Can the Ravens Bolster Their Pass Rush This Offseason?
With the NFL’s new league year set to begin next week, along with the start of free agency, teams are looking to make moves to bolster their rosters and address weaknesses from last season as they head into the next one. The Ravens, historically known for having a dominant and fierce defense with legends such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, and more, are no exception. If the Ravens aspire to break through the hurdle and reach the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade, general manager Eric DeCosta should focus on bolstering the team’s edge rusher group, something that was evident in yet another playoff disappointment for Baltimore. As free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft loom, there are multiple potential avenues the Ravens could take to address this need.
Last season, if you just looked at the stats, you might wonder why the Ravens need to improve their pass rusher group, given they recorded the second-most sacks in the NFL with 54. While Baltimore ranked near the top of the league in sacks, factors such as inconsistency in generating pressure, aging veterans, and the need for a true game-wrecker on the defensive line could prompt the Ravens to enhance this unit. Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who has experienced a career resurgence in his two seasons in Baltimore, continued to be a leading voice on the defense and led the team in sacks last season. However, Van Noy will turn 34 later this month. With his two-year deal set to expire after next season, the Ravens must plan for a successor to take over once Van Noy eventually departs.
Along with Van Noy, the Ravens have two younger pass rushers, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, who have been a work in progress since being drafted. The brighter outlook between the two has been Oweh, who is coming off his first career double-digit sack season in 2024-25. However, with Oweh entering next season on his fifth-year option, questions about his consistency and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks throughout all four quarters remain a concern. Meanwhile, Ojabo, drafted in 2022 with high expectations, has struggled to stay healthy, dealing with multiple serious injuries, including an Achilles tear and ACL surgery. With just four career sacks, Ojabo has yet to unlock his full potential, leaving Baltimore uncertain about the 24-year-old's ability to contribute meaningfully moving forward.
If the Ravens decide to upgrade their pass rush, there are multiple options in both free agency and the NFL Draft that they could consider. In free agency, available players who could provide immediate help include Josh Sweat, who recorded eight sacks with the Eagles last season; veteran Khalil Mack; former Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon; or Tennessee Titans' Harold Landry, who was granted permission to seek a trade and is coming off a nine-sack season. Landry could be a possible trade fit if Baltimore decides to go that route. On the other hand, if the Ravens look to the draft for added depth, potential prospects include Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M, who has been connected to Baltimore in multiple mock drafts, as well as James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee and Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College. Both have been linked to the Ravens in the first round with the 27th pick. Regardless, the Ravens will enter free agency and the draft with a variety of potential options as they look to bolster their pass rush group.
