After another dominant year in 2024, the Baltimore Ravens didn’t need much help on defense. However, the team made two major acquisitions this offseason, signing star corner Jaire Alexander and drafting Malaki Starks. Both members of the secondary are expected to elevate the already elite defense to another level. They aren’t the only newcomers expected to contribute in 2025, though.
In a recent CBS Sports piece, Chris Trapasso named five day-three selection in the best situation to success early, and Ravens linebacker Teddye Buchanan was one of the listed rookies. According to Trapasso, Buchanan could see playing time early because of his ability in coverage, in addition to him being a physical down-hill linebacker.
"The rookie has the advanced skill set to see the field sooner than later. Most young linebackers struggle in coverage once they get to the lead… Buchanan is ready to go on passing downs. He had four pass breakups in 2024 at California. Before that, at UC-Davis, he registered eight picks and 14 pass breakups across three seasons."Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports)
Teddye Buchanan expected to compete for playing time with Ravens
Buchanan was selected in the fourth round of the draft by Baltimore, and he joins a linebacker room with five-time All-Pro Roquan Smith. As Trapasso pointed out, Smith already has one linebacker spot secured, but Buchanan will compete with Trenton Simpson to see who gets to line up alongside Smith.
Simpson, only entering year three, was the starter last season, and it was his first time in the starting lineup. He started 13 of the 17 games he played in, recoding 73 tackles, five for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. Ultimately, he didn’t deliver a performance that locked him into the starting lineup, and that’s why the Ravens drafted Buchanan, and why he’s currently pushing for a starting role in camp.
Whether he gets that role or not remains to be seen, but if Buchanan continues to put together an impressive training camp and preseason, he will see the field as a rookie.