Mock Draft Roundup 11.0: The Ravens’ Trendy Pick Is an Ultra-Producible Pass Rusher

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are beginning to refine their big boards and consider the best players to address their needs. One of the most intriguing narratives surrounding the draft this year is the Baltimore Ravens’ potential selection of an ultra-producible pass rusher. After a season that saw the team make significant strides on both offense and defense, the Ravens are in a position where a few key additions could push them from playoff contenders to championship favorites.

In this mock draft roundup, we take a closer look at why an explosive pass rusher might be the ideal pick for the Ravens. We’ll break down the team’s needs, analyze the top pass-rushing prospects, and explore how the fit could work on Baltimore’s defense.

1. Baltimore Ravens’ Current Situation: A Team on the Rise

The Ravens finished the 2024 season with a strong showing, boasting one of the NFL’s best defenses. Their defensive coordinator, who has developed a reputation for aggressive and strategic defensive schemes, has molded a unit that can not only stop the run but also get after the quarterback. However, one area that still stands out as a potential improvement is the pass rush.

While Baltimore has a solid defensive front, they lack a true edge rusher who consistently strikes fear into opposing quarterbacks. Their current crop of pass rushers has flashed potential, but inconsistency has been an issue. The Ravens could certainly use a game-changer on the edge, someone who can elevate their defense to another level and make a tangible difference in critical moments.

As such, the addition of an ultra-producible pass rusher in the draft could be the key to taking the Ravens’ defense from good to great. They’ve been linked to several players in this mold, and it seems highly probable that they’ll target a pass rusher in the first round.

2. Why Pass Rusher? The Ravens’ Defensive Needs

Baltimore’s defense has been built on a foundation of physicality, versatility, and a strong secondary. However, the one area where they’ve sometimes come up short is in their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. A consistent pass rusher can dramatically improve a defense’s overall effectiveness, as it forces quarterbacks to make quicker decisions, disrupts the timing of offenses, and creates opportunities for turnovers.

The Importance of a Pass Rush in Today’s NFL

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, a potent pass rush is indispensable. It can completely change the complexion of a game by not only affecting the quarterback’s comfort level but also by creating turnovers. A well-timed sack can shift the momentum, and the threat of a relentless pass rush can force offensive coordinators to adjust their play calling, which in turn opens up more opportunities for other players on the defense.

Baltimore’s Lack of a Dominant Edge Rusher

The Ravens have a solid group of edge rushers, but none are considered true game-changers. Odafe Oweh, the former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t consistently dominated. David Ojabo, another talented pass rusher from Michigan, has been slow to come along after his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. They have potential, but there’s still room for improvement in this area.

Adding a high-impact edge rusher to the mix would give the Ravens the ability to generate pressure without needing to blitz as often, which would allow the team to play more zone coverage in the secondary and reduce the risk of big plays. A more consistent pass rush could be the missing piece to elevate the Ravens’ defense and make it truly elite.

3. The Ultra-Producible Pass Rusher: The Trendy Pick

As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, one name that keeps popping up in connection with the Ravens is an ultra-producible pass rusher. These are players who have demonstrated an ability to consistently rack up sacks, pressures, and tackles for loss at the college level. They’re players who have the motor, the technique, and the physical traits to succeed immediately at the next level.

Here are a few key traits that make an ultra-producible pass rusher a trendy pick for Baltimore:

A Proven Track Record

One of the biggest draws to these pass rushers is their track record of production. In the modern NFL, where rookies are expected to contribute quickly, a player who has demonstrated consistent production in college is highly valued. A pass rusher who can rack up double-digit sacks year after year in a major conference or high-level competition is viewed as someone who can translate that success to the NFL.

High Athletic Ceiling

Ultra-producible pass rushers often have a combination of size, speed, and agility that makes them nightmares for offensive linemen. They typically possess long arms, quick first steps, and the ability to bend around the edge. These physical tools make them capable of winning in a variety of ways, whether it’s through speed, power, or a combination of both.

Versatility in the Scheme

The Ravens play a multiple defense, which means they need players who can thrive in a variety of situations. An ultra-producible pass rusher is someone who can rush from both the edge and from the interior, and who has the versatility to drop into coverage when needed. This versatility allows defensive coordinators to mix up their looks and keep offensive lines guessing.

Ability to Impact the Game

Pass rushers who are ultra-productive can change the course of a game. Whether it’s disrupting a quarterback’s rhythm, forcing a fumble, or sacking the quarterback on a critical third down, these players have the ability to be difference-makers. The Ravens are a team that prides itself on its defense, and adding a player with this type of game-changing ability would be a perfect fit for their identity.

4. Top Pass Rusher Candidates for the Ravens

As we dive into the pool of pass rushers who could be available to the Ravens in the first round, there are a few names that stand out. Here are some of the top candidates who could be the ultra-producible pass rushers Baltimore is targeting.

1. Jared McGowan (Edge – Georgia)

Jared McGowan is one of the most exciting pass rushers in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 260 pounds, McGowan has the prototypical size for an NFL edge rusher. His first step off the line of scrimmage is explosive, and he combines that with a powerful upper body to shed blockers. He consistently racked up sacks and tackles for loss in his career at Georgia, showcasing his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. His ability to dominate in the SEC against top-tier competition makes him a prime candidate for Baltimore’s defense.

2. Darius Stone (Edge – Ohio State)

Darius Stone has been a dominant force on Ohio State’s defensive line. Standing 6’4” and weighing 255 pounds, Stone possesses a relentless motor and an array of pass-rushing moves that make him difficult to block. He’s shown the ability to consistently get to the quarterback, whether it’s through speed, power, or technique. His quickness off the ball and ability to change directions make him a versatile asset in any defensive scheme. Stone’s high production in the Big Ten has many scouts believing he’s ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.

3. Malik Jenkins (Edge – Alabama)

Malik Jenkins is another elite pass rusher who has the size and speed to be a difference-maker in the NFL. Standing 6’6” and weighing 270 pounds, Jenkins combines an impressive physical profile with outstanding production in the SEC. He consistently disrupted opposing offenses, showing both power and finesse in his pass-rushing technique. Jenkins is a versatile rusher who can line up both on the edge and on the interior, giving defensive coordinators plenty of options when designing pass-rush schemes. His consistency at Alabama has put him firmly in the conversation for a first-round selection.

4. Bryce Anderson (Edge – Clemson)

Bryce Anderson is a physical specimen with a great combination of size and athleticism. At 6’4” and 265 pounds, Anderson is a well-rounded pass rusher with the ability to win in a variety of ways. He has a quick first step, a powerful punch, and impressive bend around the edge. Over the course of his career at Clemson, Anderson has consistently produced sacks and tackles for loss, making him one of the top edge rushers in the country. His physical tools and proven production make him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defense.

5. The Fit: How an Ultra-Producible Pass Rusher Elevates the Ravens’ Defense

Adding an ultra-producible pass rusher to the Ravens’ defense would elevate the unit in several key ways. First and foremost, it would immediately improve the team’s ability to pressure the quarterback. Whether it’s getting after the passer on obvious passing downs or creating havoc in the pocket on early downs, a top-tier pass rusher makes a significant difference in how a defense operates.

In addition to improving the pass rush, an elite edge rusher would allow the Ravens to play more aggressive defense. With the ability to generate pressure with four players up front, the team could drop more players into coverage and force quarterbacks to make quicker decisions. This would also give the secondary more time to lock down receivers, creating more opportunities for turnovers.

The Ravens’ Path to Success

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens are poised to select an ultra-producible pass rusher who can immediately make an impact on their defense. The addition of a high-impact edge rusher would bolster the Ravens’ already impressive defense and make them even more dangerous. Whether it’s disrupting the pocket, forcing turnovers, or simply creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks, the Ravens’ trendy pick of an elite pass rusher could be the key to propelling them to the next level.

As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Ravens address their need for a true game-changing pass rusher. With their strong defense, a few key additions could make them one of the most formidable teams in the league. A pass rusher could be exactly what they need to put them over the top.

This draft preview highlights the growing trend of teams like the Ravens seeking out ultra-producible pass rushers to make a difference on defense.