The Baltimore Ravens were anticipating big things from their rookie class this past season. They made the most selections in the 2025 NFL Draft with 11, and many had an opportunity to make a big impact in year one. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
Of their 11 selections, 10 made the roster. Offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger was the only player who was cut before the regular season, and he didn’t make it to the practice squad. A few were also injured in the preseason, or didn’t get the opportunity many thought they’d have throughout the regular season.
According to Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, the Ravens had one of the worst rookie classes in the NFL. He had them ranked 26th with a C- after the 2025 season. Edwards wrote:
“Edge rusher Mike Green did not provide the spark that Baltimore's pass rush desperately needed this season. Linebacker Teddye Buchanan played a lot and represents good value for where he was selected. Starks was the best performer though. He is a solid piece for a safety unit that has been turned over quite a bit in recent years.”
Ravens receive poor ranking in 2025 rookie class grades
Early in their 2025 campaign, rookies became a crucial part of Baltimore’s defense. Safety Malaki Starks controlled centerfield, outside linebacker Mike Green was an important part of a lackluster pass rushing group, and linebacker Teddye Buchanan took a starting spot away from Trenton Simpson. As Edwards mentioned, Starks and Buchanan did a fine job, but Green fell short, at least from a statistical standpoint.
The issue lies with the production of depth from this rookie class. And that may be more of recently fired head coach, John Harbaugh, and his coaching staff’s fault rather than the players themselves.
The two rookie offensive linemen who made the team, Emery Jones Jr. and Carson Vinson, flashed in very limited opportunities. The third-round pick Jones here was the big piece, and many fans believe he should’ve taken over at a starting guard spot for Andrew Vorhees or Daniel Faalele. He never got that opportunity, but good things could be coming in his sophomore season.
Sixth-round defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles was another intriguing rookie who flashed in preseason, but just never got a real opportunity in regular season action. Former coach Harland Bower joined the coaching staff this offseason, which could unlock Peebles next year.
The special teams group was possibly the most disappointing of all. While they were sixth-round picks, some expected encouraging things from kicker Tyler Loop and wide receiver and punt returner LaJohntay Wester. They were underwhelming.
Loop was accurate (88.2% on field goals), but struggled from range (1-for-4 on kicks from 50+). What hurt the most was that he missed that game-winning 44-yard attempt in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would’ve sent his team to the playoffs. Instead, the Ravens missed the playoffs, and Loop ended the year on a sour note.
Wester was inconsistent as a returner. Much of that could fall on the defense for not forcing many punts deep inside opponents’ territory, and he flashed when he got some of those chances. Still, he didn’t consistently showcase that electric ability many were hoping to see.
Cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam were the other two of Baltimore’s five sixth-round picks. Neither saw the field, though, as their seasons ended prematurely before the regular season got underway. Kone tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 1 of the preseason, and Longerbeam tore a patellar tendon in August.
Overall, the Ravens’ rookie class left a lot on the table. Hopefully, they see bigger opportunities and can bounce back in 2026.