Ravens’ Biggest NFL Draft Need Identified: Strengthening the Wide Receiver Corps
As the Baltimore Ravens head into the 2025 NFL Draft, their roster is in relatively strong shape, but there is one position that stands out as the team’s most pressing need: wide receiver. Despite a talented roster that includes a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson and a stalwart defense, the Ravens’ receiving corps has been a consistent point of concern. For years, the team has struggled to find reliable, high-impact pass catchers who can complement Jackson’s unique skill set, and this issue has hindered the offense from reaching its full potential.
In this article, we’ll dive into why the wide receiver position is the Ravens’ biggest draft need, what has held them back in the past, and which potential draft prospects could provide a much-needed boost to their passing attack.
The Ravens’ Receiving Struggles
Since Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, the Ravens have built a strong running game and an elite defense, but their passing attack has remained inconsistent. While Jackson has had success throwing the ball, especially in 2019 when he won the NFL MVP award, the team has often lacked reliable, playmaking wide receivers to help him take the next step as a passer.
A big reason for the Ravens’ offensive struggles is the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver. Over the years, Baltimore has tried various combinations of wideouts, including names like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Sammy Watkins, and Rashod Bateman, but none of them have been able to establish themselves as consistent game-changers. The result has been a passing game that can’t consistently threaten opposing defenses, even though Jackson’s unique style of play often demands a deep threat to maximize his potential.
One of the major issues has been injuries. Bateman, in particular, has struggled to stay on the field, and while he showed flashes of promise early in his career, his development has been stunted by recurring setbacks. Similarly, veteran additions like Watkins have failed to make a lasting impact. The Ravens have also failed to draft and develop a true superstar receiver, which has left the offense somewhat stagnant when it comes to passing production.
Additionally, the team’s passing scheme has often been run-heavy, which hasn’t helped their ability to attract top-tier wide receivers. While that’s a product of Jackson’s strengths as a dual-threat quarterback, it has also limited the team’s ability to showcase their receiving talent and attract top-tier wideouts in free agency.
Why Wide Receiver Is the Biggest Need
Given the struggles at the position over the past few years, it’s clear that wide receiver is the Ravens’ biggest need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. There are several reasons why this need is so pronounced:
1. Lamar Jackson’s Development
Lamar Jackson is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, but to take his game—and the team’s offense—to the next level, he needs better weapons in the passing game. Jackson has the ability to make throws on the run, extend plays, and throw deep balls with precision. However, without the proper support from his receivers, his potential remains limited. A No. 1 receiver who can stretch the field, win one-on-one matchups, and make plays after the catch would be the perfect complement to Jackson’s skill set.
2. Reliance on the Running Game
The Ravens are known for their dominant rushing attack, with Jackson leading the way alongside standout running backs like J.K. Dobbins. However, relying so heavily on the run game has its limits, especially in high-stakes situations. If the Ravens hope to compete with the league’s top teams in the playoffs, they need to be able to pass the ball effectively. Without a legitimate threat in the passing game, the Ravens’ offense can become one-dimensional and predictable. Drafting a top-tier receiver would balance out the offense and allow them to sustain drives and put up points against tough defenses.
3. Free Agent Options Are Limited
The free-agent wide receiver market in 2025 is expected to be competitive, but the Ravens may have a hard time attracting top-tier talent given their run-first offensive philosophy. While they could make a move in free agency to address the position, drafting a high-quality receiver allows the team to find a player who fits their system and offers long-term potential at a fraction of the cost. Building through the draft is often the best route for teams like the Ravens, who have limited cap space and need to make savvy decisions to remain competitive.
4. Long-Term Stability
The Ravens have built a solid foundation with Jackson, an elite defense, and a strong offensive line, but they still lack stability at the receiver position. If the team is to remain a Super Bowl contender, they need to ensure that they have a long-term solution at wide receiver. Drafting a dynamic playmaker who can contribute immediately and grow into the team’s No. 1 option over the next few seasons would solidify the position for years to come. With Jackson still in his prime, now is the time for the Ravens to surround him with the talent he needs to succeed.
Potential Wide Receiver Draft Targets for the Ravens
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there are several wide receiver prospects who could be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense. Given the Ravens’ need for an explosive, playmaking receiver, they will likely target players who possess elite speed, strong hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch.
Here are a few top wide receiver prospects who could be available in the draft and provide an immediate boost to the Ravens’ offense:
1. Kayshon Boutte – LSU
Kayshon Boutte is one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the 2025 draft class. The LSU product is known for his speed, quickness, and ability to make explosive plays down the field. He has a great combination of size and athleticism and can stretch the field with ease, making him an ideal complement to Jackson’s skill set. Boutte has the potential to be an immediate impact player in the NFL, and his deep threat ability could be exactly what the Ravens need to open up their passing game.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is widely regarded as one of the best route runners in the draft class. Known for his crisp, precise routes and strong hands, Smith-Njigba is an excellent option for teams looking for a reliable, possession receiver who can also make plays after the catch. While he may not have the top-end speed of some other receivers, his football IQ and ability to separate in tight spaces make him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense. He could immediately step into a starting role and provide Jackson with a dependable target.
3. Jordan Addison – USC
Jordan Addison is another wide receiver who could make an immediate impact in Baltimore. Addison is an explosive playmaker who can burn defenders with his speed and create separation in the open field. His ability to make plays on deep balls would complement Jackson’s ability to throw accurately downfield. Additionally, Addison has experience in both the slot and outside positions, giving the Ravens flexibility in how they deploy him.
4. Quentin Johnston – TCU
If the Ravens are looking for a more physically imposing wide receiver, Quentin Johnston could be a perfect fit. Standing at 6’4″, Johnston offers both size and athleticism, making him a dangerous weapon in the red zone and on contested catches. While he’s not the quickest receiver, his ability to win in one-on-one situations and create mismatches in the air would provide a different dynamic to the Ravens’ offense.
5. Zay Flowers – Boston College
Zay Flowers is one of the fastest wide receivers in the draft, and his speed makes him a nightmare for defenders in the open field. His quickness and ability to turn short routes into big gains would give the Ravens another weapon for Lamar Jackson to utilize in the passing game. Flowers’ strong after-the-catch ability and ability to break tackles would make him a great fit for Baltimore’s offense.