCS Central Arkansas. The 25-year-old also has experience dropping into coverage. Cornerback Will Johnson, Michigan (No. 13): The 6-2, 194-pound Johnson has plenty of talent, but injuries and a lack of speed (he declined to run a 40-yard dash before the draft) severely impacted his draft stock. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson “has a knee issue that has concerned some NFL teams.” Trey Amos, Ole Miss (No. 38): The 6-1, 195-pound Amos played three years at Louisiana and then behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold at Alabama before transferring to Ole Miss after Nick Saban retired. His standout final season with the Rebels and athletic profile pushed him up draft boards. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina (No. 42): The 6-2, 202-pound Revel was becoming a first-round lock before suffering a torn ACL in September. He’s an older prospect (24) from a smaller school, but his combination of size, speed and athleticism is intriguing enough for a team to believe in. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (No. 48): The 6-foot, 193-pound Morrison burst onto the scene as a freshman All-American with six interceptions, but two hip surgeries over the past four years raise some concerns. If he’s fully healthy, he has the tools to be a starter. Florida State defensive back Azareye'h Thomas tackles Florida wide receiver Tank Hawkins on Nov. 30, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley) Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State (No. 49): The 6-2, 196-pound Thomas lacks high-end speed (4.58-second 40-yard dash), but his length and physicality make him a sticky defender in both man and zone coverage. Darien Porter, Iowa State (No. 66): The 6-3, 195-pound Porter played wide receiver for three seasons with the Cyclones before transitioning to corner. He has rare size, length and speed, but he requires a lot of projection to feel comfortable about his NFL fit. Jacob Parrish, Kansas State (No. 88): The 5-10, 191-pound Parrish is short for the position and might only be a slot defender in the NFL, but he has the athleticism and tenacity to stick on the outside. Nohl Williams, California (No. 96): The 6-foot, 199-pound Williams played three seasons at UNLV before breaking out with the Bears, earning consensus All-America honors in 2024 while leading the FBS with seven interceptions. He’s a reliable tackler and could even play safety. Quincy Riley, Louisville (No. 105): The 5-11, 194-pound Riley, a transfer from Middle Tennessee, ranked second in the FBS with 29 passes defended over the past two seasons. His ball skills are undeniable, as he is the only player in this draft class with at least 15 career interceptions. Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech (No. 113): The 6-1, 185-pound, an Upper Marlboro native who starred at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High, was a five-year starter for the Hokies, recording seven interceptions in 53 games. Offensive line Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (No. 45): The 6-6, 331-pound Ersery started 38 straight games at left tackle for the Golden Gophers, earning the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year Award in 2024. He has the traits to be a long-term starter if he can clean up some of his mistakes. Jonah Savaiinaea, G/T, Arizona (No. 55): The 6-4, 324-pound Savaiinaea (pronounced Savuh-Nye-A-uh) started 36 straight games at three positions along the offensive line, with most analysts projecting his NFL future at guard. His size, length and athleticism make him a candidate to start right away. Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge looks to block against UMass on Nov. 23, 2024, in Athens. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Tate Ratledge, G/C, Georgia (No. 64): If not for his short arms (32 1/4 inches), the 6-7, 308-pound Ratledge has almost a perfect athletic profile. His 40-yard dash (4.97), 3-cone drill (7.38), broad jump (9 feet, 5 inches) and vertical jump (32 inches) all rank 88th percentile or better among offensive line, per MockDraftable. The team captain plays with a competitive edge, though he missed at least one game each of the past four seasons with injuries. Marcus Mbow, G/T, Purdue (No. 67): The 6-4, 302-pound Mbow is a former basketball player, and that shows up in his footwork and fluid movements. His 32 starts in college were split between right tackle (18) and right guard (14), but he’s likely an interior lineman at the next level because of his light frame. Wyatt Milum, G/T, West Virginia (No. 80): The 6-7, 313-pound Milum earned freshman All-America honors at right tackle before anchoring the left side of the Mountaineers’ line for the next three years. Although he didn’t allow a sack at left tackle in his career, he struggled at Senior Bowl practices as a pass blocker and lacks ideal length. He’ll likely stick at guard in the NFL. Jared Wilson, C/G, Georgia (No. 82): The 6-3, 310-pound Wilson turned heads with a standout performance at the scouting combine that included a blazing 4.84-second 40-yard dash. The former soccer player is inexperienced and undersized, but his athletic traits are worth betting on. Ozzy Trapilo, OT/G, Boston College (No. 85): The 6-8, 316-pound Trapilo started mostly at right tackle for the Eagles but has some experience at guard, too. The team captain and first-team All-ACC selection did not commit a penalty on 772 offensive snaps in 2024. Related Articles 5 things to know about Ravens first-round NFL draft pick Malaki Starks Mike Preston: Ravens defense better with Starks, but maybe not bold enough | COMMENTARY Instant analysis of Ravens’ selection of Georgia S Malaki Starks at No. 27 Ravens take Georgia safety Malaki Starks with 27th pick in NFL draft NFL draft live updates: Browns trade No. 2 to Jaguars, who pick Travis Hunter Charles Grant, OT/G, William & Mary (No. 87): The 6-5, 309-pound Grant blossomed from a 240-pound prospect into one of the most dominant players at the FCS level. The former wrestler and team captain started 36 games the past three seasons and has alluring agility and length to mold into a potential starter. Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State (No. 93): The 6-6, 336-pound Belton used his hulking frame to great effect in 32 starts at left tackle, but issues with penalties, body control and consistency need to be cleaned up to become a reliable contributor. Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU (No. 95): The 6-5, 315-pound Jones started 36 games at right tackle and was twice named second-team All-SEC. Like many of the offensive line prospects in this range of the draft, he has the requisite physical tools to be a starter but needs to be more disciplined. Cameron Williams, OT, Texas (No. 99): The 6-6, 334-pound Williams is considered a raw prospect with only 16 games of starting experience at right tackle. However, his big frame and long arms (34 1/2 inches) are worth betting on as a developmental pick. Miles Frazier, G/T, LSU (No. 114): The 6-6, 317-pound Frazier is versatile and experienced, having played every game the past four seasons with the Tigers and Florida International. His strength and competitiveness stand out. Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia (No. 117): The 6-5, 325-pound Fairchild worked his way up from scout team to starting left guard for the Bulldogs, earning second-team All-America honors in 2024. The former wrestler is a workout warrior with an eye-popping 440-pound bench, 570 squat and 370 power clean. 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

The hope was that the Ravens would secure a top pass rusher on the first day of the draft. That didn’t happen, but they did get better on defense. They still might be able draft a talented pass rusher on Day 2, but it appears more likely that the team will have to sign another veteran free agent. Instead, on Thursday night, the Ravens selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round. Together with Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, the Ravens will have one of the best safety tandems (or trios) in the NFL. You could see Starks eventually falling to the Ravens as the draft unfolded. Penn State’s Abdul Carter went to the New York Giants with the No. 3 overall pick and San Francisco selected Georgia’s Mykel Williams at No. 11. The Bulldogs’ Jalon Walker, another top pass rusher, went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 15 and the Cincinnati Bengals took Texas A&M’s Shermar Stewart three picks later. Once Pittsburgh chose Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21 over Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Falcons traded with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 26 to snatch up Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., there weren’t many pass rushers left. So, the Ravens made out well with Starks. It happens, especially when a team wins as often and goes to the playoffs as consistently as the Ravens. They always end up picking near the end of the first round. Plus, the Ravens are pretty boring in the draft. They aren’t creative and they aren’t bold. They just stockpile picks, but Starks will make this defense better. Last season, the Ravens’ pass defense was ranked 27th, allowing 238.3 yards a game. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound Starks led the Bulldogs in tackles in 2024 with 77, including four for losses. He also knocked down four passes and had an interception. In 2023, he was a first-team Associated Press All-American and finalist for the Bronko Nagurski (top defender) and Jim Thorpe (top defensive back) Awards after registering 52 tackles and posting three interceptions. The Ravens like versatility in the secondary because it allows them to use multiple looks. With Starks and possibly Washington on the backend, that would free the Ravens to put Hamilton back near the line of scrimmage. “Yes, when you look at the defense, I mean a lot of the guys are versatile,” Starks said Thursday night. “I think that’s a huge strength that they have. I think that’s why they do so well on the defensive side of the ball. They have a lot of guys that can move around and be in different spots that produce at a high level, and I feel like I bring that as well. I think I’m a safety that can move around, so I feel comfortable at the safety spot, but I feel comfortable playing anywhere.” Related Articles 5 things to know about Ravens first-round NFL draft pick Malaki Starks Ravens draft targets on Day 2: Best available players at positions of need Instant analysis of Ravens’ selection of Georgia S Malaki Starks at No. 27 Ravens take Georgia safety Malaki Starks with 27th pick in NFL draft NFL draft live updates: Browns trade No. 2 to Jaguars, who pick Travis Hunter Near the line of scrimmage is where Hamilton is a playmaker. He has good hands, can rush the passer and is clearly a mismatch with most running backs who have to block him. A quarterback always has to account for him whenever he is near the defensive front seven. Combined with Starks, the Ravens have an abundance of athleticism. The rookie ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis and had a vertical leap of 33 inches. Plus, the Ravens got some inside information on Starks from offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who was Georgia’s offensive coordinator before taking the same position with the Ravens two years ago. The Ravens were fortunate. Once the Bengals chose Stewart and Pittsburgh selected Harmon, there was only one big-time pass rusher left on the board in Pearce, who had reported character issues coming out of Tennessee. But that didn’t stop the Falcons from taking a gamble on him. Atlanta probably had belief that the Ravens were going to make a move on Pearce, and the Falcons were aggressive. It came at steep cost, though, as Atlanta sent the Rams pick Nos. 46 (second) and 242 (seventh) this year, plus their first-round pick in 2026, for Nos. 26 and 101 (third). It will be interesting to see how much Starks can help the Ravens. Outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy were successful against most teams, but were no-shows against opponents that had strong offensive lines, such as Philadelphia and Buffalo. The Ravens return most of their outside linebackers from a year ago in Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac and Malik Hamm, but they only combined for 5 1/2 sacks a year ago. Pearce had 19 1/2 sacks in three seasons with the Volunteers, including 17 1/2 over the past two years. He also had 28 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles during that time. At 6-5 and 245 pounds, he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, and it seemed as if he would be a great matchup with Chuck Smith, the Ravens’ pass rushing coach. He would be an ideal fit for a team that just couldn’t get consistent pressure in big games. But once Atlanta traded with the Rams, it was time to go back to reality, and that was Starks. And on Thursday night, that worked well for the Ravens, at least for the time being. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ selection of Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin: Brian Wacker, reporter: It was always going to be defense for the Ravens — and likely going to be a safety — with a need to improve a secondary that was one of the worst in the NFL last season, particularly on plays down the field. In landing Starks, Baltimore got not just a productive player (his 77 tackles led the Bulldogs last year), but a defender who can make plays on the ball and is versatile enough top play multiple spots in the backfield. Starks had three pass breakups and an interception in 2024 and was even better in 2023 when he was a first-team Associated Press All-American and finalist for the Bronko Nagurski (top defender) and Jim Thorpe (top defensive back) Awards after racking up 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions. He should be an immediate contributor on defense and special teams. Mike Preston, columnist: The Ravens got better on defense. They didn’t get the edge rusher this team so desperately needs, but in Starks they have a prospect who can play center field on defense and allow fellow safety Kyle Hamilton to go back to playing near the line of scrimmage. That’s where Hamilton is at his best. He is one of the best pass rushers on the team and a playmaker. Hamilton has strong hands and is a mismatch for most running backs in pass protection. Starks is 6 feet 1 and weighs 197 pounds. He led the Bulldogs in tackles last season with 77, including four for losses. He has a good nose for the ball and will help the Ravens in coverage. Last season, Baltimore had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Sam Cohn, reporter: This is a really strong start to the draft for Baltimore. The safety position drew plenty of ire from the fan base last year with a rotating cast beside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton that took more than half the season before settling on a suitable partner on the back end, Ar’Darius Washington. Starks could make a quick impact, helping shore up that group. The three-year starter out of Georgia ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and jumped 33 inches at the NFL combine. Starks’ speed and ball skills are best downfield, giving the Ravens more flexibility to use their Swiss army knife (Hamilton) where he operates best: closer to the line of scrimmage. A few strengths of Starks’: football IQ, can play the deep ball with plus body control and excellent burst. This is a pick to be excited about after the Ravens let up oh so many explosive plays (58 for 20-plus yards, third most in the NFL) in 2024. Taylor Lyons, reporter: The Ravens joined the rest of the AFC North with going defense in the first round but steered away from the front seven with Georgia safety Malaki Starks. Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, who signed the restricted free agent tender this week, are already one of the NFL’s top safety duos. Adding Starks to the bunch gives defensive coordinator Zach Orr plenty of room to get creative with how he’ll deploy all three. Hamilton could line up deep, a role he thrived in late last season after Marcus Williams was jettisoned from the lineup, or in the box as Starks and Washington complement the Pro Bowl selection elsewhere and Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins anchor the boundaries. The Ravens’ defensive backfield is full of versatile pieces — a dream for Orr, the young defensive coordinator who improved as the season went on and now gets another talent to experiment with. C.J. Doon, editor: Never in doubt, right? Starks was the most common pick among the most accurate mock drafters, and he ends up falling in the Ravens’ laps. His versatility will help shore up a secondary that ranked as one of the worst in the league last year, even after a late-season turnaround. Baltimore loves using three-safety looks, so Starks, All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and breakout star Ar’Darius Washington can all be on the field together. This gives defensive coordinator Zach Orr and new senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano plenty of options to disguise coverages and confuse quarterbacks. Not to mention, he was praised for his leadership at Georgia and his ability to get his teammate lined up properly. Sounds like a perfect fit to fix a sometimes leaky defense. On a related note, the AFC North got a heck of a lot more interesting tonight. The Browns passed on a potential generational two-way player in Travis Hunter and picked up Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham and additional draft capital to rebuild their roster. Whether they regret that move depends on how well Hunter plays and if those additional picks turn into something good (a QB of the future, maybe on Day 2 on Friday? or maybe Arch Manning watch for 2026?), but they were not a Travis Hunter away from competing next year. The Bengals added an athletic marvel in Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart who has all the tools to be a thorn in Lamar Jackson’s side … if he can ever learn to finish sacks. Oh, and of course the Steelers made the sensible pick, taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon as the heir apparent to Cameron Heyward. (Sorry, Shedeur Sanders). Those are far from sexy moves, but they could make the Ravens’ division rivals a lot tougher next season and beyond. Related Articles Ravens take Georgia safety Malaki Starks with 27th pick in NFL draft NFL draft live updates: Browns trade No. 2 to Jaguars, who pick Travis Hunter Ex-Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe is temporarily stepping away from ESPN Ravens mock draft roundup: Here’s what the most accurate experts predict Dueling Ravens 7-round mock draft: 2 views on how to build a team Tim Schwartz, editor: This felt inevitable. The last time the Ravens took a safety in the first round, it turned out better than anybody could’ve expected. Kyle Hamilton now has a fellow first-round pick to roam the secondary alongside him in Starks, who cut his teeth for three years in the nation’s top conference. It’s a pick that everybody from Grok AI to the best mock drafters had on their board, and it makes sense. While Baltimore’s defensive improved from its dreadful start to the 2024 season, it was still a weakness by season’s end. This shores up a shaky unit. Now the Ravens can turn their attention to other positions of need — edge rusher and offensive line at the top of that list — with their two picks on Friday night. Bennett Conlin, editor: Grok AI told us the Ravens would win the Super Bowl if they drafted Starks. Mission accomplished! Starks fits into Baltimore’s identity. He’s a three-time All-American who comes from one of the best SEC teams in recent history, and his athleticism and production explain why he stuck on the Bulldogs’ stout defense. Starks made 77 tackles last season, including four tackles for loss, and he broke up 23 passes over the past three seasons to go with six interceptions. He’s an incredibly reliable tackler (84 or higher PFF tackling grade in each of the past three seasons), making it easy to envision Starks growing into the ideal complement for fellow safety Kyle Hamilton. Grok AI might be hyperbolic in suggesting that Starks will put the Ravens over the hump in their journey toward the Lombardi Trophy, but he certainly doesn’t hurt. He’ll contribute immediately and should develop into a multi-year NFL starter. 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

Last season, the Ravens’ pass defense was one of the worst in the NFL, ranking 27th with 238.3 yards passing allowed per game. Thursday night, they took what they hope will be a big step to help address that problem. With the 27th overall pick in the NFL draft, Baltimore selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks. Starks, a 6-foot-1, 197-pound standout for the Bulldogs over the past three seasons, led Georgia in tackles last season (77) to go with four tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception. He was even better in 2023, when he was a first-team Associated Press All-American and finalist for the Bronko Nagurski (top defender) and Jim Thorpe (top defensive back) Awards after racking up 52 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions. He also provides the kind of athleticism and versatility Baltimore typically covets. He can play multiple spots in the secondary and has been praised for his football IQ. “He didn’t have the phenomenal year because they moved him around,” ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said earlier this month. “[But] when he can do what he does, and just lock into that safety spot with his ball skills, his awareness, the way he tackles.” His addition also bolsters a group that needed it after safety Eddie Jackson was released during last season and safety Marcus Williams struggled mightily before being benched and then released after the season. Other than All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, who earlier this week signed a one-year tender to remain in Baltimore, the Ravens’ only other safeties on the roster include unproven second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, both of whom contributed almost entirely on special teams last season. It also marks just the second time since 2013 that the Ravens used a first-round pick on a safety. The other occasion was in 2022 when they selected Hamilton 14th overall out of Notre Dame. It was not a big surprise they went that route again with Starks, with general manager Eric DeCosta last week all but guaranteeing he would use a pick on a safety. Long a subscriber to the best-player-available mantra, there’s an argument to be made that’s what he got given Starks’ resume, which had some draftniks predicting he would get picked sooner. A three-year starter at Georgia, he played multiple spots in coach Kirby Smart’s man and zone scheme. He should give Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr plenty of options on where to deploy him for Baltimore, where he should have an immediate impact, including on special teams. Said ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller: “Starks is Baltimore’s dream pick.” This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Instant analysis of Ravens’ selection of Georgia S Malaki Starks at No. 27 NFL draft live updates: Browns trade No. 2 to Jaguars, who pick Travis Hunter Ex-Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe is temporarily stepping away from ESPN Ravens mock draft roundup: Here’s what the most accurate experts predict Dueling Ravens 7-round mock draft: 2 views on how to build a team View the full article

The 2025 NFL draft kicks off Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with Round 1 getting underway at 8 p.m. The event will be televised on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network and streaming on NFL+. Follow along here for live coverage and analysis, with reporters Brian Wacker, Sam Cohn and Taylor Lyons, columnist Mike Preston and editor C.J. Doon tracking all the latest news. View the full article

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe said Thursday he is temporarily stepping away from his ESPN duties while he deals with what he called false allegations in a $50 million civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman who alleges he raped and threatened her. Sharpe said in a statement that he would return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason. The first preseason game is set for July 31. “I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” Sharpe said, adding: “I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.” Attorneys filed the lawsuit Sunday in Clark County, Nevada, for a woman listed in court documents as Jane Doe. The lawsuit also accuses Sharpe of using physical force on her and inflicting emotional distress. The woman first met Sharpe at a gym in Los Angeles in 2023 when she was 20 and a nearly two-year relationship followed, according to court documents. Sharpe, 56, is accused of raping the woman in October 2024 and again in January, the documents said. On Monday, Sharpe had posted a statement from his lawyer on X saying the relationship was consensual and calling the lawsuit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down” Sharpe for millions of dollars. Sharpe was a four-time All-Pro tight end who played on two Super Bowl-winning teams with Denver and one with Baltimore over 14 seasons from 1990 to 2003. He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Sharpe retired as the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (815), yards receiving (10,060) and touchdowns (62). Those records have since been broken. Sharpe has been a staple on TV and social media since retiring. He left FS1’s sports debate show “Undisputed” in 2023 and joined ESPN soon afterward. View the full article

Call it art, science or just plain luck, some have mastered the NFL mock draft. Thousands of analysts, bloggers and enthusiasts predict who will come off the board in the first round every year, and even the elite prognosticators don’t have better than a 50% hit rate when it comes to matching team and player. Identifying the top 32 prospects is one thing. Figuring out where they’ll go is another. This year is more uncertain than others in recent memory. Given the lack of confidence in the order of picks anywhere from the New York Giants’ selection at No. 3 overall all the way to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 32, it’s hard to get a read on who might be available, let alone a fit for the Ravens. But fans don’t need to scour every mock draft on the internet to get a good sense of who could be wearing purple and black next. According to Huddle Report, which has been tracking the accuracy of mock drafters since 2002, a clear top group has formed. By awarding one point for the correct player placed in Round 1 and two points for every player-team match, the website grades the accuracy of each mock submitted and ranks them accordingly. Using those rankings, here’s what the most accurate mock drafters expect the Ravens to do with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round, which begins Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin: Jason Boris, Times News (ranked No. 1): Georgia safety Malaki Starks Boris is the most accurate mock drafter of the past five years, and it’s not even his day job. According to a recent Washington Post article, he manages recreation grants for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Last year, he correctly predicted 29 of the 32 first-round prospects and matched 15 of those players with the team that selected them for a score of 59 points. His five-year average of 46.2 leads the pack. Starks has been a popular mock draft pick for the Ravens throughout the process, and Boris agrees, noting that the versatile safety can “help shore up a pass defense that finished 31st last season.” Starks, a former five-star recruit, is ranked No. 21 on the consensus big board compiled by Mock Draft Database, so this would be another case of a top prospect falling to Baltimore. Related Articles Dueling Ravens 7-round mock draft: 2 views on how to build a team Ex-Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe accused of rape in $50 million civil lawsuit Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton sees lessons in Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas victories Ravens draft cheat sheet: Picks, team needs, how to watch and more Ravens’ breakout safety Ar’Darius Washington signs tender for 2025 Boris notes, however, that other names on his radar are South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, Alabama guard Tyler Booker, Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart. But, he writes, “Starks’ fit and pedigree may be too good to pass up.” Brendan Donahue, Sharp Football Analysis (No. 2): Starks Make that 2-for-2 when it comes to Starks. Donahue previously connected the Ravens to Ohio State guard/tackle Donovan Jackson, Emmanwori, Booker and Stewart and his previous mock drafts, but he aligned closer to consensus with his final predictions. For those looking at the betting markets, Donahue’s best bet is safety to be the first position selected by the Ravens at +400 odds. Baltimore already has All-Pro Kyle Hamilton at safety and recently re-signed restricted free agent Ar’Darius Washington, but Hamilton is due for a likely record-setting contract extension soon and Washington becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Xavier Cromartie, Fantasy Football Metrics (No. 3): Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon Cromartie explains that his mock drafts are “based upon his draft research and what his sources are communicating to him at this time — and are not based on his personal scouting preferences.” In a twist, he gives the Ravens depth on the defensive line, but for an interesting reason: Harmon is “possibly sliding a bit on medicals.” Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February. Harmon is ranked No. 24 on the consensus board and is a favorite of many draft analysts. (Michael Conroy/AP) That news only started trickling out during draft week, so it needs to be taken with a healthy grain of salt. But Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas first noted that Harmon had a medical red flag, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo later said that the concern is Harmon’s shoulder. Neither provided exact details. “That’s how this thing works,” Garafolo said in an appearance on the PHNX Cardinals podcast. “All of a sudden, if there are two guys and you’ve got a tiebreaker, one of them has clean medicals and the other does not, then we’ll go with the clean medicals sometimes.” Harmon is ranked No. 24 on the consensus board and is a favorite of many draft analysts, so the Ravens would be getting a steal if they are comfortable with his long-term health. Lou Pickney, MockDraftNFL.com (No. 4): Starks Chalk up another one for Starks. Pickney, who has been a draft analyst since 2003, is also on board with Baltimore adding a talented safety to shore up its secondary. “Starks is exceptionally fast, particularly for his size, to the point he feels like a prototype for the ideal modern NFL safety,” he writes. Mike Band, Next Gen Stats/RosterWatch (No. 5): Starks Getting the hint yet? Band has created a mock draft for 21 straight years, and his resume is unassailable. He’s ranked fifth in overall accuracy among 75 draft experts over the past five years, including a second-place finish among 172 experts last year. In 2009, he had the most accurate mock on record. Each year, Band releases a draft cheat sheet projecting each team’s first-round big board based on predraft interest, team needs and organizational philosophies. This year, he ranks the Ravens’ board as follows: Georgia S Malaki Starks Michigan DT Kenneth Grant Oregon DT Derrick Harmon North Dakota State OT/G Grey Zabel Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku Alabama G Tyler Booker Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori Michigan CB Will Johnson So in this scenario, the Ravens get their perceived top prospect on their board. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune (No. 6): Alabama guard Tyler Booker The Ravens could certainly use help at guard, where Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele are currently projected as starters. According to Brown, “everything about Booker screams Ravens.” Baltimore has long coveted Alabama prospects, dating to former Crimson Tide star Ozzie Newsome’s tenure as general manager before Eric DeCosta took over in 2019. In addition to his college pedigree, Brown notes Booker’s “size, brute strength and enough functional athleticism to dominate in the run game” as reasons for Baltimore’s interest. Booker’s athletic testing ranked poorly among offensive linemen, but the Ravens notably selected Oklahoma tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in the third round in 2018 after a historically bad combine performance and he became a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Booker, who is ranked No. 29 on the consensus board, is beloved by scouts for his leadership, physicality and durability and could be picked much earlier in the first round. 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

The NFL draft kicks off Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and with the Ravens holding 11 selections this year, general manager Eric DeCosta will be busy. Baltimore’s first-round pick won’t come until No. 27, and with just three picks among the first 128 this year, it will be imperative that they find at least one or two immediate contributors in the middle rounds to round out a roster that is otherwise expected to contend for a Super Bowl. The most buzz-worthy pick, though, could come on Day 3 if the Ravens select a kicker with the status of Justin Tucker uncertain as he is investigated for sexual misconduct allegations by several massage therapists. There are also plenty of other needs, including at edge rusher, cornerback, safety, offensive and defensive line and linebacker. Using draft rankings and projections, Pro Football Focus’ simulator and taking into consideration Baltimore’s needs, Baltimore Sun Ravens reporter Brian Wacker and editor C.J. Doon played the role of general manager and picked their own rookie class. Here’s who they took: Brian Wacker’s picks No. 27 (Round 1): Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M The Ravens’ biggest needs are at edge rusher, cornerback, safety and offensive line. Even though Stewart had only 4 1/2 career sacks for the Aggies, the belief is the talent is there to be an impactful player, and the Ravens catch a break with the Senior Bowl and scouting combine standout falling to them. Also considered: Oregon DT Derrick Harmon, Alabama G Tyler Booker, Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell No. 59 (Round 2): Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina A likely first-round pick if not for a torn ACL last September, Revel would give Baltimore a much-needed player who could contribute immediately at a position that has little in the way of depth. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he is the type of athletic, physical cornerback the Ravens covet and can step in on the outside opposite Nate Wiggins. Also considered: Notre Dame S Xavier Watts, Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau, Texas DT Alfred Collins No. 91 (Round 3): Emery Jones, G/T, LSU Though Baltimore re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley and Andrew Vorhees is likely to regain his starting spot at left guard, there’s a need to add depth. Jones was a three-year starter at right tackle but could project inside and is the kind of raw prospect with a wide frame and long arms the Ravens would love to develop. Also considered: Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish, William & Mary OT Charles Grant, Oklahoma ILB Danny Stutsman Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon lines up against Alabama in 2024. Despite his size, he could develop into a starter for Baltimore. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) No. 129 (Round 4): Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia Though John Harbaugh said that he expects Trenton Simpson to start alongside Roquan Smith, there’s also a lack of depth with the free agent departures of Malik Harrison, Chris Board and Kristian Welch. Mondon, a former safety, is small (6-2, 224 pounds) but fast and athletic and projects as a “cleanup and cover” weak side linebacker, one AFC scout said in his NFL draft profile. Also considered: Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa, Mississippi LB Chris Paul Jr., Ohio State S Lathan Ransom No. 136 (Round 4): Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State With a deep defensive line class, the Ravens bolster their front with much-needed depth. The 6-3, 299-pound Hamilton is undersized for the interior but quick off the line, which should allow him to disrupt the gaps. Also considered: Maryland WR Tai Felton, Penn State S Jaylen Reed, Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles Related Articles Ex-Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe accused of rape in $50 million civil lawsuit Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton sees lessons in Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas victories Ravens draft cheat sheet: Picks, team needs, how to watch and more Ravens’ breakout safety Ar’Darius Washington signs tender for 2025 Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton ‘not in a big rush’ for contract extension No. 176 (Round 5): Malachi Moore, S, Alabama Moore played deep safety, in the box and in the slot for the Crimson Tide. The Ravens love that kind of versatility, and while he’s on the smaller side at 5-11, 196 pounds, Moore led Alabama in pass breakups (eight) and was a captain each of the past two seasons. With only starters Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington and second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade on the roster, there’s also a need. Also considered: Virginia S Jonas Sanker, Central Arkansas EDGE David Walker, Michigan OT Myles Hinton No. 183 (Round 6): Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, OT, Florida At 6-7 and 316 pounds with long arms, Crenshaw-Dickson has the requisite size. He also has experience (46 starts), played both tackle spots for the Gators, and with some polish could go from solid backup to potential starter one day. Also considered: Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane, Illinois WR Pat Bryant, Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser No. 203 (Round 6): Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State The Ravens have never drafted a kicker, but with the uncertainty surrounding Tucker and the NFL’s investigation, senior special teams coach Randy Brown has been checking out kickers. Fitzgerald, who worked out for the Ravens, made 32 of 34 field goal attempts the past two seasons and has a strong leg. Also considered: Clemson TE Jake Briningstool, Tennessee DT Elijah Simmons, UCLA LB Kain Medrano The bench celebrates as North Carolina defensive back Alijah Huzzie returns a punt for a touchdown against Georgia Tech in 2024. Huzzie could contribute on special teams and in the slot. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) No. 210 (Round 6): Alijah Huzzie, CB, North Carolina DeCosta is fond of saying that he can never have enough cornerbacks, so don’t be surprised if the Ravens add a couple via the draft this year. Huzzie played six years, first at East Tennessee State then for the Tar Heels, and is the kind of physical, athletic player who could contribute on special teams (two punt return touchdowns) and in the slot after leading North Carolina in pass breakups (eight) and racking up 5 1/2 tackles for loss. Also considered: Miami K Andres Borregales, Florida LB Shemar James, Texas Tech TE Jalin Conyers No. 212 (Round 6): Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota Last year’s sixth-round pick Devin Leary hasn’t yet shown that he can be a potential backup, so he gets some competition with Brosmer, who doesn’t have a big arm but showed decent accuracy in setting a school record with 268 completions on 403 attempts (66.5%). Also considered: Pittsburgh OT Branson Taylor, Boston College DT Cam Horsley, Miami EDGE Tyler Baron No. 243 (Round 7): Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington Chism is small (5-10, 195 pounds) and comes from a small school. But he was also productive, broke Cooper Kupp’s FCS record for most consecutive games with a catch with 53 and was the team’s main returner, something Harbaugh said he would like to add. Chism checks off a lot of boxes as a late flier or priority free agent. Also considered: Navy S Rayuan Lane III, North Carolina G Willie Lampkin, Miami DT Simeon Barrow Jr. C.J. Doon’s picks No. 27 (Round 1): Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M With Kyle Van Noy having just turned 34 and Odafe Oweh mentioned as a possible trade candidate entering the final year of his rookie deal, edge rusher is perhaps the weakest spot on an otherwise stacked roster. Scourton has been overlooked in this draft class despite productive seasons against Big Ten (10 sacks at Purdue in 2023) and SEC competition (team-leading 14 tackles for loss, five sacks in 2024). The 6-3, 257-pound prospect plays with force, has a deep bag of moves and won’t turn 21 until August. Also considered: South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori, Ohio State G/T Donovan Jackson, Ole Miss CB Trey Amos South Carolina defensive lineman T.J. Sanders runs a drill during the Senior Bowl in January. Sanders would provide needed depth for Baltimore. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) No. 59 (Round 2): T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Nnamdi Madubuike is a star and Travis Jones has blossomed into a reliable starter, but Jones is entering a contract year and there is little depth behind him. The 6-4, 305-pound Sanders has promising length, explosiveness and twitch and can immediately push Broderick Washington for snaps while developing into a more well-rounded player. Also considered: Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery, Miami TE Elijah Arroyo, Iowa State CB Darien Porter No. 91 (Round 3): Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State The 5-10, 191-pound Parrish is on the smaller side for the position (8th percentile height, 27th percentile weight, per MockDraftable), but he plays a big game. The former high school running back and track star (4.35-second 40-yard dash) has experience at slot and outside corner and the athletic tools to get on the field quickly in Baltimore. Also considered: Ohio State S Lathan Ransom, William & Mary OT Charles Grant, TCU WR Savion Williams TRADE: No. 125 (Round 4, via LA Chargers): Miles Frazier, G/T, LSU It’s happening, folks. In this mock scenario, the Ravens trade tight end Mark Andrews to the Chargers for a fourth-round pick, reuniting the franchise’s all-time touchdowns leader with his former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. With Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar also playing on the last year of their deals, this fake GM made the tough decision to get something in return for Andrews now before he hits free agency. With the pick, the Ravens add a potential starting guard in Frazier, who also has experience at left tackle dating to his time at Florida International. He did not allow a sack in the final 20 games of his career, according to PFF. Also considered: Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon WR Tez Johnson, Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles No. 129 (Round 4): Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State With Washington officially back on the roster after signing his restricted free agent tender, the need for a safety is lessened. But Washington will hit unrestricted free agency next year, and backups Brade and Kane are still unproven. The 6-foot, 211-pound Reed led the Nittany Lions in tackles (98) and interceptions (three) this past season, but he’ll have to improve his coverage skills and cut down on mistakes to become a starter. Also considered: Georgia G Dylan Fairchild, Clemson LB Barrett Carter, Georgia LB Smael Mondon Jr. Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans carries the ball during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Ohio State in January. Evans has the tools to become a potential Mark Andrews replacement. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) No. 136 (Round 4): Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame With Andrews gone, the Ravens need another young tight end to develop. The 6-5, 253-pound Evans has strong hands, which he flashed on some acrobatic catches and is effective at finding soft spots in zone coverage. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023 and isn’t an explosive athlete, but his reliability as a pass catcher and in-line blocker gives him a high floor. Also considered: Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Illinois WR Pat Bryant, Western Michigan CB Bilhal Kone No. 176 (Round 5): Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State Adding depth at linebacker is a must, and there are some good options on Day 3. The 6-2, 232-pound Simon emerged as a leader for the national champion Buckeyes, receiving the “Block O” jersey and being voted team captain. He led the team with 112 tackles in 2024 and stepped up in big games, earning defensive Most Valuable Player honors of the Rose Bowl and national championship game. Also considered: Oregon OT Ajani Cornelius, Alabama DT Tim Smith, Florida WR Elijhah Badger No. 183 (Round 6): Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame The Ravens would be smart to double-dip on the defensive line in this draft. Baltimore will have to be comfortable with Mills’ medicals after he suffered a season-ending right knee injury in the College Football Playoff, but the 6-5, 296-pound lineman has the size, heavy hands and high motor to compete for snaps when healthy. He led the Fighting Irish in sacks (7 1/2) and tackles for loss (8 1/2) in 2024. Also considered: South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway, Kansas OT Bryce Cabeldue, Florida CB Jason Marshall Jr. TRADE No. 188 (Round 6, via Tennessee): Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA With the Ravens having few glaring needs to fill on their roster, it seems unlikely that they’ll make all of their late-round selections. In this scenario, they trade pick Nos. 203 and 210 to Tennessee to move up and select Frazier, a 25-year-old with only one season of starting experience in the FBS who has intriguing tools. His combination of length (80 1/8-inch wingspan, 95th percentile), speed (4.36-second 40-yard dash) and production (six interceptions in 2024) is worth betting on. Also considered: South Carolina CB O’Donnell Fortune, Auburn WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai No. 212 (Round 6): Jimmy Horn Jr., WR/KR, Colorado Harbaugh gets his returner. The 5-8, 174-pound Horn has the speed (ran a combine-best 19.81 mph during the gauntlet drill) and shiftiness to earn touches on offense and provide some juice in the return game. He lacks size and strength, but the South Florida transfer averaged 21.1 yards as a kick returner and 6.4 yards as a punt returner in his career. Also considered: North Dakota State QB Cam Miller, Texas C Jake Majors, Georgia S Dan Jackson No. 243 (Round 7): Maddux Trujillo, K, Temple If the Ravens decide to take a kicker, this feels like the spot to do it. Trujillo (pronounced TRUH-hee-YO) became just the third player in NCAA history to record two 60-plus-yard field goals in the same season, including a 64-yarder that set the Lincoln Financial Field record. The Austin Peay transfer went 16-for-22 (72.7%) with the Owls. Also considered: Cincinnati RB Corey Kiner, UNLV WR Ricky White, Fresno State S Dean Clark Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A young woman who says she was raped and threatened by retired NFL player Shannon Sharpe during a “rocky consensual relationship” has filed a civil lawsuit against him seeking $50 million in damages. Attorneys filed the lawsuit Sunday in Clark County, Nevada, for a woman listed in court documents as Jane Doe. The lawsuit also accuses Sharpe of using physical force on her and inflicting emotional distress. The woman first met Sharpe at a gym in Los Angeles in 2023 when she was 20 and a nearly two-year relationship followed, according to court documents. Sharpe, 56, is accused of raping the woman in October 2024 and again in January, court documents said. Sharpe on Monday posted a statement from his lawyer on X saying the relationship was consensual and calling the lawsuit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down” Sharpe for millions of dollars. “It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed,” Lanny J. Davis said in the statement posted by Sharpe. Sharpe is accused of becoming increasingly verbally abusive, controlling and violent over time, once threatening to kill her and recording their sexual encounters without consent, according to the complaint. “Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity to their relationship, or called him out about his extraneous activities,” the lawsuit said. “Sharpe even figured out how to get into Doe’s apartment complex without her permission.” Sharpe was a four-time All-Pro tight end who played on two Super Bowl champions with Denver and another with Baltimore over 14 seasons from 1990 to 2003. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. Sharpe retired as the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (815), yards receiving (10,060) and touchdowns (62). Those records have since been broken. Sharpe has been a staple on TV and social media since retiring. He left FS1’s sports debate show “Undisputed” in 2023 and joined ESPN soon afterward. View the full article

Golf is never too far from Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens safety spent part of his offseason playing venerable Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay, along with the exclusive Cypress Point Club and architectural gem Pasatiempo, on an epic buddies trip with three high school friends. Then he attended the Masters for the first time and was in the crowd during the final round when Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with a wild and historic playoff victory over Justin Rose. And last week, Hamilton watched on television as Justin Thomas set a course record with a 10-under 61 in the opening round of the RBC Heritage only to squander a one-shot lead with three holes remaining before a birdie on the first hole of sudden death finally ended a three-year winless drought. Unsurprisingly, there was a lesson to be extrapolated from it all for Baltimore’s dynamic fourth-year standout who has already been an All-Pro, selected to two Pro Bowls and is the centerpiece of the Ravens’ defense. “It’s kind of synonymous with our sport,” Hamilton said Monday, the first day of the Ravens’ offseason workout program. “You don’t really want to compare yourself to others, but when you put yourself behind the 8-ball, and now you got to kind of see where everybody else is at and know what you have to do to get in the playoffs and ultimately win the Super Bowl. “Justin Thomas came out and tied the course record and didn’t play amazing the final three days but ended up winning the tournament, so you kind of put yourself at an advantage if you start off hot. Those games count for the same amount of wins and losses at the end of the season.” A hot start, of course, is not what the Ravens have gotten off to each of the past three seasons. In 2022, they split their first six games before winning six of their next seven. Then quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered what ended up being a season-ending knee injury, and that was that, with any hopes of Jackson’s return and a deep postseason run dashed by a bumbling wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2023, the Ravens were a modest 3-2 over their first five games after a couple of mistake-filled losses before tearing through their remaining opponents to finish with the NFL’s best record (13-4) during the regular season. But again they fell flat when it mattered most with a clumsy 17-10 loss at home in the AFC championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Then last season, they dropped their first two games — including one to the hapless Las Vegas Raiders — and were just 8-5 and two games back of the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers with a month to go in the regular season. The Ravens won four in a row to win the division, but fell short of the Super Bowl again, losing on the road to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs. In their own ways, McIlroy and Thomas likewise starred while also faltering on their sport’s biggest stages. After winning four majors in his first six years on tour — including three-fourths of the career Grand Slam — McIlroy inexplicably went 10 years without another, agonizingly finishing second four times to go with six more top-five finishes. Finally, he got the one that had gotten away all those tries and all it took was overcoming two confounding double bogeys in the final four holes of an otherwise terrific first round, bouncing back from losing a two-shot lead on the opening hole of the final round and recovering from having squandered a one-shot lead with a single hole to play in regulation. Rory McIlroy reacts after winning the Masters in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Thomas’ plight was less dramatic, but significant. Once the top-ranked player in the world, the three years between victories was the longest stretch of a decorated career that includes two PGA Championship trophies and a slew of more than 20 other titles from around the world. “It’s so hard to stay patient,” McIlroy told reporters after his long-awaited Masters triumph. “It’s so hard to keep coming back every year and trying your best and not being able to get it done. “There was points on the back nine today I thought, ‘Have I let this slip again?’ But again, I responded with some clutch shots when I needed to.” Related Articles Ravens draft cheat sheet: Picks, team needs, how to watch and more Ravens’ breakout safety Ar’Darius Washington signs tender for 2025 Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton ‘not in a big rush’ for contract extension Ravens QB Lamar Jackson backs Park Heights thoroughbred apprenticeship READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? Entering what is just his fourth year in the NFL, Hamilton has no such scar tissue, but that doesn’t quench the thirst of expectation, particularly with Baltimore having faltered when the stakes are at their highest. Not for a player whom the Ravens drafted 14th overall out of Notre Dame in 2022 and one who is likely to become the league’s highest-paid player at his position. Not for someone who sees the parallels between golf and football and knows that the Ravens can’t afford a sluggish start — including in the secondary, as was the case last season — to get to where they haven’t yet been: a Super Bowl. “Last year, didn’t get off to a great start … but we found our way at the end of the season,” he said. “Who knows if we started off well, we would’ve had a chance at the [No.] 1 seed and stuff like that. “So, it’s important for us this year to … I think it’s important that we’ve gone through that and understand how hard it is to climb out of that hole and how we can change that this year.” Now the only question is if the Ravens will finally find the same success McIlroy and Thomas did. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The NFL draft is here. After going 12-5, winning a second straight AFC North title and advancing to the divisional round, the Ravens are poised to add another large rookie class. It all begins Thursday night with the first round in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Before the Ravens are on the clock, here’s everything you need to know: What time is the draft, and how can I watch? The 2025 NFL draft kicks off in Green Bay with the first round Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by Rounds 2-3 on Friday at 7 p.m. and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday at noon. Live coverage will be on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network, NFL+ and ESPN Deportes. What is the draft order? Here is the order of picks for the first round: Tennessee Titans (3-14 in 2024) Cleveland Browns (3-14) New York Giants (3-14) New England Patriots (4-13) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13) Las Vegas Raiders (4-13) New York Jets (5-12) Carolina Panthers (5-12) New Orleans Saints (5-12) Chicago Bears (5-12) San Francisco 49ers (6-11) Dallas Cowboys (7-10) Miami Dolphins (8-9) Indianapolis Colts (8-9) Atlanta Falcons (8-9) Arizona Cardinals (8-9) Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) Seattle Seahawks (10-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) Denver Broncos (10-7) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) Green Bay Packers (11-6) Minnesota Vikings (14-3) Houston Texans (10-7) Los Angeles Rams (10-7) Ravens (12-5) Detroit Lions (15-2) Washington Commanders (12-5) Buffalo Bills (13-4) Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) How many picks do the Ravens have? The Ravens have 11 total selections, including four compensatory picks — the maximum number awarded — as a result of losing free agents Patrick Queen, John Simpson, Geno Stone and Kevin Zeitler, among others, last offseason. Baltimore swapped fifth- and sixth-round picks with the Carolina Panthers in the midseason trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. No. 27 (first round) No. 59 (second) No. 91 (third) No. 129 (fourth) No. 136 (fourth; compensatory) No. 176 (fifth; compensatory) No. 183 (sixth; via Carolina Panthers) No. 203 (sixth) No. 210 (sixth; compensatory) No. 212 (sixth; compensatory) No. 243 (seventh) What are the Ravens’ biggest needs? Here’s a deeper look at the positions the Ravens are most likely to fill in the draft, including edge rusher, cornerback, safety, defensive line, offensive line and linebacker. Related Articles Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton sees lessons in Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas victories Ravens’ breakout safety Ar’Darius Washington signs tender for 2025 Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton ‘not in a big rush’ for contract extension Ravens QB Lamar Jackson backs Park Heights thoroughbred apprenticeship READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? What did the Ravens do in free agency? Here’s a rundown of notable signings and departures: Re-signed: LT Ronnie Stanley, FB Patrick Ricard, WR Tylan Wallace, G Ben Cleveland Signed: WR DeAndre Hopkins, CB Chidobe Awuzie, LB Jake Hummel, QB Cooper Rush Departed: G Patrick Mekari (Jaguars), DL Michael Pierce (retiring), CB Brandon Stephens (Jets), LB Malik Harrison (Steelers), LB Chris Board (Giants), OT Josh Jones (Seahawks), QB Josh Johnson (Commanders), S Marcus Williams (released), CB Arthur Maulet (released) Free agents: CB Tre’Davious White, DL Brent Urban, WR Diontae Johnson, WR Nelson Agholor Restricted free agent: S Ar’Darius Washington Who are some of the top prospects the Ravens could target in the first round? Rankings from The Athletic’s consensus big board, which combines rankings from a wide range of experts. Edge rusher Mike Green, Marshall (No. 14 overall) Mykel Williams, Georgia (No. 14) Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (No. 19) James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (No. 21) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (No. 22) Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (No. 40) Cornerback Will Johnson, Michigan (No. 8) Jahdae Barron, Texas (No. 13) Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky (No. 35) Trey Amos, Ole Miss (No. 36) Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State (No. 42) Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (No. 47) Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina (No. 49) Safety Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (No. 23) Malaki Starks, Georgia (No. 28) Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (No. 50) Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State (No. 56) Defensive line Mason Graham, Michigan (No. 4) Walter Nolen, Ole Miss (No. 18) Kenneth Grant, Michigan (No. 29) Derrick Harmon, Oregon (No. 30) Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (No. 48) Darius Alexander, Toledo (No. 53) T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (No. 54) Linebacker Jalon Walker, Georgia (No. 7) Jihaad Campbell, Alabama (No. 16) Carson Schwesinger, UCLA (No. 43) Offensive line Armand Membou, Missouri (No. 6) Will Campbell, LSU (No. 10) Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (No. 17) Josh Simmons, Ohio State (No. 26) Tyler Booker, Alabama (No. 31) Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (No. 33) Grey Zabel, North Dakota State (No. 34) Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (No. 38) Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (No. 9) Matthew Golden, Texas (No. 20) Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (No. 24) Luther Burden III, Missouri (No. 25) Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (No. 44) Predraft visits Here is a look at players who have been confirmed to have or reportedly visited with Baltimore. Who are the most notable prospects with ties to Baltimore and Maryland? Hat tip to “The Beast” draft guide from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Baltimore/Mount Saint Joseph) Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. (Columbia/DeMatha Catholic) Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong (Upper Marlboro/Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High) Kentucky linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Hyattsville/St. Frances) Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden (St. Frances) Navy safety Rayuan Lane III (Jessup/Gilman) Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. (McDonogh) Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather (Montgomery Village/Northwest High) Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton Maryland defensive lineman Jordan Phillips Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons (father, Nelson, played for Orioles in 1987) Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (uncle, Alphonso Harris, played running back at Morgan State) Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams (born in Baltimore before family moved to Southern California) Michigan offensive tackle Myles Hinton (father, Chris, played offensive tackle for Baltimore Colts) LSU guard Garrett Dellinger (born in Maryland before family moved to Michigan; mother, Stephanie, was the 1992 Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year in Maryland) South Carolina defensive tackle DeAndre Jules (Germantown/Northwest) Towson tight end Carter Runyon Morgan State defensive tackle Elijah Williams Who are the Ravens’ most recent first-round picks? 2024: Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, No. 30 overall 2023: Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers, No. 22 2022: Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, No. 14 2022: Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, No. 25 2021: Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, No. 27 2020: LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, No. 28 2019: Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise Brown, No. 25 2018: South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst, No. 25 2018: Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, No. 32 2017: Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey, No. 16 2016: Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley, No. 6 Readers respond We asked readers to pick which position the Ravens should target with their first-round draft pick. Edge rusher was the most popular choice (40%), followed by cornerback (15%) and safety (15%). Latest mock drafts NFL mock draft: Ravens beat writer Brian Wacker predicts first round NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs 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 More Ravens draft coverage Mike Preston: Ravens’ draft haul needs to improve defense | COMMENTARY 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. What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. When might Baltimore host the NFL draft? It could be a while. 5 things we learned about the Ravens at the NFL scouting combine 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

Safety Ar’Darius Washington is staying with the Ravens. Washington has signed a one-year restricted free agent tender, the team announced Monday. The move means he will remain with the Ravens through at least the 2025 season. It was also not a surprise. Washington’s return became all but certain when he did not sign an offer sheet from another team by Friday’s deadline, clearing the way for him to remain with Baltimore on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million. He received a right-of-first-refusal tender from the Ravens last month. But that tender offer was a minor gamble, too. Had Washington signed an offer sheet with another team and the Ravens chose not to match it, they would get nothing in return. But if they used a second-round tender, it would have limited interest from other teams in the former undrafted free agent because the Ravens would have received a second-round draft pick in return. It also would have been costlier to Baltimore at $5.3 million. Now, Washington will look to build on what was a breakout season. After playing only eight games his first three years in Baltimore, Washington took over for Marcus Williams after Williams was benched halfway through the season and helped stabilize a struggling pass defense. In 17 games (10 starts), Washington had two interceptions, 64 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack while playing alongside safety Kyle Hamilton and helping Baltimore become one of the NFL’s best defenses in the second half of the season. “Ar’Darius is a great example of a guy who got a chance and ran with it,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in January. “This year, he stayed healthy, and he became that guy that we saw in college. He’s tough, physical, a playmaker, instinctive, smart, a leader. “He’s a great story. Just another one of these undrafted guys over the years that we’ve had that has developed into being a really good football player.” Washington rejoins a group that includes Hamilton and second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, but the Ravens are expected to add to the position during this year’s draft, which begins Thursday night. “This is a really nice pool of players to pick from,” DeCosta said of the safeties in this year’s class. “I think we definitely will look at that.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton ‘not in a big rush’ for contract extension Ravens QB Lamar Jackson backs Park Heights thoroughbred apprenticeship READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: What will team do in NFL draft? | COMMENTARY 10 sleepers in 2025 NFL draft who Ravens fans should know View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton spent part of his offseason playing golf with three high school friends at Pebble Beach and attending his first Masters. Center Tyler Linderbaum mostly stayed in the area working out, save for his own buddies’ golf trip to Georgia. Monday, though, they were back to work in Owings Mills for the first day of Baltimore’s offseason workout program. The start of the season is still more than four months away. A more immediate deadline looms, though, with May 1 marking when Baltimore must decide whether to pick up the fifth-year options on two of their most important players. Declining the option for either would make them free agents after next season if an extension isn’t reached before then, though that is not likely. “Haven’t had too many talks about it,” Hamilton said when asked if he’s spoken with general manager Eric DeCosta about a possible contract extension. “I’m not in a big rush, so if it happens, it happens. And if it happens this offseason, cool.” Hamilton, like Linderbaum, is entering the final year of his rookie deal. DeCosta, meanwhile, has said little so far. “There’s really no updates on that front,” he said last week. “I think the last couple of years I’ve waited to announce that and handle that, and I think that’s going to be the case again this year.” With the NFL draft kicking off Thursday, it’s possible the Ravens could announce a deal for one or both ahead of the draft, or shortly thereafter, as they did last year in announcing their decision to pick up outside linebacker Odafe Oweh’s fifth-year option. Whatever Baltimore decides, neither player appears to be particularly fretful about it. Related Articles Ravens’ breakout safety Ar’Darius Washington signs tender for 2025 Ravens QB Lamar Jackson backs Park Heights thoroughbred apprenticeship READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: What will team do in NFL draft? | COMMENTARY 10 sleepers in 2025 NFL draft who Ravens fans should know “No conversations yet,” Linderbaum said. “I’m just focused on becoming as good a football player as I can be for this team, just coming in here every day and put my best foot forward and let all the other things take care of itself.” With each having been selected to two Pro Bowls, their fifth-year options would be costly. Picking up Hamilton’s would cost $18.6 million; Linderbaum’s $23.4 million. Contract extensions also won’t come cheap. On Monday, Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens agreed to a four-year extension with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles worth a reported $68 million, which makes him the second-highest paid player at his position behind Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Creed Humphrey. Last offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. signed a four-year, $81 million extension to make him the highest-paid player at his position. Baltimore’s ability to rework quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract is also a factor. While Jackson accounts for a $43.5 million salary cap hit this year, that number is currently slated to jump to $74.5 million for 2026 and 2027. Either way, expect Hamilton to likely reset the safety market and Linderbaum to be handsomely paid as well. Hamilton, whom the Ravens selected 14th overall out of Notre Dame in 2022, has been the lynchpin to one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past three seasons, and his versatility to play all over the field makes him a unique talent. He was also a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection last season after being the only safety with at least 100 tackles, an interception, two sacks and two forced fumbles. “No conversations yet,” center Tyler Linderbaum said when asked if he'd had any contract negotiations with the Ravens. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Linderbaum, whom Baltimore drafted 25th overall out of Iowa three years ago, was also a Pro Bowl selection last season. He also anchored a line that helped clear the way for an offense that led the NFL in yards per game (426.5), yards per play (6.8), red zone scoring (73.97%) and became the first to rack up at least 4,000 yards passing and more than 3,000 yards rushing in the same season. The Ravens have been clear that they’d like to keep both players for the long term. Though Hamilton acknowledged he would like to have clarity about his contract status by the start of the season, neither said they’re concerned about an extension right now. “I just wanna play football and focus on that,” Hamilton said. “But that’s such a hypothetical at this point, I’ll just cross that bridge when I get there.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is further committing to using his connection to the National Thoroughbred League to benefit Baltimore. Jackson, a part-owner of the NTL’s Maryland Colts, is helping launch the Forever Dreamers 8 Scholars program, a fully funded apprenticeship that gives high school seniors in Park Heights a chance to work in Maryland’s thoroughbred industry. A cohort of eight high schoolers (in honor of Jackson’s No. 8) will spend their senior year working various jobs that include horse training, veterinarian duties and sales work, which also has the backing of Gov. Wes Moore and his wife, Dawn. Moore’s Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) initiative, which provides resources to communities in hopes of improving the lives of Marylanders experiencing multi-generational poverty, is partnering with Jackson’s Forever Dreamers Foundation to create the pilot apprenticeship. “Lamar Jackson is a generational talent on the field and a model citizen off the field. … This program will provide pathways for young people in Park Heights into pathways associated with the Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland thoroughbred industry,” Gov. Moore said in a news release. Randall Lane, an NTL cofounder, is optimistic the program will create a route for high schoolers to build careers in horse racing. “When they graduate, hopefully a bunch of these local residents will have jobs waiting for them,” Lane told The Baltimore Sun. Jackson joined the NTL, a 10-team thoroughbred racing league entering its third season, as an investor and team owner last year. He wanted his involvement in the league to benefit the Baltimore community, and his foundation aiding with the new apprenticeship program makes good on that goal. Baltimore’s standout signal caller specifically wanted children in the area to feel a stronger connection to both Pimlico and the state’s thoroughbred industry. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Award winner will celebrate the launch of the program through a pair of events around the NTL’s Baltimore Cup, which takes place May 10 at Pimlico. On May 9, Jackson will host a fundraiser at The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point. The event will include a performance by musical artist Jarobi White of “A Tribe Called Quest.” The race on May 10 is being dubbed the Baltimore Community Day, as it will bring thousands of kids from Park Heights to Pimlico for free. At the event, kids will get to pet thoroughbred horses, play games, eat a free meal, watch races and interact with Jackson, among other activities. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved,” Jackson said in a news release. “We’re really looking forward to exposing the kids to new things.” Related Articles 150th Preakness Stakes to skip traditional infield concert, feature new ‘Fan Zone’ Pimlico Race Course to retain oval track design, saving Maryland millions; renovations to start in June Preakness Festival to be headlined by downtown concert featuring DJ D-Nice and BSO Maryland’s Snap Decision wins Eclipse Award as North America’s steeplechase champion Jackson spearheaded the idea for a community day, which he often hosts in Florida through his foundation. “This was Lamar,” Lane said. “Lamar said … ‘I want the kids to be able to touch horses.’ Presumably, they live in the shadow of Pimlico and they’ve never touched a horse, seen a horse … hopefully they’ll see why Pimlico is such a special place, and it’s not just a place that they look at from the outside, but it’s a home for them, too.” Jackson’s commitment to NTL comes as the Ravens look to keep the superstar in Baltimore for the extended future. His current contract runs through 2028, and the franchise has discussed extending that deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter called a desire to keep Jackson in Baltimore longer than 2028 a “no-brainer” for the organization. Count Lane among the people who hope Jackson stays in Baltimore for a while — and not just because of his impact on the football field. “I’ve been so impressed with his purposefulness around making sure this is truly impactful and not just window dressing,” Lane said. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article