The Baltimore Ravens have long been one of the best teams in the NFL at developing talent. It's been a key part of their success for decades. But not every player makes an immediate impact, and some need a little extra time to find their footing.
As Luke Jones of Baltimore Positive pointed out, the Ravens have a handful of young players who need to show major improvement in 2025. Internal development has always been a crucial part of Baltimore’s roster-building strategy, and if these five guys take the next step, it could save the Ravens from spending cap space or draft capital to fill those holes.
These players can't be labeled as total busts, but they also weren’t reliable contributors last year. Whether it was injuries, inconsistency, or a lack of playing time, they didn’t help the team as much as they should have. But if they step up? Baltimore’s 2025 season could get a whole lot easier.
Five underperforming Ravens who need to step up in 2025
1. ILB Trenton Simpson
Simpson was drafted to replace Patrick Queen, but his first year as a starter was a rollercoaster. Jones broke down how Simpson’s playing time disappeared late in the season:
"The 2023 third-round pick out of Clemson had his moments starting the first 13 games, but his playing time began to dwindle in late November and evaporated after the bye week with Simpson seeing a total of 15 defensive snaps over the final six games including the playoffs. That’s not the trajectory Baltimore envisioned for someone drafted to be the successor to Patrick Queen, especially since Simpson had the benefit of playing next to three-time All-Pro selection Roquan Smith."
If Simpson doesn’t take a major step forward in coverage and processing, the Ravens could be forced to look elsewhere for Queen’s true replacement.
2. G Andrew Vorhees
After spending his rookie season rehabbing an ACL injury, Vorhees finally got his shot—only to suffer an ankle injury that derailed his season. Jones laid out his situation perfectly:
"Had Vorhees never suffered an ankle injury on the final drive of the Week 3 win at Dallas, you wonder if the Ravens would have stuck with him instead of pivoting to Patrick Mekari at left guard and ultimately sticking with that alignment for the remainder of the season."
If Vorhees stays healthy and builds on his strong Week 18 performance, he could lock down a starting guard spot. If not, Baltimore may need to look for reinforcements in free agency or the draft.
3. OLB Adisa Isaac
Isaac’s rookie year was completely wiped out by injuries, which is a tough blow for a Ravens team that desperately needs pass rush help. As Jones put it:
"Multiple hamstring injuries cost the third-round pick out of Penn State nearly the entire spring and summer, which wiped out critical development time and limited him to four games and just 32 defensive snaps as a rookie."
With Kyle Van Noy aging, Odafe Oweh in a contract year, and David Ojabo still a question mark, Baltimore needs Isaac to emerge as a legitimate pass-rushing threat.
4. WR Devontez Walker
The Ravens’ receiving corps has improved in recent years, but depth remains a concern. Walker didn’t contribute much as a rookie, but Jones believes the Ravens will count on him in 2025:
"No matter how much you might like the starting wide receiver duo of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, the Week 18 knee injury to Flowers emphasized the need for more quality depth, especially with veterans Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace set to become free agents."
Walker has the size and speed to be a real contributor, but he needs to refine his route-running and earn Lamar Jackson’s trust.
5. CB T.J. Tampa
Like Isaac, Tampa missed a ton of development time due to injuries, which left him buried on the depth chart. Jones detailed why he still has a chance to carve out a role:
"Much like Isaac, Tampa missed a ton of development time after undergoing offseason sports hernia surgery and spending part of the season on injured reserve with an ankle injury, which led to the fourth-round rookie out of Iowa State appearing in just seven games and playing just 18 defensive snaps."
With Brandon Stephens hitting free agency, the Ravens need depth at outside corner. If Tampa stays healthy, he could be an important piece of the secondary.
The Ravens don’t need all five of these players to become stars—but if even a couple of them make major strides, it could go a long way in strengthening the roster.
Simpson needs to show he can be a reliable starting linebacker. Vorhees has a real shot at locking down a guard spot. Isaac could be a crucial pass-rushing piece. Walker has the tools to be a legitimate WR3, and Tampa could provide much-needed cornerback depth.
Baltimore has always built from within, and this year will be no different. If these five guys step up, it could save the Ravens from making costly free-agent signings or reaching for draft picks. The opportunity is there—now it’s time for them to take it.