The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 draft class has generated a lot of buzz, and for good reason. General Manager Eric DeCosta made several strategic moves that are expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners coming out of this year’s draft:

Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr

The Ravens’ defense got a significant boost from this draft, and no one is happier about it than Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr. The team spent a significant portion of their draft capital on bolstering the defensive side of the ball, giving Orr a plethora of new weapons to work with.

• Malaki Starks: The addition of Starks, a versatile and highly-talented safety, gives Orr even more flexibility in the secondary. Starks’ ability to play multiple positions will allow Orr to get creative with his schemes and keep opposing offenses guessing.
• Mike Green: Green, an edge rusher with tremendous upside, adds another dimension to the Ravens’ pass rush. His ability to generate pressure will make life easier for the entire defense.
• Teddye Buchanan: Buchanan will compete for a starting job at inside linebacker, addressing a key need for the Ravens.
• Aeneas Peebles: While more of a pass rusher, Peebles adds depth to the defensive line.
• Robert Longerbeam: Another depth piece at cornerback.

With these additions, Orr’s defense has the potential to be one of the league’s best. He now has a formidable unit that can compete with any offense in the NFL.

Safety Kyle Hamilton

Kyle Hamilton is another big winner from this draft. The arrival of Malaki Starks will have a direct positive impact on Hamilton’s role and performance.

• Versatility Unleashed: Starks’ versatility will allow Hamilton to move back into the more dynamic, hybrid role that made him an All-Pro in 2023.
• Strategic Flexibility: Hamilton was forced to play a more traditional free safety role in the latter part of last season, but with Starks, he’ll be able to utilize his full range of skills, including playing closer to the line of scrimmage and disrupting plays in the box.

In essence, Starks’ presence will allow Hamilton to return to being a disruptive force all over the field.

Offensive Line Coach George Warhop

While the Ravens focused heavily on defense, they also added some key pieces to the offensive line. Offensive Line Coach George Warhop is a winner because of the influx of talent he now gets to develop.

• Emery Jones Jr.: Selected in the third round, Jones has the potential to develop into a quality starter.
• Carson Vinson: A fifth-round pick with tantalizing NFL traits.
• Garrett Dellinger: A seventh-round pick who adds depth.

These additions provide both depth and potential for the future. Warhop has a track record of developing offensive linemen, and these new players give him even more to work with. The Ravens are clearly thinking about the long-term future of their offensive line.

Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton

Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton also comes out as a winner. The Ravens addressed some critical special teams needs in this draft.

• Tyler Loop: The Ravens drafted a kicker for the first time in franchise history. Loop will compete to replace Justin Tucker.
• LaJohntay Wester: Wester was drafted to compete at punt returner, an area where the Ravens struggled with consistency last season.

These selections demonstrate the team’s commitment to improving its special teams, which is a crucial component of overall success.