The Baltimore Ravens fielded one of the league’s best defenses in 2024—unless you looked at the stat sheet through the air. Despite winning 12 games and winning the division for the second straight season, they gave up 244.1 passing yards per game, second-worst in the NFL behind only the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was an interesting season. A tale of two seasons for the defense.
Then came the offseason losses. Marcus Williams and Arthur Maulet were released. Brandon Stephens signed with the New York Jets. The only addition? Chidobe Awuzie, who was cut by the Tennessee Titans and brought in on a one-year deal. For a team that desperately needed to patch up its secondary, Awuzie isn't necessarily the most exciting name.
So you might think Baltimore would spend its first-round pick on a safety or cornerback to shore up the defensive backfield. However, contrary to that logic, the more likely fix to the pass defense might not come on the back end at all—it could come from the front seven.
Ravens might target edge rusher or defensive tackle to improve its pass defense in draft
The Ravens might have finished second in the league in sacks last season, yet still ended up with the NFL’s second-worst pass defense. A more consistent presence in the front seven could be what finally takes this unit to the next level. As ESPN’s Jamison Hensley explains:
“Instead of adding to its secondary, the more likely scenario is Baltimore taking an edge rusher or defensive tackle to improve its pass defense. The Ravens did not blitz often in their first season with defensive coordinator Zach Orr – their 20% blitz rate ranked 26th in the NFL. They need to be more disruptive up front to reduce deep throws. They ranked 29th in pass rush win rate last season, beating 33% of pass blocks within 2.5 seconds.”
It’s a smart read. With Odafe Oweh entering a contract year, Kyle Van Noy turning 34, and David Ojabo still a mystery box, the Ravens’ edge rotation could fall apart by next offseason. Drafting a pass rusher now helps the pass defense and it keeps the entire unit from collapsing in 2026.
Names to watch at No. 27 include Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, and Ole Miss standout Walter Nolen. Ezeiruaku, in particular, makes sense as a polished rusher who can rotate early and develop fast. As CBS Sports put it, he’s a “departure from the normal, oversized defensive front player” Baltimore usually targets—but his technique and motor are a perfect fit.
Of course, if Baltimore does opt for a defensive back, options like Malaki Starks, Jahdae Barron, and Trey Amos will be on the board. But with Zach Orr’s defense showing major signs of life late last season, it’s clear the system can work if the front gets home.
Baltimore will let the board come to them. But if they want their pass defense to actually hold up this year, investing in the trenches might be the smartest call they make all draft. After all, quarterbacks can't complete passes if they can't throw the football.