The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 NFL season with high expectations

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the Ravens in 2025:

Coaching Staff Continuity and Key Additions

The Ravens boast continuity in their key coaching roles with Todd Monken as Offensive Coordinator and Zach Orr entering his second year as Defensive Coordinator. Orr, who took over from Mike Macdonald in 2024, has maintained the aggressive, blitz-heavy 3-4 scheme that has kept Baltimore’s defense among the league’s elite.

The team has also made several notable additions to the coaching staff, including Donald D’Alesio as Defensive Backs Coach, Anthony Levine Sr. (a former Raven) as Assistant Special Teams Coach, and Matt Pees as Assistant Linebackers Coach. Willie Taggart has also added Assistant Head Coach responsibilities alongside his role as running backs coach, and Chuck Pagano has joined as a Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach. These additions bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to an already strong staff.

Roster Evolution and Key Acquisitions

The Ravens’ roster is being hailed by some as the best in franchise history, top to bottom. General Manager Eric DeCosta has stuck to his blueprint of building through the draft and selectively spending in free agency.

Key Acquisitions:

• WR DeAndre Hopkins: Signed a 1-year, $5M deal, providing a seasoned and reliable target for Lamar Jackson. His contested-catch ability has already impressed in minicamp.
• CB Jaire Alexander: A significant acquisition that gives Baltimore a secondary featuring five first-round picks (Humphrey, Wiggins, Hamilton, Starks, and Alexander), making it arguably the most stacked defensive backfield in the league.
• QB Cooper Rush: Signed a 2-year, $6.2M deal for experienced depth behind Lamar Jackson.
• CB Chidobe Awuzie: Adds further depth and experience to the secondary on a 1-year, $1.255M deal.
• OT Joseph Noteboom: Signed for 1 year, $2M, adding versatility to the offensive line.
• LB Jake Hummel: Signed a 1-year, $1.2M deal for inside linebacker depth.
• DT John Jenkins: Another defensive line addition.

Key Re-signings:

• WR Tylan Wallace: Re-signed for 1 year, $2.1M, valuable for special teams.
• S Ar’Darius Washington: Re-signed for 1 year, $3.263M, retaining a valuable rotational safety.
• OG Ben Cleveland: Re-signed for 1 year, $1.17M, for offensive line depth.
• LT Ronnie Stanley: Re-signed for 3 years, $60M.
• FB Patrick Ricard: Re-signed for 1 year.

Notable Departures:

• K Justin Tucker: The long-tenured and highly successful kicker was released amidst allegations and a down year in 2024.
• WR Nelson Agholor
• WR Deonte Harty
• CB Christian Matthew
• CB Trayvon Mullen
• DL Brent Urban
• RB Owen Wright
• LB Chris Board (to Giants)
• LB Malik Harrison (to Steelers)
• WR Diontae Johnson (to Browns)
• QB Josh Johnson (to Commanders)
• OT Josh Jones (to Seahawks)
• OL Patrick Mekari (to Jaguars)
• WR Steven Sims (to Seahawks)
• CB Brandon Stephens (to Jets)
• LB Kristian Welch
• DL Michael Pierce (retired)
• S Marcus Williams
• CB Tre’Davious White (to Bills)

2025 NFL Draft Class

The Ravens tied for a league-high 11 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a strong emphasis on defensive playmakers and trench depth.

• Round 1, Pick 27: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia: An athletic and instinctive safety, expected to immediately contribute, especially with Ar’Darius Washington’s injury.
• Round 2, Pick 59: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall: A high-upside edge rusher with elite pass-rushing traits who slid due to past off-field concerns.
• Round 6, Pick 186: Tyler Loop, K, Arizona: A surprising pick, Loop (18/23 FGs in 2024, including a 62-yarder) will compete for the starting kicker job following Tucker’s release.
• The Ravens also drafted multiple offensive linemen (Emery Jones, Carson Vinson, Garrett Dellinger) and defensive linemen (Aeneas Peebles).
• LaJohntay Wester, WR/Returner, Colorado (6th Round): A “sparkplug” with serious return chops and gadget potential.

Offensive Outlook

The Ravens’ offense, which ranked among the league’s best last season, looks even more potent with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. Lamar Jackson’s continued growth and the presence of Derrick Henry in the backfield promise a formidable ground game. The offensive line has just one open starting spot, suggesting stability. Players like Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, and Mark Andrews (returning from injury) will aim for big seasons alongside Hopkins.

Defensive Outlook

The defense is poised for a dominant year. Under Zach Orr, stars like Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and ascending playmaker Kyle Hamilton anchor a unit that is expected to take a leap in Year 2. The acquisition of Jaire Alexander further solidifies an already elite secondary. Players like Odafe Oweh (who added 20 pounds of muscle), Trenton Simpson, and Nnamdi Madubuike are expected to be key contributors. The defensive line and linebacker corps are also well-stocked with talent.

Schedule Analysis

The Ravens face the ninth-toughest schedule in the league based on opponents’ 2024 records (.533 winning percentage). They will face a “gauntlet” right out of the gate with five playoff teams in their first six games, including road matchups against the Buffalo Bills (SNF, Week 1) and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 4). Their bye week is well-timed in Week 7. The AFC North remains a challenging division, with crucial matchups against the Bengals (Thanksgiving, Week 13; Week 15) and Steelers (Week 14; Week 18) later in the season. The Ravens are also “must-see TV,” with multiple primetime games scheduled.

Overall Outlook

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 season as strong contenders for the AFC North title and a deep playoff run. The combination of an elite quarterback, a bolstered receiving corps, a potent run game, and a stacked defense with significant coaching continuity positions them for success. The early schedule presents a formidable challenge, but if they can navigate it and stay healthy, the Ravens have all the pieces to be a Super Bowl favorite. The pressure is on, but as Coach Harbaugh says, “pressure is a privilege.”