Draft season is starting to heat up. With the NFL Combine behind us, the hype around prospects is only growing. As teams prepare to make tough decisions in free agency, draft boards are being finalized.
For the Baltimore Ravens, general manager Eric DeCosta, the scouting department, and the front office are more than ready to find their next draft-day steal.
One of the biggest needs the Ravens must address is pass rusher. While the top-tier talents will likely be long gone by the time Baltimore picks at No. 27, there is plenty of depth at the position on Days 1 and 2. The Ravens could find players capable of quickly becoming key contributors for one of the AFC’s best teams.
3 pass rushers Ravens must target in 2025 NFL Draft
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
There’s no guarantee Pearce will be available at No. 27, but recent reports and mock drafts have him sliding into the late first round. Some of this speculation stems from reported character concerns, but during draft season, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s smoke. One thing is certain—Pearce would bring serious juice to the Ravens’ pass rush.
The 21-year-old racked up 21 sacks over his three seasons at Tennessee. His best trait is his elite first step, allowing him to explode into linemen’s pads off the snap. This quickness was on display at the combine, where he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and a 1.56-second 10-yard split—both the best among defensive linemen. Pearce also has great length, which he uses effectively to avoid blockers and disrupt the backfield.
The biggest concerns surrounding Pearce are his play strength and run defense. He can be knocked off his path by stronger linemen and struggles to set the edge in the run game. However, there’s room for him to add muscle to his frame. If the Ravens take him with their first pick, the future at outside linebacker looks much clearer.
Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Umanmielen is likely a Day 2 pick but plays similarly to Pearce—he just needs more development. After transferring from Florida, he had his best season with Ole Miss, totaling 10.5 sacks. He plays with speed in all phases of the game, from his burst off the line to his pursuit of the ball carrier. His ability to bend around blockers gives him a natural path to the backfield.
Where Umanmielen falls short is his technique. He flashes quick hands but doesn’t use them consistently to win reps. He often relies on speed and bend to beat linemen, which can cause problems when blockers get their hands on him. His aggressive playstyle also leads to over-pursuing plays, creating open lanes in the run game. He would be more of a developmental pick, but with Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh still on the roster, the Ravens would have time to mold him into a future pass-rushing force.
J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
If DeCosta and the front office opt for a more powerful pass rusher, Tuimoloau could be their guy. The Ohio State senior has a high football IQ and is strong in both the run and pass game. Against the run, he’s comfortable setting the edge and is an excellent tackler. As a pass rusher, his heavy hands and bull rush can take over games—he finished the 2024 season with 12.5 sacks.
However, Tuimoloau will need to refine his technique at the next level. Right now, he relies heavily on power moves without many counters in his arsenal. That worked in college, but in the NFL, he’ll need to develop quicker hands and more counters to beat offensive linemen in one-on-one situations.
Still, his ability to impact all phases of the game makes him a coveted prospect. For a team like the Ravens that values defensive versatility, Tuimoloau would be a natural fit in Baltimore.