The Baltimore Ravens didn’t roll into the 2025 NFL Draft with panic in their eyes. But they sure weren’t planning to sit on their hands either. With 11 picks stacked up, John Harbaugh’s team had every chance to get bold and chase some bigger names if they felt like it. One thing was clear, though: they needed help on the edge. Kyle Van Noy, who led them in sacks last season, just turned 35, and Odafe Oweh’s about to hit free agency once his rookie deal wraps. So, Baltimore got to work fast. And so far, they have made some great additions to the team.
During the two days of the NFL Draft, John Harbaugh’s Ravens snagged safety Malaki Starks from Georgia in the first round at pick 27th overall. Then on the second day, the team went ahead to grab edge rusher Mike Green from Marshall at 59. Besides him, they even locked down tackle Emery Jones Jr. from LSU in the third round at 91.
No doubt about it – this team knows how to reload without ever blinking. Hence, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on X revealed the happiness of the team: “The #Ravens are ecstatic to get Mike Green, a first-round talent, No. 59 overall. They did extensive work on the off-field questions and were comfortable with what they learned. They pulled a few players off their board for character. Green remained on it.” Besides this, the reporter also attached a clip of Harbaugh from his post-draft press conference.
The #Ravens are ecstatic to get Mike Green, a first-round talent, No. 59 overall. They did extensive work on the off-field questions and were comfortable with what they learned. They pulled a few players off their board for character. Green remained on it. pic.twitter.com/IgTSljnZcm
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 26, 2025
Talking about his two new defensive players, Green and Starks, Harbaugh said, “Look at our whole draft really kind of in total like that. These first two guys, defensive guys, are going to, you’re going to notice them when we get out there the first day. Malaki’s going to be, he’s going to be flying around and taking charge, and Mike’s going to be flying around. You know, he (Green) won’t be calling defenses back there, but he’ll be coming off the edge, and he’s physical against the run.”
Besides this, the HC didn’t miss to talk about the players’ goals, “The other thing is it’s important to these two guys. I mean, both these two guys, football really, really matters to them…..The same thing about Emery. He felt the same way. He’s another guy that has got big goals, big aspirations, and all these guys, it’s just so meaningful when you get on the phone with them afterwards, and, you know, they’re all taking their journey.”
In no way, John Harbaugh hides his excitement when talking about his new draft picks. What stood out first was that Green’s motor, relentless, non-stop, performance, exactly how Ravens fans love their football. He said these guys aren’t just physical; they actually care, and you can see it in how they play through the last echo of the whistle.
Harbaugh made it clear: these defensive picks are going to make an impact from day one. He mentioned how Malaki Starks will be flying around and taking charge, while Mike Green will be coming off the edge, aggressive against the run. He loves that football really matters to both of them. And that they want success, they’re hungry, and they’re serious about doing things right. In fact, Emery Jones Jr. to. Harbaugh thinks Jones has a real passion for the game. Harbaugh could feel how much it meant to them when he called after the draft. It was a group of guys chasing their dreams and determined to fight for every inch.
That’s the reason the HC concluded, “They’re all fighting their fight. They’re trying to overcome and kind of make their dreams come true, and these guys are a very highly motivated group of guys.” Indeed, all three are highly motivated and are determined to prove their worth in the league. However, Mike Green has a different story because he is a controversial player.
John Harbaugh’s Mike Green is facing serious allegations!
The Ravens took a bold chance Friday night. John Harbaugh picked Mike Green out of Marshall with their second-round pick. No doubt, Green’s talent jumps off the tape – he led the nation in sacks (17) last season and wrecked offenses left and right, totaling 19.5 sacks overall. But it wasn’t a smooth road to draft night. Why?
Well, it’s because Green’s name had been tied to two old allegations, one from high school and another from his time at Virginia. Both are reportedly related to se–ual assaults. Although he’s denied both, standing firm that he’s done nothing wrong, it still shook up his draft stock. So, did John Harbaugh not know that?
As per Eric DeCosta, the Ravens did their homework. They spent hours digging into Green’s background. In fact, they talked to coaches, teammates, and anyone who crossed Green’s path. He even said, “We think he’s a talented player. We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course, but doing our due diligence, we are comfortable with Mike. … I think the best is yet to come with him, and I’m glad we got him.”
Even John Harbaugh backed it up, saying Green’s drive, physicality, and love for the game match everything the Ravens stand for. The HC further added, “The coaches and administrators and teammates at Marshall were fully supportive of everything he had done there, and same at UVA…..We made a decision based on what we felt was fair.”
Well, honestly, watching Green’s fire on the field, it’s hard not to get excited. Still, the spotlight is heavy in Baltimore right now, with the team already facing an NFL investigation into Justin Tucker. Once a franchise that swore by zero tolerance, the Ravens now say they’ll handle each case as it comes. Different times, same tough choices!
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