Deep into their 2025 campaign, the Baltimore Ravens still have a glaring pass rush problem. They rank tied for 31st in the NFL in sacks with 22. Entering Week 16, they need to solve that issue.
On Sunday Night Football, the Ravens are set to square off against the 11-3 New England Patriots. The Patriots have a lethal passing attack led by quarterback Drake Maye, who is having an MVP-caliber season. That unit ranks seventh in the league in passing yards. To win, it is clear that Baltimore needs to pressure Maye early and often.
Thankfully, their defensive front is coming off its best game of the season. The Ravens applied relentless pressure on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in their Week 15 win, shutting Burrow out for the first time in his NFL career.
Outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones played a huge role in that breakout game. He had several pressures and QB hits, and his veteran leadership is helping set the tone. The 28-year-old also sees a ton of potential in one rookie’s future.
When it comes to outside linebacker Mike Green, Jones has high praise for what the emerging talent has to offer. In an interview on The Ryan Ripken Show, Jones spoke about the player that Green could develop into.
“We’re always in his ear trying to help, because Mike’s so young and talented,” Jones said. “He’s probably the best rookie in this class. He has the most talent, the highest ceiling in this entire class…The moment Mike Green puts it all together, I think his comp is like Nik Bonitto. I think he could be that, if not, better.”
Jones went on to speak about how versatile Green is, possessing the ability to rush the passer with speed and power, while also factoring in as a run stopper.
Dre’Mont Jones offers lofty comparison for Mike Green
If Green can develop anywhere close to the player that Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is today, Ravens fans would be elated. In 2025, Bonitto is on track for another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. With 12.5 sacks through 14 games this year, he is up to 35.5 career sacks.
Like Bonitto, Green offers elite explosiveness and bend coming off the edge. When Baltimore selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, everyone knew they were getting a potential steal.
Green’s development has taken some time, but he is finding a rhythm at the perfect time. 13 of his 27 pressures this season have come in his last four games, and he currently leads a lackluster sack group with 3.5 sacks.
The Marshall product still has a long way to go, obviously. While the pressures are starting to come in bunches, he has shown some struggles with finishing and bringing down quarterbacks. If he can continue to clean up those flaws, though, the Ravens could have a future star on their hands.