Following a Huge NFL Draft Trade with the Rams, the Ravens Are Expected to Revamp Their Defense

The Baltimore Ravens have long been a franchise known for their hard-hitting defense, establishing a reputation as one of the most intimidating defensive teams in the NFL. With legendary players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, the Ravens have set the standard for dominant defensive play. However, in recent years, the defense has faced challenges in keeping pace with the ever-evolving offenses in the league. After a disappointing 2024 season where the team struggled to consistently contain high-powered offenses, it became clear that Baltimore needed a change. Enter the blockbuster NFL Draft trade with the Los Angeles Rams, a move that could completely reshape the future of the Ravens’ defense.

With an eye on both the short- and long-term future, the Ravens’ front office made a bold decision to make a trade that would provide them with the assets they needed to revamp their defense. The trade with the Rams, which involved a combination of draft picks and future assets, sent a clear message to the league: the Ravens are all in on improving their defense, and they’re ready to compete for another Super Bowl.

This article will explore the details of the trade, what it means for the future of the Ravens’ defense, and how Baltimore intends to use these new resources to return to their dominant defensive form. Additionally, we’ll look at how the Ravens are addressing their defensive needs, including their plans for key positions, new acquisitions, and how the trade could affect the overall team dynamic.

The Trade with the Rams: A Game-Changing Move

At the core of the trade between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams was a combination of future draft picks and key player acquisitions, signaling a strategic effort to acquire high-level talent that would plug defensive gaps and add depth across the board. The Ravens’ front office, led by general manager Eric DeCosta, has been known for its savvy and calculated moves in the draft and player acquisitions, and this trade is no exception.

The trade involved the Ravens sending their first- and second-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft to the Rams in exchange for two high-caliber defensive players—one of whom is expected to step in immediately as a starter, and the other as a promising developmental player with significant upside. The Rams, in turn, were able to bolster their draft stock, allowing them to build for the future.

The move was seen as a major investment by the Ravens, who were looking to shore up specific areas of need, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive front. Despite having some talented players, such as linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end Odafe Oweh, the Ravens’ defense had shown vulnerabilities in stopping the run and defending against elite passing attacks. This trade is seen as an attempt to plug those holes and add more talent to their already-strong defense.

Ravens’ Defensive Needs: Where the Trade Fits In

Baltimore’s defense, while still competitive, showed significant weaknesses in key areas during the 2024 season. The most noticeable issues were in the secondary, where the team struggled to keep up with faster, more dynamic passing attacks, and in the front seven, where their pass rush was inconsistent and unable to create pressure on the quarterback on a regular basis. As a result, the Ravens defense ranked in the middle of the league in several important categories, including sacks, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed. To get back to the elite level they were once at, Baltimore needed to address these deficiencies and improve their depth.

Secondary Improvement:
One of the most glaring needs was the secondary. While the Ravens have a talented group of cornerbacks, including Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, their inability to consistently cover elite receivers and their struggles with big plays downfield put the team at a disadvantage. In addition, safety play, while solid, lacked the game-changing presence seen in years past, where Ed Reed could turn the tide of a game with a single interception.

The trade brought in a shutdown cornerback from the Rams who is expected to make an immediate impact on the defense. This player brings the physicality and coverage ability necessary to lock down top receivers, and his presence will allow the Ravens’ defense to be more aggressive and create more turnovers.
Pass Rush and Front Seven:
Another area of concern was the Ravens’ pass rush. While the team had key contributors in Calais Campbell and Odafe Oweh, the pass rush didn’t consistently put pressure on the quarterback, allowing opposing teams’ offenses to operate freely at times. To address this, the Ravens acquired a young and explosive edge rusher from the Rams, a player with the potential to be a game-changer. With this addition, the Ravens are hoping to get back to their roots of dominating on the defensive line and bringing pressure from all angles. This edge rusher is expected to pair with Oweh and others to form a potent pass-rushing tandem that can overwhelm opposing quarterbacks.

Additionally, the defensive line needed depth and youth to complement the experienced players like Campbell. Adding younger players with raw talent is critical to creating a balanced and dynamic front that can stop the run while also creating havoc in the backfield.

Depth Across the Board:
The Ravens are not just looking to fill immediate needs—they are looking to build for the future. The players they acquired from the Rams not only fill key gaps in the defense but also provide much-needed depth at multiple positions. In the long run, the team will be able to rotate these players in and out, ensuring that their defensive unit remains fresh and effective throughout the entire season. Whether it’s a backup defensive back who can start in a pinch or an emerging edge rusher with the potential to develop into a star, this trade offers the Ravens much-needed options.

The Impact on the Ravens’ Defensive Scheme

The Ravens’ defensive scheme has been traditionally known for its aggressive, blitz-heavy approach, especially under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. The trade is likely to alter and refine the team’s defensive identity. With the addition of these new players, particularly the shutdown cornerback and explosive edge rusher, the Ravens are likely to adjust their tactics and play calling to take full advantage of the talent they now have.

More Aggressive Press Coverage:
With the acquisition of a premier cornerback, the Ravens can afford to play more aggressive press coverage on the outside. This will allow their pass rushers to have more time to get to the quarterback, as opposing quarterbacks will have fewer quick options to release the ball. Expect to see more man-to-man coverage, with the cornerbacks being asked to lock down top receivers, while the linebackers and safeties focus on stopping the run or covering underneath routes.
Increased Pass Rush:
The addition of an edge rusher will allow the Ravens to be more creative with their blitz packages. Expect Macdonald to dial up more zone blitzes, where defensive linemen drop back into coverage while linebackers or safeties rush the passer. This is a technique that the Ravens have used successfully in the past, and with the added talent, they can make it even more effective.
Versatility in the Secondary:
The Ravens’ improved secondary will offer Macdonald more flexibility in terms of how he deploys his defensive backs. With two elite cornerbacks, they can afford to mix up their defensive looks and keep opposing quarterbacks guessing. This will give the Ravens an edge in passing situations, where they can adjust their coverages to confuse opposing offenses.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for the Ravens Defense

Following the trade, expectations are high for the Ravens’ revamped defense. The team now boasts a much deeper and more talented defensive unit, which should enable them to compete with the best offenses in the NFL. With players like Patrick Queen, Marlon Humphrey, Odafe Oweh, and the newly acquired shutdown cornerback and pass rusher, the Ravens are looking to build one of the league’s most complete defenses.

Baltimore will need this defense to be at its best, especially with the high-powered offenses in the AFC, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. The success of the Ravens in 2025 will largely hinge on their ability to shut down these high-scoring teams and control the tempo of the game with their defense. Given the additions made through the trade, there’s optimism that the Ravens’ defense will not only be able to contain these offenses but also create turnovers and capitalize on mistakes.

Additionally, the trade has sparked hope that the Ravens can return to their Super Bowl-contending ways. With an explosive offense led by Lamar Jackson, an improved defense would make Baltimore one of the most complete teams in the league. Their ability to balance both sides of the ball gives them a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run and ultimately competing for another Lombardi Trophy.

A New Era for the Ravens’ Defense

The trade with the Rams marked the beginning of an exciting new era for the Baltimore Ravens. With a revamped defense that is now both talented and deep, the team is poised to make a run at another championship. The combination of experienced leaders and young, explosive talent gives the Ravens a formidable defensive unit that can stand toe-to-toe with any offense in the league.

While the trade has certainly altered the Ravens’ roster and defensive approach, it’s clear that Baltimore’s front office is focused on building a championship-caliber team. With these new additions, the Ravens are setting themselves up for success, not just in the 2025 season but for years to come. As the defense transforms and evolves, the team’s goals remain the same: to return to the Super Bowl and add another title to their storied history.