Not every Baltimore Ravens’ decision has paid off in 2025. In a significantly underwhelming season, several questionable moves have forced Baltimore into a hole at 6-7.
Whether it was the failure to address the interior offensive line or the reliance on rookie outside linebacker Mike Green to try to push the pass rush to the next level, countless issues have plagued the team week in and week out. It is honestly a miracle that they are still in the playoff race and control their own destiny.
If you told a Ravens fan back in Week 5 that the defense was the reason that the team was still in contention, they would look at you like you were crazy. However, that is just the case ahead of Week 15. One of the unsung heroes of it all has been linebacker Teddye Buchanan.
Baltimore’s coaching staff took a major risk giving the fourth-round rookie starting reps alongside All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith just two games into his NFL career. While he has made some common rookie mistakes, he has played a key role in 2025. It is clear that the gamble is paying dividends.
Ravens’ Teddye Buchanan gamble is paying off
Sure, Baltimore’s inside linebacker depth was questionable entering the 2025 campaign. Next to Smith, it looked like third-year pro Trenton Simpson was set to be the guy next to Smith. However, he did not make the early impression coaches were hoping for, opening the door for Buchanan.
Even then, despite the lackluster play, the Ravens fairly rarely turn to day-three rookies for starting roles early in their careers. In Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, Buchanan became the first day-three pick to start for a Baltimore defense within his first two games since safety Dawan Landry in 2006. 13 games into his NFL career now, he is playing his heart out.
Buchanan has turned in a 57.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. While it ranks below average and just 54th among 88 qualifying linebackers, he is making plays as a tackler and run defender. He has a stout 69.8 run defense grade and 75.3 tackling grade. He is a force and is growing into the exact player you want in the middle of the defense.
Overall, the 23-year-old is having an impressive season. He is second on the team in tackles with 91, while missing just eight tackles for a very strong 8.8% missed tackle rate. If he works on his coverage, he should take off and help build one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL.