The Baltimore Ravens didn’t enter the 2025 NFL Draft in panic mode — but they also weren’t going to sit back and play it safe. With 11 picks at their disposal, John Harbaugh’s team had the flexibility to get aggressive and go after key players. One area that demanded urgent attention was their edge defense. Kyle Van Noy, the team’s sack leader last season, recently turned 35, and Odafe Oweh is nearing the end of his rookie contract.
The Ravens wasted no time addressing their needs. In the first round, they selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the 27th overall pick. Then, early on day two, they drafted edge rusher Mike Green from Marshall at pick No. 59. They also added LSU tackle Emery Jones Jr. in the third round at No. 91.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Ravens were thrilled to land Mike Green, a player many considered a first-round talent. The team reportedly did thorough background checks to address concerns about Green’s past and felt confident enough to keep him on their draft board, even as they removed others for character issues. John Harbaugh, during his post-draft press conference, expressed clear excitement about the new additions, emphasizing how both Starks and Green would make an immediate impact.
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
Harbaugh highlighted how Starks would be a commanding presence in the secondary and Green would bring relentless energy off the edge. He praised their passion for football and commitment to excellence. Emery Jones Jr. also earned positive remarks for his drive and aspirations. Harbaugh described the entire rookie group as highly motivated athletes determined to turn their dreams into reality.
However, Mike Green’s journey to the draft was not without controversy. Despite his outstanding 2024 season — leading the nation in sacks — Green’s draft stock was clouded by past allegations of sexual misconduct from his high school and college days at Virginia. Green has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
General Manager Eric DeCosta emphasized that the Ravens spent extensive time investigating Green’s background. They spoke to coaches, teammates, and administrators from both Marshall and UVA before deciding they were comfortable drafting him. Harbaugh supported that decision, citing strong endorsements from those close to Green and noting that the Ravens acted in a way they believed was fair and responsible.
Still, Green’s selection comes at a time when the Ravens are already under increased scrutiny, including an ongoing NFL investigation involving another player. Although the organization once had a strict zero-tolerance policy for off-field issues, they now appear to be handling situations individually — carefully weighing both the allegations and the player’s character before making decisions.
In the end, the Ravens are betting that Mike Green’s motor, physicality, and love for the game will outweigh the controversy — hoping he’ll become a key piece of their defense for years to come.