Top Roster Needs for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 Offseason
The Baltimore Ravens have established themselves as one of the NFL’s most consistent and competitive teams over the past few decades. The franchise has a storied history with two Super Bowl victories and a proud tradition of tough, hard-nosed football. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, staying competitive and building a team that can contend for championships year in and year out requires continuous roster upgrades. Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Ravens’ front office will be facing some crucial decisions to address key areas of their roster to keep the team competitive.
The 2025 offseason will be especially critical for the Ravens as they look to further build around their cornerstone player, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and put together a roster capable of competing with the top teams in the league. After an up-and-down 2024 season, the Ravens will need to focus on addressing weaknesses and filling gaps across several positions. Let’s break down the top roster needs for the Ravens heading into the 2025 offseason. 
1. Wide Receiver
One of the most glaring needs for the Ravens in the 2025 offseason is at the wide receiver position. Lamar Jackson has transformed into one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, but the Ravens’ receiving corps has often failed to keep pace with his development. While the team has invested in receivers through the draft and free agency in recent years, the group has struggled to provide the consistency and explosiveness needed to elevate the Ravens’ offense to the next level.
In 2024, the Ravens still didn’t have a clear number one receiver who could consistently win in all areas of the field. Rashod Bateman has shown flashes of potential but has dealt with injuries that have hindered his growth. Zay Flowers, a rookie in 2024, showed promise but is still developing. The Ravens need a true top-tier wideout—someone who can stretch the field, make contested catches, and provide Lamar Jackson with a reliable target on every down.
To address this need, the Ravens could look to acquire a top wide receiver via free agency or trade. Some notable options could include established stars who are set to hit the market or trade targets from teams that are looking to rebuild. In addition, the Ravens could also target high-upside wide receivers in the draft, as they will likely have the resources to make a move.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Acquire a true number one wide receiver.
- Add depth to the wide receiver position for competition.
- Ensure the receiving corps is balanced in terms of skill sets (big-bodied receiver, speedster, route technician).
2. Offensive Line Depth
While the Ravens have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, depth has been an issue in recent years. Injuries have taken their toll on key linemen, and while they have solid starters, the lack of quality depth behind them could be a problem heading into the 2025 season.
The Ravens have some solid building blocks in place with players like Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum, and Kevin Zeitler. However, Stanley has struggled with injuries, and the team could use better options behind their starters to protect Lamar Jackson more effectively. The Ravens also need to ensure they have depth at tackle and guard positions to withstand any injuries that might arise throughout the season.
In addition to depth, the Ravens should continue to focus on building their offensive line with versatile players who can play multiple positions. Offensive line play is often the backbone of any strong rushing attack, and for a team like the Ravens, which relies heavily on the run game, ensuring that their offensive line is deep and talented is crucial.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Add depth behind starting offensive linemen.
- Ensure that there are versatile players who can step in at various positions.
- Consider addressing the left tackle spot if Stanley’s injury concerns persist.
3. Cornerback
The Ravens’ defense is traditionally one of the strongest in the league, but in 2024, they faced some challenges in the secondary. Cornerback remains a key area of need for the Ravens, especially as they look to compete with high-powered offenses in the AFC. Marlon Humphrey is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, but the Ravens have struggled to find a consistent complement opposite him.
The team has relied on a mix of veteran and young cornerbacks in recent years, but they need a more consistent performer to pair with Humphrey. The secondary also needs to improve in terms of depth, as injuries have hampered the Ravens’ ability to sustain quality coverage throughout the season.
To address this need, the Ravens could look to add a number two cornerback, either via the draft or free agency. If they are unable to acquire a top-tier cornerback, they may consider targeting a versatile defensive back who can cover both the cornerback and safety spots. With the ever-growing number of elite wide receivers in the AFC, the Ravens must be able to keep up with these offenses, and a stronger cornerback group will be essential to that goal.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Add a reliable number two cornerback to pair with Marlon Humphrey.
- Improve depth at the cornerback position.
- Consider adding a versatile defensive back who can handle various roles in coverage.
4. Edge Rusher
The Ravens’ pass rush has been solid in recent years, but they could stand to add another dynamic edge rusher to complement the likes of Odafe Oweh and Justin Houston. While Oweh showed promise as a young player, he still needs to develop into a more consistent pass rusher. Houston, while productive, is on the wrong side of 30, and the Ravens may need to bring in a younger, long-term solution to improve the pass rush moving forward.
With a strong pass rush, the Ravens can disrupt opposing quarterbacks and take pressure off their secondary. This would be especially beneficial as they face some of the top quarterbacks in the league, such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, who thrive when given time in the pocket. A dominant edge rusher would allow the Ravens to generate pressure without having to send extra blitzers, making their defense more balanced and difficult to predict.
In the 2025 offseason, the Ravens should prioritize acquiring an edge rusher who can generate consistent pressure. Whether through the draft, free agency, or trade, bringing in a new edge rusher to pair with Oweh and other defensive linemen would help elevate the defense to the next level.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Add a dynamic, long-term edge rusher to complement Odafe Oweh.
- Seek a young pass rusher who can develop into a star.
- Build depth behind starters to ensure consistent pressure throughout the season.
5. Safety
While the Ravens have one of the best safety tandems in the league with Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton, depth behind them is a concern. Williams and Hamilton are both very talented and versatile players, but if one were to go down with an injury, the Ravens would need to have reliable backups ready to step in.
Additionally, the Ravens could stand to improve their ability to cover opposing tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. While Hamilton’s versatility makes him a strong player in this role, the team could benefit from adding another safety who excels in coverage and can handle multiple roles within the defense.
The 2025 offseason could be the right time for the Ravens to invest in a safety with a specific skill set, such as someone who can provide additional coverage ability against the passing game. Depth at the safety position is crucial, and adding a third safety to complement Williams and Hamilton would help maintain the Ravens’ defensive excellence.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Add depth to the safety position behind Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton.
- Seek a safety with strong coverage skills.
- Build versatility in the secondary to handle different matchups.
6. Running Back
Though the Ravens have one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the NFL, they still need to address the running back position. Lamar Jackson has been the focal point of the Ravens’ running game, but the team could benefit from more depth and a complementary back who can handle more of the load when needed.
J.K. Dobbins has shown flashes of brilliance but has dealt with injuries, and the Ravens’ running back depth behind him is relatively thin. Adding another running back who can share the load would take pressure off Lamar Jackson and ensure that the team’s ground game remains dominant even when key players miss time.
A versatile running back who can contribute as both a runner and a pass-catcher would be an ideal fit for the Ravens’ offense. This player would provide flexibility and help diversify the Ravens’ offensive attack.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Add depth to the running back position.
- Consider adding a versatile back who can contribute both in the run game and in the passing game.
- Ensure that the running back group can remain effective even if injuries occur.
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