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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

It’s only April, but the Orioles hit a new low on Sunday when they lost to the Cincinnati Reds, 24-2, for the franchise’s worst loss since 2007. At 9-12 overall, Baltimore is still in the mix, but it is a far cry from the lofty expectations placed upon a team that made the postseason the past two seasons and features one of the best young cores in MLB. What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. If you cannot see the poll, click here to vote. Related Articles Orioles reset: Charlie Morton knows he must figure things out quickly Orioles’ 24-2 loss, sloppy start validate fear about wasting title window | ANALYSIS By the numbers: 3 revealing stats from the Orioles’ 24-2 loss to the Reds Orioles fall to Reds, 24-2, in team’s biggest loss since 2007 Orioles option Brandon Young to minors after MLB debut, recall reliever The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens’ offseason. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) There have been three times this offseason in which Eric DeCosta has addressed Mark Andrews’ status and talked about him being a warrior and the contributions he’s made to the team during his time in Baltimore, but he’s never definitively declared “he’ll be in a Ravens uniform for 2025.” Do you believe a draft-day trade is already in the works? Or is this just EDC posturing to see if any team will tempt them enough? — Paul in Orlando Paul, I wouldn’t say a draft-day trade is already in the works, but most opposing teams know Andrews is available if the price is right. It makes sense, especially with young tight ends like Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar waiting to take over and replace Andrews. Likely’s hands are just as good, and he has more ability to juke defenders and gain yards after the catch. Kolar is a big body who helps in the running game, but he showed on occasion last year that he can become a target in the passing game. DeCosta has been honest about Andrews. I’ve written and recorded it several times that the only player I knew in team history who practiced and played harder than Andrews was Hall of Fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Andrews is still an integral part of the offense and he is quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite target inside the red zone. But if the Ravens can get a good offer, they will make the deal. In the words of former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, “right player, right price.” Sold. Where do you anticipate the Ravens could draft multiple players at the same position? It wouldn’t shock me if we took multiple defensive linemen, multiple secondary players or multiple defensive ends/outside linebackers. — Drew K Drew, multiple players being chosen can happen at almost any position. I am not familiar with the team’s draft board and where they have certain players ranked, but the Ravens have needs in the secondary, linebacker positions and on the defensive line. Certain situations can dictate certain scenarios. You can pick up quality offensive linemen almost anywhere in the draft. Newsome always believed — something he learned from former New England coach Bill Belichick during his time in Cleveland — that a team can never have enough defensive linemen. DeCosta has said the same thing about cornerbacks. Also, there can be a run on positions, especially in the first round. If that happens, some teams opt to pick a player if it doesn’t believe there will be enough quality talent around, and then they double down at that position later in the draft. So yes, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens take multiple players at any position. Columnist Mike Preston writes that the Ravens are limited along the offensive line, shown during training camp last summer. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff file) The Eagles demonstrated what I’ve heard you say before: “You win if your fat guys beat the other team’s fat guys.” Do the Ravens have the right fat guys? — Clarke Clarke, they have the right fat guys, but only if Jackson remains healthy and is the starting quarterback for the entire 2025 season. He makes this offense go. The Ravens are limited along the offensive line, which isn’t strong at pass blocking. In fact, this line has only gotten better athletically as far as running screens and getting blocks downfield in the past two years with Todd Monken as the offensive coordinator. But if the Ravens can’t run the ball, they have Jackson to bail them out. He makes this offensive line better because of his evasiveness and ability to adjust on the fly. With that said, the same thing can be said about Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, Buffalo’s Josh Allen or Washington’s Jayden Daniels. Related Articles READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? 10 sleepers in 2025 NFL draft who Ravens fans should know Mike Preston: Ravens’ draft haul needs to improve defense | COMMENTARY Adam Schefter on possible extension for Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: ‘No-brainer’ READERS RESPOND: Here’s which position fans want Ravens to draft in 1st round If you are asking if the Ravens’ offensive line reminds me in any way of Philadelphia’s as far as being a dominant group, I would say no. Make that a heck no. What do you think about a mini realignment for the 2026 NFL season that involves the Ravens swapping with the Colts? The divisions would look like this: AFC East: Ravens, Bills, Jets, Patriots AFC North: Colts, Browns, Steelers, Bengals AFC South: Dolphins, Jaguars, Titans, Texans AFC West: Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders NFC East: Giants, Eagles, Commanders, Panthers NFC South: Cowboys, Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints NFC North: Lions, Vikings, Packers, Bears NFC West: Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, 49ers — George Sorry, George, no thanks. I like the AFC North the way it is. It’s still one of the best, if not the best, division in the NFL. All the teams are similar as far as relying on strong defenses and good running games. While the Steelers and Browns have struggled recently to find a quarterback, Joe Burrow and Jackson can light it up with Burrow in the air and Jackson as a dual-threat. I like the competition between the Browns’ Myles Garrett and the Steelers’ T.J. Watt as the top two pass rushers in the NFL, and all four cities are easy to travel to for home and away games. In other words, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The NFL draft is all about finding gems. While top prospects at the biggest schools are easy to identify and get excited about, players who stand out at lesser-known programs can be just as valuable. It’s why scouts have this old adage: Scout the player, not the helmet. The Ravens know a thing or two about that. While many of their draft picks have come from power conference schools, there have been several notable picks from smaller programs, including tight end Isaiah Likely (Coastal Carolina), defensive lineman Zach Sieler (Ferris State), edge rusher Matthew Judon (Grand Valley State), center Ryan Jensen (Colorado State Pueblo), cornerback Asa Jackson (Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo) and linebacker Antwan Barnes (Florida International), to name a few. Which under-the-radar players might general manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens’ staff identify this year? Here’s a look at some notable draft sleepers who might fit in Baltimore: William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant The former wrestler didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school and was overlooked during the recruiting process, receiving his first scholarship offer from Division II Virginia-Wise before committing to FCS William & Mary. After redshirting during the pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season, he claimed the starting job at left tackle for the Tribe and held it for four seasons, earning first-team All-America honors in his final two while rebuffing offers from FBS programs along the way. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound Grant ended his college career on a high note, becoming the only offensive lineman to be named a finalist for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, which recognizes the top offensive player in the FCS. And while he didn’t get a chance to compete against fellow top prospects at the Senior Bowl because of an injury, his overall body of work, physical traits (including 84th-percentile arm length at 34 3/4 inches) and competitiveness will get him drafted, perhaps as early as the third round. Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker In high school at Stuttgart High in Arkansas, Walker was a 5-9, 170-pound sophomore before blossoming into a first-team all-state selection playing both defensive line and offense. However, he suffered a torn ACL during his final season and was not ranked in the 2019 recruiting class before signing with Division II Southern Arkansas. After a redshirt season and 2020 pandemic cancellation, he finally got on the field and recorded eight sacks in 11 games before transferring to Central Arkansas. With the Bears, Walker became one of the best defensive players in the FCS, recording 63 tackles for loss and 31 sacks in three seasons. A three-time FCS All-American and three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year, Walker won the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player. While the 24-year-old lacks ideal length and size at 6-1, 263 pounds with 31 7/8-inch arms, Walker is touted for his bull-rush move, heavy hands and off-the-charts production. He’ll likely be a fourth-round pick. Cal Poly edge rusher Elijah Ponder The former two-star recruit flashed as a redshirt freshman defensive end, returning an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in the 2021 season opener and recording a team-leading eight sacks. He finished his five-year career ranked third in school history with 26 1/2 career sacks, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors in 2023 and 2024. The 6-3, 251-pound Ponder also posted outstanding athletic testing numbers, including a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump and 6.99-second three-cone drill. He could carve out a role as a rotational pass rusher as a late Day 3 pick. California safety Craig Woodson runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 28. He's started 38 games the past three seasons. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) California safety Craig Woodson Based on his evaluation, NFL.com draft analyst and former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah said that he would take Woodson in the third round. He’s projected to come off the board much later than that, in part because he’s 24 with an average 6-foot, 200-pound frame and a 2021 season-ending knee injury, but there’s a lot to like in his profile. In addition to his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and explosiveness (81st-percentile broad jump at 10-7), analysts say that Woodson reads the field well and doesn’t make mistakes. His overall experience at safety (started 38 games the past three seasons) and on special teams (450 career snaps) would provide instant depth. Related Articles READER POLL: What is the biggest reason for the Orioles’ struggles? Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: What will team do in NFL draft? | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens’ draft haul needs to improve defense | COMMENTARY Adam Schefter on possible extension for Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: ‘No-brainer’ READERS RESPOND: Here’s which position fans want Ravens to draft in 1st round Western Michigan cornerback Bilhal Kone Kone’s story of perseverance is easy to root for, as he moved from a no-star recruit to junior college to Indiana State to Western Michigan — the last stop in part because he wanted the challenge of playing against the toughest opponents on the Broncos’ 2024 schedule (Iowa, Ohio State and Wisconsin). At 6-1, 190 pounds with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, he has the size and speed to stick with receivers and doesn’t shy away from contact as a run defender (one of only four FBS cornerbacks with 70 tackles or more in 2024). As an early Day 3 pick, he could be a gem. Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins As a two-time All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection, Higgins might not qualify for the “sleeper” category among college football fans. But because of his below-average size (6 feet, 224 pounds) and athleticism (28th among linebackers at the scouting combine in athleticism score), a lot of NFL teams will pass on him. They could be missing out on a solid player. Higgins led the FBS with 171 tackles in 2023 and followed that up with 124 (including four interceptions) in 2024. He also called the defensive signals for the Hawkeyes and was described as the “ultimate leader” as team captain. With his instincts and experience, he could stick in the NFL as a late Day 3 pick. Sacramento State guard/center Jackson Slater Strength is the calling card for Slater, who was highlighted on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” and was one of only five players with at least 30 bench press reps at the NFL scouting combine. As a left guard at Sacramento State, he became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn three first-team all-conference honors and was named a first-team FCS All-American in 2024. The jump in competition could take some adjustment, but Slater has the traits worth betting on as a potential Day 3 pick. Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III catches a pass before being knocked out of bounds during the East West Shrine Bowl in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 30. Chism set the FCS record with at least one catch in 53 straight games. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III The Ravens have already shown their interest in Chism, bringing him to Baltimore for a predraft visit. Given his background, it’s easy to understand why. The 5-11, 193-pound slot receiver finished his five-year college career with 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns. While those numbers trail former Eastern Washington star Cooper Kupp’s career marks, Chism broke Kupp’s FCS record by recording at least one catch in 53 straight games. The 23-year-old Chism will have to prove that he can beat NFL-caliber defensive backs at his size, but his staggering production and quick feet might give him a chance to stick on a roster as a late-round flier or undrafted free agent. Temple kicker Maddux Trujillo The Eagles have been playing at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia since 2003, but they don’t own the record for the longest field goal at their own stadium. That belongs to Trujillo, who made a 64-yarder against Utah State this past season that ranks as the eighth longest in NCAA history. 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 when he nailed a 60-yarder against UConn. The Austin Peay transfer went 16-for-22 (72.7%) with the Owls after leaving as the Governors’ career leader in field goals made (38) and field goal percentage (.717). His big leg could be attractive to a team potentially looking to replace Justin Tucker. Towson tight end Carter Runyon The Ravens wouldn’t have to look far to add another tight end to their roster. After two seasons at Shenandoah University, Runyon transferred to Towson and became the program’s first Division I All-American at tight end after leading the team in receptions (43), receiving yards (549) and touchdown catches (four) in 2023. The 6-5, 243-pound Runyon posted nearly identical numbers in 2024, helping the Tigers go 7-5. If he makes a roster, he’d become the only active Towson player in the NFL and the first since safety Jordan Dangerfield in 2020. 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

During the past two offseasons, the Ravens have loaded up on offensive talent, including running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. They even added former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush as a backup to starter Lamar Jackson nearly a month ago. That’s all great to appease Jackson and the Ravens’ highly productive offense, but it’s very similar to what Cincinnati did a few years ago with quarterback Joe Burrow. Where did that get the Bengals? They lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 23-20, in Super Bowl LVI and have missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons. That should be a lesson for the Ravens. The NFL is about balance on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and there was no team better in the 2024 season than the Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl champions finished in the top five for run defense, pass coverage and pass rush, per Pro Football Focus, all while complementing the defense with the No. 8 ranked offense that averaged 367.2 yards per game. So, as the Ravens finish up preparations for the three-day draft, which begins Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, let’s hope they add an infusion of young talent on defense. The Ravens had the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense, but were No. 10 overall in defense. Here’s the rub: They were next to last in pass defense. That’s great in a shootout, but how about fielding a respectable secondary? Please. Where do the Ravens begin? Oh, they’ve got holes. Coach John Harbaugh can talk about being able to play right now with his current roster, but they can’t win a Super Bowl with this team. The Ravens need linebackers on the inside and pass rushers off the edge. They need run stoppers in the middle with nose tackle Michael Pierce retiring and end Brent Urban, now a free agent, close to turning 34. Fourth-year player Travis Jones can fill some of the void inside, but ends Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington aren’t the only answers. The Ravens need more bulk and depth. They could also use a rookie cornerback to start opposite second-year player Nate Wiggins, who should be outstanding this season if he works hard in the weight room. They can add another safety who can play with fourth-year performer Kyle Hamilton, whose strength is near the line of scrimmage even though he played well on the back end in 2024. “I do think it’s a good draft class,” Ravens general manager, Eric DeCosta said, referring to the edge rushers. “Now also, if I’m not mistaken, we’ve got our entire outside linebacker core coming back this year, so that’s a great situation for us, because we didn’t lose anybody. So, from that standpoint I think it’s good. “Now again, there are some really talented guys in this draft class, and there are guys that we’ll be looking at as first-round guys, second-round guys, third-round guys [or] fourth-round guys we think could come in and compete to play right away or develop and become really good players, so that’s exciting for us.” The Ravens have adequate pass rushers in outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy (12 1/2 sacks in 2024) and Odafe Oweh (10), but they weren’t productive in big games, and Van Noy is 34. Third-year weakside linebacker Trenton Simpson was benched by the end of last season and the Raven also lost both replacements, Malik Harrison and Chris Board, during free agency. Ravens coach John Harbaugh, shown speaking during a news conference, says he likes the team's roster. Still, the Ravens could use an influx of young defensive talent. (Michael Conroy/AP) On the back end, the Ravens might be expecting big things from cornerback T.J. Tampa, a fourth-round pick in 2024, but the play of oft-injured Jalyn Armour-Davis is still suspect and veteran Marlon Humphrey is better in the slot than on the outside. The Ravens have 11 picks in the annual event, and the last time they had the many was 2022, when they selected eventual Pro Bowl performers Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum in the first round. They also hit with Jones, offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, tight end Charlie Kolar, punter Jordan Stout and tight end Isaiah Likely on Day 2 and 3. There have been several projections about which player the Ravens select at No. 27 in the first round. It might be Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, even though he had only 4 1/2 sacks during his Aggies career. It might be Georgia safety Malaki Starks or Boston College pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (16 1/2 sacks last season). There is no preference here, just get some new blood on defense. The Ravens have made significant hires as far as defensive assistants in the last year. Hopefully, former coordinator Dean Pees will return in some capacity as a consultant this season, and Chuck Pagano will coach the secondary. Related Articles Adam Schefter on possible extension for Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: ‘No-brainer’ READERS RESPOND: Here’s which position fans want Ravens to draft in 1st round NFL mock draft: Ravens beat writer Brian Wacker predicts first round Hacking case against ex-Ravens assistant might include Towson athletes Mike Preston: Joe Flacco considered Ravens return in offseason | COMMENTARY DeCosta, who replaced Ozzie Newsome as the general manager in 2019, has found success in recent drafts, even though his first one in 2019 was a disaster. The 2020 class featured linebacker Patrick Queen, running back J.K. Dobbins and Madubuike in the first three rounds and Washington and safety Geno Stone in both the fifth and seventh rounds, respectively. The 2021 class is still suspect, with receiver Rashod Bateman, Oweh and guard Ben Cleveland in the first three rounds, but both the 2023 and 2024 classes have panned out. The Ravens’ formula of picking the “best player available” has worked consistently, especially with the team’s on-the-field success having gone to the playoffs in six of the the past seven years. The emphasis in this class needs to be on defense. “Well, I’m never super confident,” DeCosta said. “I always want to feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. We want to hit on all our picks, not just first-round picks. I’m just as hard on myself for a fourth-round pick that I might’ve missed and what didn’t I see and what did I see? Or players that end up being really good that we passed on for different reasons, [and] what didn’t I see in that player? And now, he’s a Pro Bowler, and you just beat yourself up over that. So yes, I feel that pressure every year, and I welcome it. If I didn’t feel that, I’d be concerned.” Let’s just hope there is more concern on the defensive side of the ball. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the Ravens’ predraft luncheon on Tuesday, general manager Eric DeCosta was asked if he fully expects tight end Mark Andrews to remain with the team and be a focal point of Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations next season. DeCosta was complimentary, yet noncommittal. “Oh, man,” he said. “I never know what’s gonna happen. And I would never want to say this or that. But I can tell you this, Mark Andrews, he’s a warrior and he’s played his butt off for his. His competitiveness, his talent, his attitude, his leadership, is so valued here.” Andrews has been a centerpiece of Baltimore’s offseason scuttlebutt. The veteran tight end, who is a surefire future member of the Ravens’ Ring of Honor, ended his season on murky terms. Andrews dropped the game-tying 2-point conversion attempt in Baltimore’s AFC divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills. That came shortly after a costly fumble in Bills territory that set up the eventual decisive field goal. He did not speak postgame and did not attend the open portion of locker room cleanup the following afternoon, rather opting to share his remorse on social media. It wasn’t all bad. Despite needing six weeks to put the ball in the end zone, Andrews led the Ravens in receiving touchdowns (11) and was second in receptions, trailing only Zay Flowers in the league’s most potent offense by DVOA. He also became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns. Andrews is now entering the final season of a four-year, $56 million contract extension he signed in September 2021. Rumors of Baltimore moving on from Lamar Jackson’s career-long safety blanket speak to the depth behind him, namely ascendent tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. DeCosta also has 11 picks to work with heading into next week’s draft, which he said provides the organization some “flexibility.” Should the Ravens move on from Andrews, next week’s NFL draft could be a logical place to start. That said, DeCosta couldn’t remember ever trading away a player on draft day. He was reminded about sending wide receiver Marquise Brown to Arizona for the 22nd overall pick in 2022. DeCosta boxed himself into revealing that he had made that deal the Monday before the draft. His answer tumbled away from any more Andrews speculation. Related Articles How will Ravens attack draft, roster? 10 takeaways from ‘liars’ luncheon’ Who will the Ravens pick in the 2025 NFL draft? Grok AI weighs in. Mike Preston: Dont’e Thornton Jr. will never forget his Baltimore roots | COMMENTARY READER POLL: Which position should the Ravens draft in the first round? NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs When posed a similar question about Andrews’ future at the NFL owners meetings last month, Ravens coach John Harbaugh had this to say: “I do fully expect him to be playing for us next year. He’s just too good a player. Obviously, with any player, there’s always that — probably any player — it’s just coaches [and] players … It’s the National Football League. That’s part of the deal, with things happening, so I never could say anybody … but Mark would be one of the few guys I would expect to be here, so we’ll see what happens. My plans are that we’ve got Mark, we’ve got Isaiah, we’ve got Charlie, we’ve got Pat Ricard all in place doing all those jobs.” If Baltimore explores trading Andrews, he would certainly make for a strong chip at the negotiation table for a potential Day 1 or Day 2 draft slot. He’s a highly respected locker-room presence and still a formidable pass catcher, even if his total output dipped. His annual salary ranks sixth among tight ends, but a team trading for him would only be responsible for the $7 million base salary. Only time will tell how all of this plays out. Just don’t expect DeCosta to show his cards beyond admiration for Andrews’ past seven seasons as a Raven. “He’s a great player,” DeCosta said. “And I think we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can. There’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft. You just never know.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said Tuesday that “we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can. There’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft. You just never know.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

Nobody knows who the Ravens will select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, which takes place next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin. While Baltimore’s opening pick will remain a mystery until close to midnight on April 24, there is no shortage of prognostications on who the Ravens will add to their roster with the 27th overall pick. A recent CBS mock draft has the Ravens taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a 310-pound beast with starting potential. Harmon’s athleticism and pass-rushing upside could make him an immediate contributor along Baltimore’s defensive front. Other mock drafts, like The Baltimore Sun’s most recent three-round projection, have the Ravens taking edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku at No. 27. The Boston College pass rusher could immediately contribute to the Super Bowl-contending Ravens, who lack young stars at the defensive end/outside linebacker spot. With people across the country tossing their projections out there, we wanted to see what artificial intelligence has to say on the subject. We asked Grok AI, which is available to use via social media platform X, who the Ravens will take at No. 27 overall. Here’s how the conversation, which was edited for grammar and clarity, unfolded. Who will the Ravens select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft? Grok AI: It’s impossible to predict with certainty who the Baltimore Ravens will select with their first-round pick (No. 27 overall) in the 2025 NFL draft, as decisions depend on team needs, prospect evaluations, and draft-day dynamics. However, based on current analyses, the Ravens are likely to target positions like cornerback, offensive guard, edge rusher or safety to bolster their roster. Mock drafts suggest several possibilities: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia): Praised for his playmaking, he could pair with Kyle Hamilton to strengthen the secondary. Some see him as a value pick if he slides because of athleticism concerns. Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College): Noted for adding pass-rush juice, addressing potential needs with aging or departing edge players like Kyle Van Noy or Odafe Oweh. Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas): A takeaway machine who could add depth at cornerback, especially after losing Brandon Stephens in free agency. Tyler Booker (G, Alabama): A top guard prospect to replace Patrick Mekari and solidify the offensive line alongside Ronnie Stanley. Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon): An ultra-disruptive lineman who fits Baltimore’s defensive ethos, though his inconsistency might make him a late first-round steal. Pundits highlight the Ravens’ strategy of taking the best player available, often prioritizing defensive playmakers or offensive line depth. Their final choice will hinge on how the board falls and whether GM Eric DeCosta trades up, down or stays put, as he’s known for both coveting picks and making deals. The Baltimore Sun: Not bad, Grok, not bad at all. Although saying DeCosta is known for “both coveting picks and making deals” feels like a description that could be used for 90% of general managers. Maybe a future iteration of Grok will have bolder takes about the decision-making of NFL executives. Run 10,000 NFL draft simulations. Who do the Ravens pick most frequently in the 2025 first round? Grok AI: Running 10,000 NFL draft simulations isn’t feasible in real-time due to the complexity of draft dynamics, which involve team needs, player availability, trades, and unpredictable decision-making … Without running actual simulations, Barron stands out as the most frequently mocked player to the Ravens in recent analyses due to their need for secondary depth and his draft stock aligning with the late first round. His selection rate in mock drafts (around 20-25% of projections) edges out Starks (15-20%), Booker (15%) and Ezeiruaku (10-15%), based on sources like The Athletic, NFL.com and SI.com. The Baltimore Sun: Perhaps in a future year Grok or other artificial intelligence chatbots will be more willing to run NFL draft simulations mimicking the drafting behavior of NFL general managers and coaches. If you were the Ravens’ general manager, who would you pick at No. 27? Grok AI: As the hypothetical GM for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL draft, with the No. 27 pick, I’d select Malaki Starks, safety, Georgia. Related Articles Mike Preston: Dont’e Thornton Jr. will never forget his Baltimore roots | COMMENTARY READER POLL: Which position should the Ravens draft in the first round? NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns on a 1-year deal Ravens host several players ahead of NFL draft. Here’s a look at each. The Ravens’ defense thrives on versatile playmakers, and Starks is a top-tier safety with elite range, instincts, and ball skills (3 INTs, 10 PBUs in 2024). Pairing him with Kyle Hamilton creates a dynamic secondary to counter pass-heavy AFC offenses like Kansas City and Buffalo. While edge rusher (e.g., James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee) is tempting due to Kyle Van Noy’s age and Odafe Oweh’s [impending] free agency, the edge class is deep, allowing a Day 2 pick there. Starks’ first-round grade and fit in Baltimore’s scheme make him the best player available, aligning with Eric DeCosta’s strategy of prioritizing impact over immediate need. The loss of Brandon Stephens also elevates secondary concerns, and Starks’ versatility addresses multiple roles (deep safety, slot). This pick balances long-term upside with immediate impact, though I’d consider trading down if a team offers a strong package, given the depth at other positions. The Baltimore Sun: Grok AI is really high on Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a former five-star prospect and a critical member of one of college football’s best programs the past three seasons. Starks started 14 games in each of the past three years, earning All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024. He could form a fearsome safety duo with Hamilton. How might the addition of Starks impact Baltimore’s 2025 postseason goals? Grok, who do you think will win the next Super Bowl? Grok AI: The Ravens over the Eagles, 31-27. Quarterback Lamar Jackson earns MVP with a rushing TD and 300 total yards, finally getting Baltimore over the hump at Levi’s Stadium. This is a speculative call based on today’s landscape. Draft picks like Malaki Starks (if the Ravens grab him, as I’d advocate) could further tip scales. The Baltimore Sun: Grok AI really loves Starks, suggesting he could be the difference-maker in a Super Bowl run. Will DeCosta follow the advice of artificial intelligence? Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

Nearly two weeks ago, Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. and his agent, Jacob Branch, were driving through Thornton’s old neighborhood in Cherry Hill. According to Thornton, there are still a lot of Section 8 housing projects in the area and crime wasn’t rampant, it was just a way of life. By the time he was in the seventh grade, Thornton’s father was incarcerated, so he helped his mom, Taria Felder, 41, raise his two sisters and two brothers, all younger. Now that he looks back, Thornton has no regrets. It turned him into an impressive young man at age 22. “I’d say it was just me being the older brother and just trying to help my mother and make things easier for her,” said Thornton, a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High in Baltimore. “My mother took care of us, she did a great job of taking care of us, but I was just doing whatever I could to help make it easier on her throughout that process. My dad was in prison when I was 9, so I guess you could say it started from there on. “I wouldn’t say I have any regrets about it, but do I think about it? Yes, I wish maybe it was a little bit different. But I wouldn’t be here without going through things that I went through. I remember everything, just knowing there’s still a lot of people that I grew up with that still live there. I will never forget where I came from and knowing that I was one of the people that made it out.” Thornton, who started his college career at Oregon, is on the verge of becoming an NFL draft pick. He is projected to be a Day 3 selection, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he came off the board earlier than that after the draft begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thornton is generally ranked in the second tier or the top 20 of the wide receiver prospects, but few have his combination of size and speed. Thornton is 6 feet 5 and weighs 205 pounds. At the league’s scouting combine in Indianapolis in February, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.30 seconds. That’s flying. In 13 games last season, he had 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an FBS-best 25.4 yards per reception. He had six catches for 50 yards or more. Not impressed? Here’s more: Tennessee had a run-first mentality with 594 rushing attempts compared with 375 passing, so some teams might gamble on Thornton early. He has a massive wingspan (79 inches) and can run away from any defender. In Indianapolis, he recorded a vertical leap of 33 inches and had a broad jump of 10 feet, 6 inches. His route running isn’t as defined as some NFL teams would like and he hasn’t faced press coverage like he will in the NFL, but hey, which receivers have? That’s what assistant coaches are for: Coach ’em up. Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMount Saint Joseph wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. right, hugs his mother, Taria Felder, after announcing his commitment to Oregon as a high school senior. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “Right now, it’s like the third day, through the fifth round,” Thornton said of his projected range, “but yeah, it could change up closer to the first draft day.” Football has always been a priority for Thornton. He didn’t hold a job through high school because the focus was always on football. When Mount Saint Joseph came offering, there wasn’t a second thought about another high school, public or private. By his senior season, 36 colleges had recruited Thornton, who was only 6-3 at the time. The list included Michigan, Penn State, Oregon and Arizona State, among others. His play will never be forgotten by the Gaels. He averaged 26.9 yards on 38 receptions for 1,022 yards in his senior season and finished with 78 receptions for 1,881 yards and 26 touchdowns during his stay at MSJ. “He was one of the top players in the league and started his junior and senior years,” said Vernon Southwick, who spent the past seven years as Calvert Hall’s defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. “If you didn’t double team him with different coverages, you couldn’t stop him. One of the top receivers I’ve seen at the high school level.” Related Articles READER POLL: Which position should the Ravens draft in the first round? NFL mock draft (Version 5.0): 3-round projections to fill final team needs Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns on a 1-year deal Ravens host several players ahead of NFL draft. Here’s a look at each. NFL win totals: Ravens among league leaders in projected 2025 victories After initially committing to Penn State as a sophomore, Thornton eventually signed with Oregon before playing the past two years at Tennessee. His potential is unlimited. He says that he has been interviewed at one time or another by all 32 NFL teams and also thought that he performed well at Tennessee’s pro day. On draft day, he plans on having dinner with his brothers, Deonte, 21, Dylan, 15 and sisters Damyga, 19, and Myel, 12. Of course, a few uncles and aunts might be there, too, along with his mom and dad, Dont’e Sr. Taria Felder is still holding two jobs as a hair stylist and working in a warehouse shipping packages, while Thornton’s dad works in a warehouse for a bread company. Thornton says that he has a very strong relationship with his dad, but once a contract is signed, the son wants to take care of his mom. “I will save half of my money,” Thornton said. “For me, one of my lifelong goals was something that always kept me driving for football, to get my mom in a house. So I’m definitely going to do that. “I was forced to grow up a little faster and maybe I didn’t live the true childhood that a normal kid should have in terms of a lot of things, but I felt like all that stuff shaped me to be the man that I am today.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Dont'e Thornton Jr. averaged 25.4 yards per reception in his final season at Tennessee, the highest in the FBS. (Alonzo Adams/AP) View the full article

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

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