Baltimore Ravens may have quietly nailed this offseason move (and it’s flying under the radar)

The Baltimore Ravens had an eerily quiet offseason. With a lack of notable free agents, they stuck to their plan, bringing back their key guys, signing some veterans, and focusing on the NFL Draft.

As usual, Eric DeCosta came out of the 2025 NFL Draft with a class that most people deemed one of the best in the league. Their first couple of picks of Malaki Starks and Mike Green were two of the biggest steals, but with nine other picks, they tactically filled out the rest of their roster. None of the remaining picks were that flashy. They weren't considered late-round steals, either. However, one of these selections that is flying under the radar and already impressing coaches is linebacker Teddye Buchanan.

Teddye Buchanan is already a hit in Baltimore

Buchanan was selected with the 27th pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Coming out of California, he was known for his elite athleticism as a linebacker and quickness to attack ball carriers. He landed in a great situation with Baltimore, as they lack a sure thing at linebacker next to three-time All-Pro Roquan Smith.

At OTAs, he’s already getting great reviews from coaches. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr raved about the 22-year-old during his media availability on Friday.

“Teddye plays like a Raven,” Orr said. “He flies around, he seeks contact, he can play in space, and he’s a smart player…I’m excited about Teddye.”

As a later draft pick, it’s not likely that Buchanan will steal the starting role from the jump, but he’s already earned the coaches’ trust after mini-camp and at OTAs. However, the linebacker number two spot is wide open.

Former Clemson star Trenton Simpson has failed to impress so far in his Raven career, falling out of favor with the coaching staff after being given a golden opportunity to win the job in 2024. Malik Harrison and Chris Board took his snaps late in the season, but with both of those names leaving this past offseason, Baltimore is right back to square one, and Buchanan is right in the middle of the competition.

If Simpson can’t earn back the job out of camp, the fourth-round pick seems like the ideal player to pair with Smith. Buchanan runs around playing with his on fire on every snap, and Smith is one of the most physical linebackers in the league. In a defense that thrives on versatility from all of their starters, Buchanan can use his speed to line up in different areas and compete in various roles around the field. 

It’ll be a grind moving up the depth chart, but it’s nothing Buchanan isn’t used to. He spent four years at UC Davis, an FCS school, before playing his final year at California in the ACC, where he impressed with some of the nation’s best competition. That demeanor is exactly what Baltimore wants out of a player, especially for one on the defensive side, making Buchanan a perfect fit with the team. 

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