The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Baltimore Ravens are once again poised to make some noise. With 11 picks in hand, including the 27th overall, Baltimore has ample opportunity to bolster its roster. General Manager Eric DeCosta has a track record of finding value throughout the draft, and this year should be no different.
Defense appears to be a focal point, with many fans and analysts predicting the Ravens will target a defensive lineman or edge rusher in the first round. Prospects like Malaki Starks and James Pearce Jr. have been linked to Baltimore, offering the kind of athleticism and versatility the team covets. However, the Ravens are known for their “best player available” approach, so surprises are always possible.
As we await the new additions to the Flock Party, let’s take a moment to reflect on the best Ravens draft picks from each round over the past five years. These selections have played pivotal roles in the team’s recent success and provide a blueprint for what to look for in this year’s draft.
Round 1: Kyle Hamilton, S (2022)
Hamilton’s selection at 14th overall in 2022 was met with excitement, and he has lived up to the hype and then some. With two Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro nod, Hamilton has become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense. His versatility and playmaking ability have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing offenses.
While Tyler Linderbaum, also a 2022 first-rounder, has been impressive, Hamilton’s sheer eliteness gives him the edge here. His ability to line up anywhere in the secondary and disrupt plays has been invaluable to Baltimore’s defensive schemes. He's also entered "best safety in the league" conversations so that always helps.
Round 2: Roger Rosengarten, OT (2024)
Drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, Roger Rosengarten quickly made his presence felt on the offensive line. Appearing in all 17 games during his rookie season, he showcased the athleticism and technique that made him a standout at Washington. His development is crucial for the Ravens as they look to protect Lamar Jackson and establish a dominant run game.
While it’s early in his career, Rosengarten’s trajectory suggests he could become a mainstay on the line. His selection reflects the Ravens’ commitment to building from the trenches and ensuring long-term stability up front.
Round 3: Nnamdi Madubuike, DT (2020)
Madubuike has been a force in the middle of the Ravens’ defensive line since being drafted in the third round in 2020. With 28 sacks and multiple Pro Bowl appearances, he has become one of the league’s premier interior pass rushers. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays has been a key component of Baltimore’s defensive success.
Madubuike’s emergence has solidified the Ravens’ defensive front and provided a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks. His selection in the third round exemplifies the Ravens’ knack for finding talent beyond the first two rounds.
Round 4: Isaiah Likely, TE (2022)
Likely’s selection in the fourth round of the 2022 draft added another dynamic weapon to the Ravens’ offense. With 14 touchdowns and over 1,200 receiving yards in his first two seasons, Likely has proven to be a reliable target, especially in the red zone. His chemistry with Lamar continues to grow, making him a valuable asset in the passing game and a threat to Mark Andrews.
While other fourth-round picks like Jordan Stout, Tylan Wallace, and Daniel Faalele have been solid, Likely pretty clearly gets the nod here. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches has added a new dimension to Baltimore’s aerial attack. He might just become TE1 by the end of the offseason.
Round 5: Broderick Washington, DT (2020)
Washington, selected in the fifth round in 2020, has developed into a dependable rotational player on the defensive line. With 6 sacks and consistent play against the run, he provides valuable depth and versatility. His progression underscores the importance of depth in the trenches and the Ravens’ ability to develop talent.
Washington’s contributions may not always make headlines, but his steady presence has been instrumental in maintaining the defense’s effectiveness.
Round 6: James Proche, WR (2020)
James Proche was selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and while he never emerged as a go-to receiving threat, he carved out a role as a dependable special teamer. In three seasons with Baltimore, Proche tallied 25 receptions for 278 yards and returned 27 punts for 222 yards. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020 for his contributions in the return game—a bright spot in an otherwise quiet receiving career.
He signed with the Tennessee Titans this past free-agency period.
Round 7: Geno Stone, S (2020)
Stone, a seventh-round pick in 2020, has exceeded expectations by becoming a key contributor in the secondary. With 12 interceptions and a reputation for being around the ball, Stone has provided valuable depth and playmaking ability. His development into a reliable safety option showcases the Ravens’ ability to identify and nurture talent at all levels of the draft.
Stone’s rise from a late-round pick to a significant defensive contributor is a testament to his hard work and the Ravens’ developmental system. His success story serves as inspiration for future late-round selections... even if he now plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.