The 2025 season for the Baltimore Ravens was a defining year of growth, perseverance, and near-misses. Coming off a strong 2024 campaign, the Ravens entered the season with high hopes, fueled by a refined offense and an ever-dominant defense. Lamar Jackson continued to shine, further developing as a dual-threat quarterback and leader, while new faces on both sides of the ball contributed to an evolving team identity, including new young defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Though the Ravens faced their share of challenges—key injuries, close losses, and tough competition—they remained a force in the AFC. Ultimately, the 2025 season proved the Ravens were on the brink of greatness, though still with unfinished business as they continue to build toward their Super Bowl aspirations.
The beginning of the season was shocking, starting 0-2 in the season all one-possession losses. By the end of the season, the Ravens went 12-5, capturing the AFC North crown and 3rd seed in the AFC. The acquisition of the legendary Derrick Henry was huge for the Ravens, and Henry looked like he should've been a Raven since he first entered the league. Zay Flowers had his first 1,000-yard season another promising look to the young star. This offense has the pieces, now it's time to use them correctly. Before the bye week, the Ravens defense, known for its ferocity and relentless plays, ranked dead last in all categories. After the week 11 bye week, the defense ranked 1st. A huge turnaround towards the twilight of the regular season, and it couldn't have come at a better time to prepare for playoffs. Despite those improvements throughout the roster, it wasn't enough to get out of their won way, losing in the divisional round to the Buffalo Bills.
How to Capitalize
The Ravens have the pieces, they just need to fix the small details. And I will die on this hill saying this: IT IS NOT LAMAR JACKSON'S FAULT FOR THE LOSS, AND THE LOSSES THIS SEASON. He had an MVP-caliber season, (one we all know he should've won the award for). But the media has told us otherwise. But for the Ravens to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl, some pieces need to be adjusted to help Lamar and the Ravens D.
Get Rid of Brandon Stephens
What a huge fall from grace this was. Stephens was proving to be one of the best corners in the league last season. On a contract year, he just couldn't find his footing and had one of the worst performances from a corner in the league this year, ranking 2nd worst PFF in coverage in the NFL per game. So much so that he was picked on almost every game and all opposing QBs threw to him with big yardage gains. As a fan, it was so frustrating to watch that I wanted a practice squad member elevated to take his place. It was so bad, SS Kyle Hamilton had to help cover for him in the open field. Get rid of him and go after a corner in free agency.
Pass Rush is a Priority
The Ravens have been hit-and-miss with developing pass rushers. Where they thrive is picking up veteran DL in free agency. A perfect example is Kyle Van Noy, who is coming off of a career year in Baltimore with 12.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. While vets are usually the way to go, Baltimore still has Odafe Oweh trending up in his development so there is promise. I do think it is time to jump ship on David Ojabo, who has not met expectations at all in Baltimore and has lost playing time because of it. I think by investing in a pass rusher in the free agency and the draft, the Ravens can balance their young DL with the vets and have one of the best trenches in the league.
Get a Slot Receiver?
This is a quick one, but getting a slot receiver, whether it's in the draft or free agency, wouldn't be a bad idea. The Diontae Johnson experiment failed miserably (more so for him than the Ravens), but a slot receiver for the Ravens would boost their weaponry. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman on the outside, it provides a weapon to look for on the inside alongside Tight Ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.
Isaiah Likely Should be TE1.
Speaking of Isaiah Likely, it's time the Ravens pulled the trigger and gave him more snaps as a TE1. Mark Andrews will be a Ravens legend, but this year was disappointing for him, especially the dropped 2-point conversion in the end zone in the Divisional Round against the Bills. Likely has proven to be a very reliable weapon for Lamar and can make the clutch catches in big moments. His development has been spectacular, and I want to see him in a Ravens jersey for years to come.
Revamp The Offensive Line
It is pretty easy on who the Ravens need to keep: Left Tackle Ronnie Stanley, Center Tyler Linderbaum, and RT Roger Rosengarten. They need to find new blood in the LG and RG positions because Pat Mekari and Daniel Faalele are not consistent with holding the line. The Ravens need to look at the Eagles' offensive line as a guide, and how fluid and strong it is. The chemistry is remarkable, and the Ravens need to start looking at guards who are consistent and reliable against the pressure.
Justin Tucker.....
Finally, we have the Ravens' legendary kicker Justin Tucker. So much history and respect, a guaranteed 1st ballot Hall of Famer when he retires, all thrown down the drain because of the recent accusations against him. His season was not great either. Fans could always leave the room and refresh their snacks and drinks when Tucker came onto the field. That's how much trust we had in our kicker. Now, everyone holds their breath when it's a 20-yard field goal. A kicker can have a bad year, but now with the off-season looming and all of these accusations coming out, the Ravens need to move on from him and get a new kicker.
Free Agency
An easy pick-up would be DT Calais Campbell. A former Raven, Campbell brought a lot of heart and respect to the team when he played as a Raven and knows the organization very well. While he is 38 years old, he brings that veteran status that the defensive line needs. A one-year contract, one last hurrah for him, would be perfect for the Ravens and Campbell has shown he has some gas left in the tank. A corner to replace Stephens wouldn't be a bad idea either. Mike Hilton would be a good choice, as he has been one of the better slot corners in recent years. While he is also not a young buck at age 31, he can be a great mentor and locker-room presence for the younger corners on the roster. The best part about these two examples is, that the Ravens would probably not need to use up much cap space to acquire them and still have an expendable amount left.
The Draft
With 11 picks in the draft, the Ravens have a lot of ways to maneuver and draft the players they need. Again, highly recommend the pass rusher as a priority. A position that the Ravens desperately need in terms of depth and age. A slot wide receiver is a good choice as well, but the main focus on top of a pass rusher should be a guard. The Ravens should invest in research on who a rookie guard can be for them, and one that brings the protection and talent they need for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. If they manage to get a successful pass rusher and a guard, the draft will be a huge success for them.
2025-2026 Season
Depending on this off-season, this could be the Ravens' time to lock in and punch a ticket to the Super Bowl. With a few adjustments on the defense and the offensive line, this team has the makings of a juggernaut. Lamar Jackson is destined to win a Super Bowl; it is only a matter of time. Hopefully, it is with Derrick Henry in the backfield.
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