The NFL offseason is a process of fine-tuning and replenishing rosters. The Baltimore Ravens had a slow free agency period, but another elite Eric DeCosta draft class revamped their roster, once again getting everyone excited for another season of Ravens football. However, the most crucial additions in Baltimore might be those returning from injury.
The team missed Keaton Mitchell for most of 2024 after he tore his ACL late in 2023. Although he returned, he wasn’t back to his high-paced self. The Ravens also lost Zay Flowers at the worst point in the season, as he hurt his knee in a Week 18 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. But now, both playmakers are feeling better than ever and ready to dominate in 2025.
Flowers and Mitchell are ready to give defenses problems this season
Flowers and Mitchell both showed up to OTAs ready to get the new season started, and it sounds like both are feeling 100 percent. In Mitchell's case, he might be better than he was as a rookie when he was gashing defenses for an unreal 8.4 yards per carry.
“I feel like I’m back better than when I first got here. It’s going to be a movie,” Mitchell said.
If Mitchell can add another dimension to the Ravens’ rushing offense with his lethal speed, he and Derrick Henry could set another historic mark in 2025, potentially breaking the team’s 2019 record of 3,296 rushing yards in the modern era.
In Flowers, the Ravens have a vital piece to the puzzle returning. They missed his presence in the 2024 playoffs, lacking that receiver who can make anyone miss in the open field. Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely produced well in January, but Baltimore wasn’t the same without their Pro Bowl wideout.
Luckily, they’ll be moving into 2025 with Flowers at a full go, as according to Flowers, his knee is fully healthy. After his 2024 breakout season, one that saw him reach 1,059 yards, the 24-year-old is due for another strong season and should earn his second Pro Bowl nod.
The combination of speed and playmaking ability that Mitchell and Flowers will bring in 2025 should keep opposing defenses guessing from down to down. In the passing game, Baltimore has a versatile set of weapons with Mark Andrews and Likely acting as physical matchups and Flowers and Bateman being as dangerous as anyone running routes. On the ground, they will have similar versatility in their arsenal. Henry will continue to run defenders over on each carry and Mitchell can make a house call any time he hits the open field.
Baltimore’s rest and recovery may have been more critical than any other point of the offseason. With their stars back healthy, the team is ready to take off for another playoff run with a Super Bowl on their mind.
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