You can't win the Super Bowl until next season, but what transpires this offseason matters greatly to the Ravens.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021, the Ravens have a new coaching staff in command. With a long list of potential free agents, Baltimore needs to strengthen its roster with some of the players it is scouting at this week's NFL Combine.
Head Coach Jesse Minter thinks players, coaches, and the organization can use the disappointment of the 2025 season as motivation to embrace change.
"Anytime change happens, there's a reason that change was decided to be made," Minter said. "You can look at the record, you can look at not making the playoffs, you can look at certain things and at least use that early on for the players to embrace why it's different.
"That window's only open for so long, so you need to strike that while it's open. Build great relationships. Begin for them to understand why you're doing something a little bit different. As you have success, then hopefully that grows and grows over time."
Spending four days at the Combine in Indianapolis provided me with more perspective on free agency and the draft. Here are my thoughts on the Ravens as we head into March, all in 50 words or less:
- Working with a seasoned general manager like Eric DeCosta is an advantage that many first-time head coaches don't have. The new coaching staff is bringing fresh ideas. The front office and scouting staff have vast experience navigating the draft and free agency. Minter says the combination is clicking.
- I love the thought of Baltimore taking Penn State guard Vega Ioane at No. 14. On "The Lounge" Podcast, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah called Vega the best offensive lineman in the draft. Imagine if Baltimore drafts Vega and re-signs Tyler Linderbaum, the offensive line would suddenly be a strength.
- If Linderbaum leaves, strengthening the interior offensive line will become even more important for Baltimore. However, Ioane is the only guard I would take on Day 1. After that, Beau Stephens of Iowa is someone to watch. The Ravens have shown a love for Iowa offensive linemen.
- Contract negotiations often come together at the Combine. That's what happened between the Ravens and Ronnie Stanley last year, when they reached an agreement before he hit free agency. The Ravens are hoping for the same outcome with Linderbaum.
- Baltimore needs edge rushers and Jeremiah says Akheem Mesidor of Miami "plays like a Raven." Some teams may be scared away from Mesidor because he will turn 25 in April. Mesidor might be a reach at 14, but if he's still there on Day 2, the Ravens may pounce.
- Perhaps Mesidor's age will help him become an impact rookie. He played well on the big stage last season, helping Miami reach the national championship game. Scouts say Mesidor is mature, both physically and mentally. He's part of a growing trend of older draft prospects.
- Mesidor hails from Canada and wants to inspire more kids from his country to dream of playing in the NFL. If he lands with the Ravens, Mesidor will join fellow Canadian outside linebacker Tavius Robinson. Robinson and Mesidor would become a strong Canadian pass rush combo.
- Mesidor didn't work out at the Combine, nor did Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. However, that's unlikely to diminish the Ravens' interest. The Ravens have talked about beefing up the trenches, and Woods would check that box.
- With Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar both pending free agents, the Ravens could draft two tight ends. Marlin Klein is a tight end prospect that Minter is very familiar with. They won a national championship together at Michigan when Minter was the Wolverines' defensive coordinator.
- Kyle Hamilton joked about being “frame mogged” by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who is an athletic freak for his size. But Hamilton doesn't have to worry. Teams looking for a safety at the Combine want the "the next Kyle Hamilton." The Ravens are blessed to have the real thing.
