Ravens delivered brutal reality check in ESPN’s 2025 outlook

The Baltimore Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North once again. Looking at their roster, it is easy to see why. They have elite talent on both sides of the football and should be far ahead of their competition. However, they also have areas on the field where they could be a step behind. 

The team’s guards are not spectacular. Right guard Daniel Faalele had the best year of his career in 2024, but it was not without hiccups throughout the year, and no one knows what left guard Andrew Vorhees could look like in 2025. However, one of the more crucial positions on the roster might not have the firepower needed to dominate, and Baltimore’s AFC North rivals will likely take advantage in that spot. That position is outside linebacker.

The Ravens have Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh starting on the edge. Both can contribute highly, but neither would be considered a premier pass rusher. Across the rest of the AFC North, there is a lethal threat on each team. The Cleveland Browns have Myles Garrett, the Pittsburgh Steelers have T.J. Watt, and the Cincinnati Bengals have Trey Hendrickson. Recently, an ESPN article put this issue facing Baltimore into perspective.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared the rankings of the league’s top 10 edge rushers constructed by surveying various NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. The list revealed a harsh reality check for the Ravens.

Garrett topped the list at the number one spot, Watt was a close second, and Hendrickson was listed sixth, but also ranked as high as third. The rest of the top 10 and four honorable mentions saw no appearances from any Ravens. Seven other players also received votes, and once again, none of those players reside in Baltimore. Seeing this, the problem could become more alarming.

Ravens might lack the premier pass rusher that other contenders have

The Ravens have Super Bowl hopes in 2025. They have been through every trial and tribulation imaginable. While they might have the best roster in the league, their lack of an All-Pro-caliber edge defender could concern some, especially if you look at the recent Super Bowl history.

Every Super Bowl champion in the last five years has had a game-wrecker on the defensive line. Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive line gave Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes nightmares all game. In Super Bowls 57 and 58, the Chiefs had maybe the NFL's best defensive tackle, Chris Jones, threatening the backfield each down. In Super Bowl 56, the Los Angeles Rams had Aaron Donald. Finally, in Super Bowl 55, the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense feasted. The Ravens might not have the pass rush strength to contend with that.

Much of the 2025 sack production could hinge on second-round rookie Mike Green. The explosive sack artist out of Marshall fell right into Baltimore’s lap, and even though there is reason for concern, the potential is sky-high. He was also one of the more NFL-ready edge prospects in the draft. It is unfair to put that much on the shoulders of a rookie, but Baltimore wants the best out of each of their players, and they will need big numbers from Green this year.

If the Ravens want to continue their division dominance and hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February, they will need a breakout campaign from one of their top outside linebackers. And, unlike last year, they will need consistency getting into the backfield.

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