American Football

Way too early 2025 Mock Draft

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2024 CFP National Championship - Michigan v Washington
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Time to make a draft that will be completely inaccurate in a year

The 2024 draft is over. For many, it means months and months of hard work, scouting, sleepless nights, hours of film and countless mock drafts finally realized. So, how do we celebrate the months of hard work? By jumping right into next year’s draft, of course.

The first step into doing a “way too early mock” is to do a “way too early roster check.” Just like last year, we will be doing a seven-round mock on Pro Football Network’s simulator based on the Ravens’ free agents. Those include quarterback Josh Johnson, running back Justice Hill, fullback Patrick Ricard, wide receivers Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace and Deonte Harty, and offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari, Josh Jones and Ben Cleveland. On the defensive side, we have defensive lineman Brent Urban, linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board, and cornerback Brandon Stephens.

Also like last year, we will allow ourselves one re-signing. The clear choice is corner Brandon Stephens. Stephens had an absolute breakout of third season, taking over the top corner spot in Baltimore. With Marlon Humphrey struggling with injuries lately and not playing to the top of his game as a result, Stephens handled the top wide receivers the Ravens faced and played well. With Humphrey getting older, Stephens looks to lead the room in the coming years.

Our priorities will be continuing the offensive line rebuild, looking for wide receiver depth behind the future trio of Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and Tez Walker, and restocking the defense. With that, the 2025 NFL draft is now open.

DISCLAIMER: The simulator controls where the Ravens pick, suspend reality a touch. Right now the Ravens have one pick in each round, their own, but are expected to receive four compensatory picks.

Round 1, Pick 30: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Moore hasn’t been a star player yet for the Wolverines but a massive breakout is expected. The Baltimore native who went to St. Frances has been working his way up the depth chart since his freshman year and graded out as one of Michigan’s best edge players with a high pass rush win rate. He also had the game-winning stop against Alabama in the championship. With nobody blocking him now, a stat-packed season is on the horizon after being a contributor since his freshman year. With uncertainty around the future of Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, this pick makes sense.

Round 2, Pick 62: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Jackson will be a three-year starter going into the 2025 draft, starting at left guard for the Buckeyes the past two years. A good mover on the line, he excels at hand-fighting and moving forward in the run, but is also capable of pulling as well. Jackson has good length and has steadily improved each year as a pass blocker, but it’s still a question going into this college season and could be in the draft. With no guards taken in this past draft and Ben Cleveland (an expected starter as of now) leaving, continuing to grab offensive line is important.

Round 3, Pick 94: Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia

Another potential three-year starter like Jackson, Ratledge is heading into another year of starting at right guard for the Bulldogs. Ratledge has elite length and power and it shows in the run game as a pure mauler and finisher. Ratledge does have issues in the pass game though, as he has sloppy hand placement and tries to get by on just his strength which works in college but won’t at the NFL level.

Round 4, Pick 127: Antwane Wells Jr., WR, Ole Miss

Wells has had a ride of a collegiate career. He started at James Madison where he had 600 yards as a freshman and then went over 1,100 yards as a sophomore. He transferred to South Carolina where he was immediately the top target and went over 900 yards and had six touchdowns his first year of SEC play with quarterback Spencer Rattler. His senior year was cut short after three games. Transferring to Ole Miss in 2024, the 6-foot-1 receiver is expected to be a top target again and return to form.

Even with re-signing Rashod Bateman and drafting Tez Walker, the Ravens still lack a true possession receiver. Wells is a pure contested-catch guy with plus-plus hands. He also works well once the ball is in his hands.

Round 5, Pick 159: Jonah Monheim, OT, USC

Monheim has been a three-year starter for the Trojans, going into his fourth year. He’s spent time at right guard, right tackle and last year was the left tackle. While he’s never been a star, often giving up pressure, he is a versatile starter who stays on the line. Known as a competitor, he’s got a nasty streak that pairs with an athletically-gifted body that bends well and has great balance with excellent core strength. He’s a high-IQ player that picks up stunts and loops quickly. Despite being a late-round pick, with multiple years of experience and coaching up from offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, Monheim might be able to instantly compete for a starting job with Stanley expected to leave.

Round 6, Pick 190: Davin Vann, DT/Edge, NC State

Vann was expected to declare for a draft after having career highs in sacks (5.5) and tackles (42). Instead, after receiving buzz for only late Day 3, Van opted to return, hoping to improve his draft stock by putting better film out. While the film may not be great yet, Vann is expected to be an impressive tester if he receives a combine invite as a special athlete.

Round 7, Pick 222: Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas

Armstrong is another multi-year starter and with the Ravens only having three wide outs on the roster for 2025. Having multiple draft picks late to add depth to starter talent makes sense instead of signing vets or drafting early. Armstrong is 6-foot-4, but slim and not much of a possession receiver and lacks play strength. He has good release off the line, which is how he wins and possesses a high IQ in finding the soft spots against zone defenses.

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