Ravens channel draft day magic with underrated blast from the past

What can (Jason) Brown do for you?
AFC Championship: Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Championship: Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers | George Gojkovich/GettyImages

The NFL announced that former Baltimore Ravens center Jason Brown will represent the team during Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, announcing Baltimore’s second and third-round picks live from Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Ravens are currently scheduled to pick at No. 59 and No. 91 overall on Friday, April 25.

Drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2005 draft, he quickly became a key piece of the offensive line, starting every game at center in 2008 and protecting then-rookie Joe Flacco during a deep playoff run. After four strong seasons in Baltimore, he signed a big-money deal with the Los Angeles (then St. Louis) Rams and eventually retired from football at 29 to pursue farming full-time.

Today, Brown runs a farm in North Carolina and donates much of his harvest to local food pantries—a far cry from blitz pickups, but every bit as impactful, if not more so.

Jason Brown to announce Ravens’ picks on Day 2 of NFL Draft

The vibe on Day 2 of the draft is always a little more laid-back. While Day 1 is full of suits, Goodell handshakes, and major storylines, Day 2 brings a more personal energy. It’s the day for die-hards. It’s where teams really build their rosters. And this year, Brown gets to be the one reading those names off the card.

Brown’s presence brings a full-circle moment for Baltimore. He knows exactly what it means to be a mid-round pick who turns into a legitimate contributor. He’s lived that journey. Now, he’ll be handing it off to the next wave of Ravens hopefuls—who, if Eric DeCosta nails these picks, could end up playing just as meaningful a role.

Baltimore heads into Day 2 with a few clear needs. Cornerback and edge rusher are high on the list. There’s also a case to be made for interior offensive line depth—ironic, considering Brown’s own background. These picks may not come with the same glitz as Round 1, but the Ravens have made a habit of turning Day 2 into a gold mine.

A few names worth watching? Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas could be in play at No. 59, especially with cornerback depth still in flux. If the board breaks differently, the Ravens could pivot to a big-bodied receiver like Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins, or perhaps beef up the O-line with Georgia mauler Tate Ratledge. And don’t sleep on Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo or Kansas State corner Jacob Parrish as options at 91—they both fit the mold of smart, developmental Ravens picks.

So while the lights might be a little dimmer on Friday, the moment still matters. And having Brown on stage, representing the past while welcoming the future, adds just the right amount of heart to a night that’s all about building what’s next.

From fourth-round pick to franchise cornerstone, Brown knows what these moments mean—and now, we get to find out who’s next.

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