Baltimore Ravens’ Top Position Requirements After an Early Playoff Exit
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, consistently competitive in the league. However, after their early playoff exit in the 2024-2025 season, it’s clear that they have some key areas of improvement to address. While the team has built a strong roster with talent at multiple positions, there are still several key areas that require attention in order to compete for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. In this article, we will break down the top position requirements for the Ravens moving forward, analyzing where they need to improve and how they can address those needs.
1. Quarterback Position: A Long-Term Solution for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has been the face of the franchise for years and is undoubtedly one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. However, questions have arisen about his ability to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl, given their early playoff exit in the 2024-2025 season. Jackson’s unique skill set as a dual-threat quarterback makes him a dangerous weapon, but it’s clear that he needs more consistency from his supporting cast to truly excel in the postseason.
Requirement: Offensive Line Improvement & Playmaking Receivers
To ensure Lamar Jackson remains a top-tier quarterback in the league, the Ravens must invest in an offensive line that can protect him and give him time to make plays down the field. Additionally, adding more playmakers to the wide receiver corps would significantly improve Jackson’s passing game, allowing him to be a more complete quarterback.
Potential Solutions:
- Offensive Line Upgrades: The Ravens should focus on strengthening their offensive line to provide Jackson with better protection, particularly in the passing game. Upgrading the offensive tackle positions and ensuring the interior line can hold up against powerful defensive fronts will be crucial to Jackson’s long-term success.
- Wide Receiver Addition: The Ravens need a true number one wide receiver who can consistently get open and make plays down the field. A high-impact receiver with a proven track record could provide Jackson with a reliable target in critical moments, which is something that the team has struggled with in the past few seasons.
2. Wide Receiver Corps: A Consistent Threat
One of the most glaring issues for the Ravens over the past few seasons has been their lack of consistency at the wide receiver position. While the team has some talented young receivers, they have not been able to consistently produce in big moments, especially in high-stakes playoff games.
Requirement: A True Number One Receiver
To give Lamar Jackson a fighting chance in the postseason, the Ravens need to find a true number one wide receiver who can dominate at the line of scrimmage and stretch the defense. The lack of depth and top-tier talent at wide receiver has hurt the Ravens in playoff games, and they must invest in adding a game-changing playmaker at the position.
Potential Solutions:
- Free Agency: The Ravens should look to sign a proven wide receiver in free agency. There are a number of veterans who could make an immediate impact on the team, providing a reliable target for Jackson and helping to elevate the overall passing game.
- NFL Draft: If the Ravens can’t find a top-tier receiver in free agency, they should look to the NFL Draft to fill this need. There are always promising wide receivers available, and with a deep class of prospects, the Ravens could land a future star to complement Jackson’s skill set.
3. Defensive Backfield: Upgrades in Coverage and Playmaking Ability
The Ravens’ defense has traditionally been one of the best in the league, but the team’s secondary has shown some cracks in recent seasons. While there are talented players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, the defense needs to be more consistent in coverage, especially against high-powered passing offenses.
Requirement: A Playmaker at Cornerback & Depth at Safety
The Ravens need to address their cornerback position, particularly the second cornerback spot, which has been a weak point in the secondary. Adding a playmaker at cornerback would give the defense a much-needed boost and allow them to shut down opposing receivers. Additionally, depth at the safety position is crucial, as injuries and inconsistent play have hurt the Ravens in recent seasons.
Potential Solutions:
- Free Agency or Trade for a Cornerback: The Ravens should pursue a top-tier cornerback in free agency or via trade to complement Marlon Humphrey. A reliable number two cornerback would make a significant difference in the secondary, giving the Ravens a stronger defense overall.
- Safety Depth: Adding a versatile safety who can cover ground and create turnovers would elevate the secondary. While Marcus Williams is solid, the Ravens need another safety who can make plays on the ball and provide depth in case of injuries.
4. Pass Rush: An Elite Edge Rusher
The Ravens have always prided themselves on a dominant pass rush, but this area has become a bit of a concern in recent seasons. While they have talented pass rushers like Odafe Oweh, the team needs a true elite edge rusher who can consistently put pressure on the quarterback, especially in crucial playoff games.
Requirement: A Game-Changing Pass Rusher
In order to compete with the top offenses in the AFC, the Ravens need to bolster their pass rush. A dominant edge rusher who can disrupt the quarterback and force turnovers would elevate the entire defense, making it more difficult for opposing offenses to score.
Potential Solutions:
- Free Agency or Trade for an Edge Rusher: There are always impactful pass rushers available in free agency, and the Ravens should target one of them to fill this crucial role. A player who can consistently generate pressure would change the dynamics of the defense and force more turnovers.
- NFL Draft: If the Ravens cannot land a top pass rusher in free agency, they should look to the draft. A high-potential edge rusher who can develop into an elite player could provide the team with the pass-rushing threat they need.
5. Running Back: A Balanced Rushing Attack
The Ravens have been known for their potent running game, and with Lamar Jackson at quarterback, they have the potential to be one of the most dangerous rushing offenses in the league. However, there have been questions about the depth and consistency at running back.
Requirement: A Complementary Running Back
While J.K. Dobbins is a talented back, the Ravens need a running back who can complement him in the backfield. Adding a versatile and explosive running back would give the offense more balance, making it more difficult for defenses to predict the Ravens’ play calling.
Potential Solutions:
- Free Agency or Draft: The Ravens should look to add a running back through free agency or the draft. A back who can catch passes out of the backfield and create big plays on the ground would add another layer to the Ravens’ offense, making it more dynamic and harder to stop.
6. Coaching Staff: Enhancing Offensive Schemes
While the Ravens have a talented roster, one area where they can improve is in their offensive scheme. Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have made strides in developing a more diverse offensive attack, but there is still work to be done to unlock Lamar Jackson’s full potential.
Requirement: Continued Offensive Evolution
The Ravens need to continue evolving their offensive scheme, integrating more passing concepts and finding creative ways to use Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat abilities. While the running game will always be a staple of the Ravens’ offense, they need to develop a passing attack that can keep up with the high-scoring offenses they will face in the playoffs.
Potential Solutions:
- Expanding the Playbook: The Ravens should continue to expand their playbook, incorporating more passing concepts and creating mismatches with their personnel. This will help diversify the offense and make it less predictable.
- Building Chemistry: The team needs to foster better chemistry between Lamar Jackson and his receiving corps. With consistent work in the offseason, they can develop a passing attack that complements their strong running game.
The Baltimore Ravens have a talented roster and a strong foundation, but their early playoff exit in the 2024-2025 season highlighted several areas that need improvement. Addressing these key positions—quarterback protection, wide receiver talent, secondary coverage, pass rush, and running back depth—will be crucial for the Ravens to make a Super Bowl run in the coming seasons. By making strategic moves in free agency, the draft, and continued development of their coaching staff, the Ravens can position themselves as one of the top contenders in the AFC and ultimately compete for the Lombardi Trophy. With a commitment to improving these areas, the Ravens can build a team that can withstand the challenges of the modern NFL and bring a Super Bowl title back to Baltimore.
