It's been a busy offseason for the Ravens, so Feb. 14 snuck up on me this year. I'd better make that dinner reservation and find the right card or some flowers in a hurry!
Whether this weekend is special to you or not, we all have certain people or things that we love. On Valentine's Day weekend, here are 10 things that I love, or don't love, about the Ravens right now, all in 50 words or less:
- I love the way new Head Coach Jesse Minter has put together his staff. There's experience, there's youth, and there's a recognizable skill set that each member should bring to the table. It's very hard to be a successful coach without a great staff. On paper, Minter has one.
- I can't love the possibility of Baltimore starting next season without Tyler Linderbaum. You can't re-sign everyone in free agency, but losing a Pro Bowl center would add uncertainty to the offensive line. The Ravens re-signed Ronnie Stanley last year. Finding a way to keep Linderbaum would be huge.
- Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane is a popular name for the Ravens in mock drafts. I'm not always enamored with drafting a guard in the first round, but someone who could step in and start immediately at that position would be a plus. Taking Ioane would make sense.
- Many draft pundits are in love with edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey. But Texas A&M's Cashius Howell is another pass rusher to watch at No. 14. He had 27 career sacks in college. Ravens fans will embrace any player who improves their pass rush.
- I love Kyle Hamilton's enthusiasm about working with Pass Game Coordinator/ Secondary Coach Mike Mickens. Hamilton spent two years with Mickens at Notre Dame. "He's a great coach, knows a lot of technique," Hamilton said via "The Athletic Football Show." I can't wait to see Hamilton in this defense.
- Anthony Levine Sr. got plenty of love when he was named special teams coordinator, including from Bengals safety Geno Stone, one of Levine's former Ravens teammates. Levine does everything with passion. That dedication and commitment should serve Levine well in his new role.
- Neither Terrell Suggs nor Marshal Yanda made the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. I don't get that. Both are very deserving. I expect Suggs and Yanda to be in Canton at some point, but I don't love that their wait continues.
- Derrick Henry needs 619 yards next season to move from 10th place to sixth on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Henry would be a first ballot Hall of Famer if he retired today. But the Ravens love that retirement isn't in Henry's immediate plans.
- The Ravens could have as many as 11 draft picks after the compensatory selections are distributed. General Manager Eric DeCosta loves draft picks. With 11 swings, I trust that he's going to get some impact players. The Ravens have an excellent chance to begin 2026 with a stronger roster.
- I don't love waiting months for the 2026 NFL season to start. The weekend seems emptier without football. At least there's the NFL Combine later this month, followed by free agency and the draft. The Ravens' offseason action is far from over.
