The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North once again in 2024 and were one of the best teams in the league.
Unfortunately, that didn’t lead to the team’s ultimate goal of a Super Bowl, though, and the team suffered another sooner-than-expected playoff exit. Still maintaining one of the best rosters in the league, though, the team has high hopes for 2025.
In free agency, the Ravens didn’t have the cap space to do much. The most important move was re-signing left tackle Ronnnie Stanley, while wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was also added.
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Now, the team has several directions they can go with the No. 27 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Today, however, we’re going to list some players the team SHOULD NOT take in the first round.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The Ravens used a first-round pick on a cornerback in 2024, selecting Nate Wiggins out of Clemson.
Wiggins immediately proved the team was wise to select him, but the team could still use some more depth at the position. It would not be surprising to see the Ravens take another corner at some point, but it shouldn’t be in the first round.
Trey Amos out of Ole Miss is a player that could be available for the Ravens. Widely expected to go in the back of the first round, Amos is a sure tackler at the corner position who’s fast enough to keep receivers in front of him.
Amos is an interesting player, but the Ravens have Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, and Marlon Humphrey, which should be good enough for 2025.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is a divisive edge-rushing prospect in this class. Some evaluators love the athleticism and raw ability of Stewart, while others are wary of the defender due to his lack of production in college.
Stewart is a physical player with a relentless motor. The Texas A&M product starred at the combine in Indianapolis, but that never translated to the field, as Stewart had just 4.5 sacks over three seasons.
The Ravens could be interested in Stewart’s traits. However, the team already has young pass-rushers that haven’t fully developed like David Ojabo and Tavius Robinson, making Stewart redundant.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton is an incredible running back prospect out of North Carolina. The former Tar Heel is now consistently mocked in the first round and is likely the second-best running back prospect behind Ashton Jeanty.
The Ravens have frequently taken a “best player available” approach in the draft. When the Ravens come up to pick, Hampton could easily be the best player remaining.
The idea of a Derrick Henry-Omarion Hampton backfield could be very enticing to the Ravens’ front office. However, the Ravens need to hold off and select a more pressing need in the first round.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Malaki Starks is a super talented defensive back from Georgia who is in contention to be the first safety selected in 2025.
Starks really appeared on the radar in 2024 after earning All-American honors. However, the defender’s play took a step back in 2025, and some evaluators worry about his ability as a run defender and tackler.
Starks is a solid prospect, and the Ravens could use more depth at the position, but the Georgia product isn’t a can’t-miss prospect. The team should wait until later to add at the position, as Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington are a solid starting duo.
