Every year, the NFL Draft is a spectacle for all fans. The Baltimore Ravens love to build through the draft, and their approach tends to be laid back, but let's look at some bold predictions that could throw things for a loop.
3 bold predictions that might shake everything up in Baltimore
Eric DeCosta trade up at least once, maybe twice
This draft lacks some top-end talent but also has a ton of depth. Looking at draft boards, most value sits in the late first-round to middle third-round range. With only two picks on Day 2—late picks at that—Eric DeCosta might have an itch to trade up and pile up another second or third-round pick.
The Ravens rarely trade up, but the amount of talent sitting in that range, a range where the team doesn’t have many picks and might be just out of that prime position in the third, could push the war room to look for a trade-up scenario.
Positions like pass rusher and interior defensive line are packed with talent—so much so that at least six prospects are getting first-round attention. On top of that, several top players expected to go early on Day 2 could come off the board quickly. If the Ravens want to find a replacement for Michael Pierce and an eventual successor to Kyle Van Noy, they might need to cash in some of their draft capital and make a move.
And on Day 3, don’t be shocked if DeCosta makes another move up to secure the best value possible.
Mark Andrews gets dealt on Day 2
This sounds like it’s becoming more and more realistic following DeCosta and John Harbaugh’s pre-draft press conference, but trading Mark Andrews would also stray away from the Ravens’ draft philosophy.
Baltimore doesn’t tend to trade any of their own on draft day with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown being one of the only cases—even that deal was done before draft night. Andrews could be a special case though. He’ll be 30 years old during the 2025 season and is no longer the focus of the Ravens' offense. He’s still a big-time red-zone threat, but the breakout of Isaiah Likely might push him out the door.
DeCosta loves his picks, so if the Ravens can get off his $16.9 million cap hit while getting enough value in return, they could strike while the iron is still hot.
Another running back joins the Ravens within the first four rounds
This running back class is one of the best in recent memory. From Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) heading the top of the class to the likes of Devin Neal (Kansas) and DJ Giddens (Kansas State) providing serious value in the later rounds, it feels like everywhere you look there’s a talented player that can give a team valuable reps in 2025.
Baltimore already has one of the most talented running groups in the league with Derrick Henry and Justice Hill playing his part on third downs. Younger backs like Keaton Mitchell, who should be ready for a fully healthy season, and Rasheen Ali, who the Ravens drafted in the sixth round in 2024, could be primed for a breakout year too.
However, the talent Baltimore can find in round four at the position could be worthwhile. The team usually leans to go with the best player available, and if that happens to be a running back, fans shouldn’t put it past the front office to pull the trigger. Look for a player like Jaydon Blue, who offers game-breaking ability as a pass catcher, as a potential option.
The NFL Draft is always a shock, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the fireworks.