The Baltimore Ravens didn’t walk into the 2025 NFL Draft looking to do anything other than take what was given to them. But in true Baltimore fashion, that ended up leading to some pretty impactful moves. Whether it was reinforcing competition at key positions or sending subtle hints about the future, the message to certain players couldn’t have been clearer.
Nothing is guaranteed. And in Baltimore, every job has to be earned—over and over again. Some players now have more breathing room. Others? They might want to start looking over their shoulder.
Six Ravens who got unmistakable messages after the draft
Andrew Vorhees, OL
The message: Patrick Mekari's exit didn't hand him the starting spot.
The Ravens didn’t hand out jobs after Patrick Mekari left town. Andrew Vorhees might be the early favorite at left guard, but Baltimore made it clear he’s going to have to earn it. Drafting Emery Jones Jr. and Garrett Dellinger was a reminder that competition is constant, even for players penciled into the starting lineup.
Vorhees has the physicality to lock it down if he stays healthy, but after an up-and-down first season (missed all of 2023), the pressure to deliver is very real heading into 2025.
David Ojabo, OLB
The message: Ojabo might want to invest in some new luggage.
The Ravens aren’t waiting around for David Ojabo to figure it out. By adding Mike Green to the edge rotation, Baltimore sent a clear reminder that availability and consistency matter. Ojabo’s upside is still possibly there, but time is running out to find out if there's something more.
With 2025 being the final year of his rookie deal, this feels like a true crossroads season—one where he either forces his way into the Ravens’ future plans or risks having to find a fresh start somewhere else.
Derrick Henry, RB
The message: Let's get a long-term deal done.
The Ravens didn’t draft a Derrick Henry replacement, and they didn’t bring in any competition behind him either. That wasn’t by accident. Baltimore made it clear they want Henry to be the centerpiece of their offense again in 2025—and maybe beyond. But the clock is ticking.
Henry is entering the final year of his deal, and after another dominant season, he’s got every reason to push for an extension. If the Ravens want to avoid letting this turn into a messy contract standoff, they need to handle business sooner rather than later.
Justin Tucker, K
The message: Everybody is replaceable.
The Ravens didn’t waste any time sending a loud message to Justin Tucker: nothing lasts forever. Drafting Arizona’s Tyler Loop in the sixth round—the first time Baltimore has ever drafted a kicker—was no accident. Tucker’s 2024 season was the worst of his career, and with off-field allegations clouding his future even further, the Ravens took action.
Loop won’t be handed the job, but he doesn’t have to be. Just the fact that Baltimore made this move says it all: even legends aren’t immune when the organization feels it’s time to start preparing for what’s next.
T.J. Tampa, CB
The message: Being a supposed draft steal in 2024 was nice, but time is running low.
The Ravens aren’t giving T.J. Tampa a free pass heading into Year 2. After an injury-marred rookie season, Tampa now finds himself deep in a cornerback room that suddenly looks a lot more crowded with Robert Longerbeam and Bilhal Kone in tow. With Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins locked in up top, Tampa still has a shot.
He’s still got the size and physicality Baltimore likes, but staying healthy and showing real growth in camp is non-negotiable. If he can’t move up the depth chart, he risks falling into permanent “depth guy” territory.
Trenton Simpson, LB
The message: Simpson has one more chance to prove he can stick and start.
The Ravens aren’t handing Trenton Simpson anything in 2025. After an up-and-down sophomore season that saw him lose snaps down the stretch, Simpson heads into a pivotal year with a real spotlight on his game.
Roquan Smith is locked in, but Baltimore just added athletic LB Teddy Buchanan to the mix—and Buchanan’s skill set screams potential starter. Simpson’s still penciled in for early downs, but unless his consistency, awareness, and coverage skills improve fast, his window to lock down a long-term role could close quicker than expected.
