Debating whether the Ravens should pick for need or value with first round selection
The Ravens have a model for roster building, and the 2025 NFL draft has caused many discussions regarding what Eric DeCosta should do with his Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Baltimore has the No. 27 overall pick, and DeCosta has flourished with the model of picking the best player on the board.
The Ravens don't usually reach, and most picks are about value.
ESPN's Matt Miller and Jason Reid attempted to make sense of NFL teams juggling the decision to draft to fill a considerable team need or pick based on "best player available."
ESPN explored both sides of the table for all 32 first-round picks, with Miller naming a prospect who would best fill every team's most significant need. Reid details an option to give each team maximum value and satisfy a "best player available" approach.
Here's a breakdown of the Ravens' dilemma and what could happen.
Baltimore RavensMiller's pick that fills a big need: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
DeAndre Hopkins brings a big name to Baltimore's receiving corps, but he turns 33 in June. Combine that with Zay Flowers' knee injury, and receiver stays atop the Ravens' draft needs. McMillan finished the 2024 season with 1,319 receiving yards.
Reid's pick that gets best value: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks' center-field ability and ball skills make him the No. 17 player on my board. The Ravens have never been hesitant to take the best player available even if there isn't an immediate need at the position (though there is in this case).
Baltimore has an immediate need at the safety position. Still, McMillan slipping to late in the first round could be too great a value to pass up over potentially landing Malaki Starks. Baltimore has one of the top safeties in the league, Kyle Hamilton, but the Ravens want to add another safety who can focus on the deep third while allowing the All-Pro to become even more versatile.
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