The Baltimore Ravens’ season came to a heartbreaking end with their 27-25 Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. As they shift into offseason mode, the focus turns to filling holes in the roster and retooling for another playoff run.
With the 27th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Baltimore will need to be strategic, addressing areas like cornerback depth, interior offensive line, and defensive playmakers.
Fortunately, the College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame featured a wealth of NFL talent. It was the perfect showcase for general manager Eric DeCosta to scout players who could fit seamlessly into Baltimore’s hard-nosed identity.
Here are eight prospects from the championship game the Ravens should keep on their radar.
1. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE (Ohio State)
Tuimoloau’s 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss this season speak for themselves. The Ravens thrive on defensive pressure, and Tuimoloau’s power-rushing style would bolster their pass rush. His relentless motor and ability to set the edge against the run make him a natural fit for Baltimore’s front seven.
2. Xavier Watts, S (Notre Dame)
Watts is a ballhawk with 13 interceptions over the past two seasons and the physicality to thrive in the box. With the Ravens needing depth behind and/or alongside Kyle Hamilton, Watts could bring versatility to the secondary while bolstering the team’s ability to force turnovers. Hamilton can be their strong safety while Watts roams the field for turnovers and big plays from the free safety slot.
3. Howard Cross III, DL (Notre Dame)
Cross is a savvy interior lineman with excellent hand usage and a relentless motor. He may not be the flashiest prospect, but his ability to generate pressure from the interior and stop the run would be a great addition to the Ravens’ defensive line rotation. As a mid-round pick, Cross offers solid value and could develop into a consistent contributor.
4. Donovan Jackson, IOL (Ohio State)
The Ravens struggled at times from the interior line this season, and Jackson’s versatility could address that issue. A natural guard with excellent footwork and power, Jackson would provide immediate depth and a potential starting option for Baltimore’s offensive line.
5. TreVeyon Henderson, RB (Ohio State)
While Derrick Henry was a force this season, adding a young, dynamic back like Henderson could be a long-term move. Henderson’s explosiveness and ability to slash through defenses complements Baltimore’s run-heavy offense and would give them a future star in the backfield.
6. Jack Sawyer, EDGE (Ohio State)
Sawyer’s 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons highlight his potential as an every-down defender. Though he’s not the most athletic pass-rusher, his reliability and polished technique would make him a valuable rotational piece for the Ravens’ defense.
7. Jack Kiser, LB (Notre Dame)
Kiser is a smart, steady presence who led the Fighting Irish with 85 tackles this season. While he’s not the flashiest linebacker, his instincts, tackling reliability, and leadership would provide valuable depth behind Roquan Smith. As a likely mid-round pick, he offers excellent value with a chance to learn from one of the game's best in Smith. He could have the same Roquan effect that helped get the most out of former Ravens LB-turned-Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen.
8. Tyleik Williams, DL (Ohio State)
At 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds, Williams is a disruptive force on the interior. Baltimore’s defensive line could use a player with his mix of size and quickness to improve against the run and create chaos up the middle. Williams is a versatile piece who could rotate between the nose and 3-tech positions.
The Ravens might still be feeling the sting of their playoff loss, but it’s time to focus on the draft and offseason to reload and get back on track. These eight prospects from the championship game could be the perfect blend of talent and fit to help get this team back to the Super Bowl.