If this is the Ravens’ biggest concern, they’re in phenomenal shape

The draft is in the books. Rookies have reported. The offseason is winding down, and NFL writers everywhere are diving into one of the sport’s most time-honored traditions: identifying what every team “didn’t do.”

That’s exactly what CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin did in his annual roundup of the biggest post-draft question for all 32 teams. And to his credit, he didn’t throw the usual tired stuff at the Baltimore Ravens. No, there was no “Can Lamar Jackson win in January?” drama here. Instead, Benjamin asked a different question about Baltimore’s outlook in 2025—Can the rookies push this defense from solid to special?

Let’s pause there. If your biggest question heading into the season is whether two top-tier rookies can elevate one of the league’s most talented defenses even further, is that really a concern—or just a luxury disguised as a question?

If this is Baltimore’s flaw, most teams would kill for it

Benjamin wrote: “Baltimore struggled to defend the pass to open 2024, and now two rookies could be key to the Ravens’ progress in that area, with edge rusher Mike Green and safety Malaki Starks set for big roles. Their rate of development could determine whether the unit is solid or special.”

Here’s the thing—he’s absolutely spot on. The Ravens’ pass defense was shaky to start last season, but it flipped the switch late in the year and finished as one of the NFL’s most complete units by the time the playoffs rolled around. Starks and Green are more than reinforcements. They’re the kind of rookies who can shift the tone of a defense—without being asked to carry it. That’s what makes this such a uniquely “Ravens” problem.

Starks was widely projected as a top-15 pick and landed at No. 27. He can cover, tackle, hit, and disguise coverages like a veteran. Green led the FBS in sacks last year and somehow slipped into the back half of the second round. Character concerns were responsible for that, but the talent is undeniable. They’re both expected to contribute early and often, but neither will be handed too much too soon. Ahhh... the sweet spot.

Asking too much of your rookies usually signals trouble ahead. Luckily, Baltimore isn’t in that spot—unless something completely unexpected sends the wheels flying off.

While other teams are asking if their quarterback situation is good enough to compete, Baltimore is asking whether its two biggest draft steals might be what finally pushes them over the Super Bowl hump. There are no red flags flying here. That’s the definition of being built the right way.

If this is what “uncertainty” looks like—if this is what questionable looks like—Flock Nation will take it every year.

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