How Rookie Linebacker Teddye Buchanan Fits the Ravens’ Defensive DNA

For as long as the Baltimore Ravens have been relevant, their success has always been rooted in more than just their early-round selections. The ability to build a championship-caliber roster has consistently come from the top down -- through structure, scouting, and player development. Whether it was Ozzie Newsome during his legendary tenure or Eric DeCosta continuing that tradition, Baltimore’s consistent ability to identify, draft, and develop players on Day 3 has been a major reason why the Ravens have maintained one of the league’s most physical and complete defenses for decades. That theme has continued in 2025 with the emergence of rookie 'backer Teddye Buchanan. A fourth-round pick out of Cal, Buchanan entered the league as a 6-foot-2, 235-pound rangy defender with the kind of sideline-to-sideline quickness and urgency that the Ravens covet. Baltimore has always valued defenders who play fast and finish violent through contact -- and Buchanan fits the mold from the jump. In a defense that blends vete