The Baltimore Ravens had elite production from their pass rush in 2024, totaling the second-most sacks in the NFL at 54. Still, the group struggled to apply consistent pressure. Their hurry and pressure percentages lagged far behind that of the best pass rush groups.
Baltimore added rookie Mike Green in the 2025 NFL Draft to improve the unit, and they brought back most of the 2024 cast. However, many believe they lacked depth entering the year, and a recent injury could derail their early-season plans.
Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. There is no set timetable for his return, but it is expected to keep him out for multiple weeks. With matchups against the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs in the next two weeks, the Ravens will desperately miss his services, and the lack of urgency to sign a veteran outside linebacker is quickly backfiring.
Ravens' offseason gamble backfires as key injury derails early-season plans
Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney were still free agents by the time Week 1 kicked off, but since then, both veteran sack artists have been scooped up off the market. Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after their season opener, and Clowney agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys after their Week 2 win over the New York Giants.
Smith or Clowney could have made Baltimore one of the most feared defenses in 2025. The Ravens struggled to pressure and contain Josh Allen in Week 1, and the proven veterans could have solved that issue.
The two are former Ravens and likely would have loved a reunion in Baltimore, but it seems like General Manager Eric DeCosta missed the mark on this one. David Ojabo, who was fifth in line at the outside linebacker spot before Van Noy’s injury, will likely be thrust into action in Week 3 against the Lions. The 25-year-old is still unproven going into year four, which could put Baltimore at a disadvantage heading into two of the biggest matchups of their season.
Van Noy should avoid injured reserve, so no roster spot would be opened up. If the Ravens do sign a pass rusher, it will likely be just a practice squad addition to bring up on gameday if needed. Malik Hamm would be the obvious candidate, as he was just released from the practice squad on September 9.
Baltimore is entering their toughest stretch of the season, and it just got tougher. They will have to lean on young pass rushers Green and Ojabo in the coming weeks, and hope Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson can thrive in larger roles.