The 2024 season had to be a wholly disappointing one for the Baltimore Ravens. After yet another excellent regular season, the team fell apart in the playoffs, losing in the Divisional Round to the Buffalo Bills in a game that firmly placed them as the third-best team, at best, in the AFC.
But with a game-breaking quarterback who is a two-time MVP in Lamar Jackson, Baltimore isn’t very far away from taking that next step forward. Here’s how the latest mock draft from PFSN‘s Ian Cummings anticipates them retooling after yet another heartbreak.
27) Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
“The Baltimore Ravens are in a position to compete again next year, but their secondary still needs maintenance heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Were he to fall to the 27th pick, Malaki Starks feels like an exceptional fit on the back end alongside Kyle Hamilton.
At 6’0″, almost 200 pounds, with near-32″ arms, Starks brings an NFL-ready frame and uncanny coverage mobility for his size. His all-encompassing swivel and hinge fluidity is rivaled only by his twitch and physicality, and he can be a safety blanket in space.”
59) Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
“Aireontae Ersery is an explosive run-game attacker who also allowed pressure on less than 3% of his pass blocking snaps in 2024. He fits what Baltimore looks for at guard.” A high-floor tackle who does everything well, Ersery should be able to contribute for them right off the bat.
As per PFSN’s scouting report, his “size, strength, and above-average athleticism should allow him to be an early NFL contributor. And a position change over to the right side might allow Ersery to reach his ceiling as a solid NFL tackle.”
91) Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State
“Korie Black has a 4.35-second 40-yard dash speed, a 39″ vertical, and logged three INTs and nine PBUs in a career-best 2024 campaign. He’s rising up the boards with his production, talent, and competitive zeal.”
Big, fast, and productive, with tons of experience, Black being available this late might not be a certainty. But if he is, then a Ravens secondary that struggled last season before the Hamilton switch could be the perfect spot for him after adding Starks earlier.
129) Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
A high-floor, higher ceiling kind of player isn’t typically available this late. But Ashton Gillotte has the tape and the numbers to match his value. His pass-rush game could use work, but the athleticism and technical brilliance make him one of the more complete packages at the edge spot.
136) Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
Like Gillotte, Aeneas Peebles should be immediately valuable due to his pass-rushing capabilities. But in the long run, he could be even better as a rotational interior defensive lineman who attacks single gaps galore.
Adding a run defense to his arsenal with some stronger tackling could take him to that next level, where he becomes a potential starter as well.
176) Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
A true culture setter, Danny Stutsman can be the next locker room leader on a Baltimore squad that has always valued a presence on the field.
His work against the run and ability to attack the passer should make him a strong presence on the defensive line over time. But Stutsman’s upside leaves room to become a potential starter as well.
180) Jalen Rivers, OL, Miami (FL)
A developmental prospect more than an immediate contributor, Jalen Rivers can grow into a quality starter. But that will take time. Instead, he can learn from an already elite offensive line for the Ravens, while getting occasional reps in specific situations.
183) Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona
The Derrick Henry-Lamar Jackson combo should hold down the ground game in Baltimore for some time. But some depth at one of the most physically demanding spots might be a smart idea. Therefore, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who before missing basically the entire 2024 season was coming off a 1,190-yard and 17-touchdown year.
203) Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Some depth in the quarterback room behind a guy like Jackson, whose style lends itself to additional wear and tear, might be a smart idea for the Ravens. Dillon Gabriel offers remarkable consistency as a passer, with loads of experience as a six-year college veteran.
210) Daniel Jackson, WR, Minnesota
A position that Baltimore has put a lot of draft investment into could get its next piece in Daniel Jackson. With alignment versatility and the ability to create mismatches, Jackson should be a smart addition, given his physical attributes alone.
To round out their depth, particularly in the X spot, the Ravens could do worse than adding Jackson to their core.
212) Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
Justin Tucker might be on the short list of greatest kickers of all time. But with age starting to creep up on him, finding the next great piece is going to be important. Enter Ryan Fitzgerald, who did not miss a single kick in his final year at Florida State.
243) Ben Yurosek, TE, Stanford
Mark Andrews might still be public enemy number one in Baltimore, but the tight end spot for the Ravens could use a revamp, and Ben Yurosek might be a safe bet, especially due to his exceptional work as a blocker. Almost immediately, he could be their TE2 and develop into a starting role over time.
