The Baltimore Ravens have started their 2025 campaign in horrendous fashion. They sit at 1-5 entering their bye week, and while most of their early-season matchups have been against highly competitive teams, their play from week to week has been abysmal.
The offense has become stagnant without quarterback Lamar Jackson, and even when Jackson suited up, every down was a struggle due to the team's offensive line troubles. On defense, they rank 32nd in points allowed through six weeks with 194.
Baltimore showed improvements in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but obvious problems remained. The offensive line was once again below average, and the pass rush failed to find consistency. Those problems have contributed to the team’s terrible start, and while Head Coach John Harbaugh has mentioned that they still have hope for 2025, their backs are against the wall.
Many are already looking toward the 2026 season and the NFL Draft. In ESPN’s latest 2026 mock draft, draft analyst Jordan Reid has the Ravens selecting Miami star pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. second overall.
“Baltimore desperately needs someone who can generate pressure up front, and Bain has a strong argument for being the best defensive lineman in the country,” Reid wrote. “He is a versatile 6-foot-3, 275-pound defender who can play multiple alignments, and his 24 pressures at edge is eighth in the FBS. His hand power and knockback strength would immediately boost a Ravens defense that needs playmakers.”
Ravens select Rueben Bain Jr. in ESPN’s 2026 mock draft
It is tough to imagine a scenario where Baltimore is picking second in next year’s draft. With Jackson expected to return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, they will likely find a rhythm as the year progresses. They also have the seventh-easiest schedule remaining, per Tankathon. Regardless, Bain would be a phenomenal addition to a Ravens’ defense that has one of the worst pass rushing groups in the NFL.
Baltimore has tallied eight sacks through six games, a mark that ranks tied for third-worst in the league. Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has provided limited pressure thus far (one sack), and rookie Mike Green has yet to adjust to the NFL level early on (0 sacks). The Ravens also traded Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers last week, making pass rush a more significant need.
Bain could form an unbelievable duo with himself and Green. Bain possesses all the physical tools to dominate opposing offensive lines, with the strength and explosiveness to generate sacks. He would pair perfectly with Green, who has the technique and speed to bend the edge and win at the point of attack.
For now, the idea of adding Bain to this defense would be outstanding, but once the draft comes, the Ravens will likely be far out of position to draft the talented 21-year-old. The team is clearly still focused on competing this year, and while it would be an uphill climb to make the playoffs, they should be able to finish the year on a high note.