Improving the pass rush is one of many things on the Ravens' offseason to-do list.
The Ravens finished near the bottom of the NFL in 2025 with just 30 sacks, their fewest since 2010 when they had 27. It was a significant drop from the 54 sacks they registered in 2024 when they were second in the league.
While sacks are not the only determining factor in measuring a pass rush, the Ravens also dropped to 22nd in quarterback pressures. Defensive tackle Travis Jones led Baltimore with five sacks, but the Ravens were 2-5 in the seven games in which they recorded just one sack or zero.
Baltimore's defense suffered a major loss in 2025 when Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike went down with a season-ending neck injury in Week 2. Madubuike has been a major component of Baltimore's pass rush schemes due to his ability to bring inside pressure and draw double teams that create opportunities for others.
While Madubuike's status is unclear, new Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver expressed confidence that Baltimore's pass rush will have more bite in 2026.
"We certainly have rushers, right?" Weaver said. "I think it took a hit with losing Madubuike. I think we all know the effect that losing him had on this defense, but from a talent standpoint, we certainly have some dudes that can get there."
Weaver, new Head Coach Jesse Minter, and the entire defensive staff are eager to work with players to help them realize their full potential as pass rushers. Jones, Tavius Robinson (4.5 sacks), and Mike Green (3.5) are the returning sack leaders from last season. All have room to grow, and both Minter and Weaver have strong track records helping players develop.
Under Minter, former Raven and pending free agent outside linebacker Odafe Oweh came to life for the Chargers after the Ravens traded him. He had 7.5 sacks for Los Angeles in 12 games during the regular season and added three more sacks during a playoff loss to the New England Patriots. In five games with Baltimore in 2025, Oweh had zero sacks.
At his most recent press conference, Minter was asked about his approach to helping Oweh blossom.
"I think we just created an environment for him where he played with a lot of confidence," Minter said. "We simplified some things that we were asking him to do. We allowed him, at times, to have a little more freedom as a pass rusher."
Oweh may never reach free agency if the Chargers re-sign him, and he's also being mentioned as a potential candidate to be placed under the franchise tag.
However, no matter who the Ravens pursue, Baltimore's pass rush will have a different look under Minter, including some new personnel. Several key members of the front seven are set to become free agents, including Kyle Van Noy, Dre'Mont Jones, and David Ojabo. The Ravens may acquire a new pass rusher or two via free agency or trade, and they've had past success signing veterans like Van Noy, Jadeveon Clowney, and Justin Houston.
Meanwhile, the Ravens will have a keen eye on edge rushers at next week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Pass rushers who have been linked to Baltimore in recent mock drafts include Keldric Faulk of Auburn, Cashius Howell of Texas A&M, and Akheem Mesidor of Miami. This year's class is loaded with intriguing edge rushers, which works to the advantage of the Ravens, who hold the No. 14 overall pick.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes General Manager Eric DeCosta will have plenty of options, whether he drafts a pass rusher on Day 1, Day 2, or even Day 3.
"I know Baltimore has historically, they've always liked guys who were stronger, physical, heavier set guys on the edge," Jeremiah said during his pre-NFL Scouting Combine conference call with the media on Thursday. "Maybe that's one of the reasons why they didn't hold onto Oweh.
"Akheem Mesidor plays like a Raven. It would probably be a little early at that point [at pick No. 14], but if you were to trade back, R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma plays like that as well. Physical, violent players off the edge that match the type of guys they've historically had there."
Minter will be Baltimore's defensive play-caller next season, and he has enjoyed success scheming pressure that didn't always come from the front seven. The Chargers had 45 sacks in 2025 and were fifth in overall team defense. Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu led Los Angeles with 13.5 sacks, while three teammates had at least 5.5 sacks.
That's the kind of pass rush Minter hopes to replicate in Baltimore, with pressure coming from many places.
Minter and Weaver are already plotting the possibilities. They are convinced that Baltimore's pass rush will not only be creative but consistent.
"In the backend, we have talent all across the board," Weaver said. "The first guy that comes to mind is Kyle Hamilton. He's the ultimate chess piece.
"You can do so many things with him, and you go back to a corner with Nate Wiggins and in the back with Malaki Starks, Roquan – we have talent. There's so much talent on this defense that as a coordinator, I can't help but get up here and just smile and be happy about it, because your options are limitless in what you want to do."
