When you think of the Ravens, you think of defense.
Even with how dynamic Lamar Jackson has been, defense is still the identity of this team. In 23 of the franchise’s 28 seasons, their scoring defense has finished higher than their scoring offense.
When it comes to this year’s squad, there are holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Offensive line and wide receiver are at the top of the list, but there are some defensive positions that need to be addressed as well.
Baltimore lost Patrick Queen (Steelers) and Geno Stone (Bengals) in free agency. Queen was improving each year and Stone presented great value to the team himself, finishing 2nd in the NFL with seven interceptions in 2023. Baltimore fortunately re-signed Arthur Maulet, but that doesn’t negate the need for at least one more cornerback.
Given the team’s identity, plausible draft board, and new defensive coordinator, one thing is for sure: whichever defender(s) they do select must play relentless, smart, complimentary football. They must have football IQ and football character. They must be worthy of continuing the legacy of great Ravens defenders.
Unless an absolute stud like Cooper DeJean or Dallas Turner falls to Baltimore at No. 30, I don’t think the Ravens will take a defender with their first selection. Even if those guys were somehow still available when the Ravens go on the clock, it’s likely some offensive players the team needs more will be available as well.
Assuming that’s true, that the earlier the Ravens draft a defender is in the second round, you’re view pivots to what players could be on the board in the mid-60s. Keep in mind that the Ravens usually do their best work in Rounds 3 and 4.
Here are three players that I see as strong fits within Baltimore’s defense.
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
- PFF Grade: 81.4
- 5’9”, 182 pounds, 40.0-inch vertical
- Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kujHjcXOSkY
My favorite prospect in the entire draft is Michigan’s cornerback Mike Sainristil. Bottom line: he does so many important things well. For any corner to succeed in the NFL, they have to be quick (to match athleticism with pro wideouts), but they also need recovery skills (as they all will get beat at some point). Sainristil has both of those in spades, but what really impresses me about him is his run defense. Rarely will he allow a blocker to get into his pads/chest. Sainristil shows up for a fight, engages with effort and technique (very important) and if he doesn’t funnel the ball carrier to his help, his pursues the ball carrier himself.
Oh, and by the way, he made six interceptions last season, including one he returned 81 yards in the national championship game. He’s a big-game player that communicates, knows his stuff, and fits a need.
Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
- PFF Grade: 89.7
- 6’3”, 267 pounds, 4.75-second 40 yard dash
- Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE_Eqa9Kb4k
Let me say this as clearly as possible: Marshawn Kneeland is absolutely desperate to get to the football. No matter if he beats his man initially or has to run all around the field to make the play, he will give his all to do so. His versatility meshes with what the Ravens run defensively as well. Kneeland will line up anywhere from the 5-technique in a 4-man front to an inside linebacker behind a 3-man front.
He can stand to get a bit stronger at the point of attack, as his rushes will get blunted at times, but overall, what he offers is considerable and what the Ravens need. Brent Urban was re-signed last month to a 1-year contract, but Kneeland could be the long-term starter in Baltimore.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
- PFF Grade: 90.8
- 6’2”, 230 pounds, 34.0” arm
- Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03M0qJJToIQ
Think Devin White—but three inches taller. Edgerrin Cooper is as dynamic a linebacker as there is in this draft. He goes from a sprint to stopped to a sprint again like that. That stop/start twitch and trigger is going to be very sought after in coming years, given the evolving talent of incoming quarterbacks. It seems his physical traits are on par with his mental processing, which isn’t always the case. A lot of people know what to do but can’t execute it quickly enough. Cooper can. He racked up an impressive 17.0 tackles for loss in the SEC West last season—the toughest division in college football—on his was to being named 1st team All-American.
Another player Cooper reminds me of: new Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Both played the game with immense, but properly-calibrated urgency. Given that Baltimore’s leader Roquan Smith plays Cooper’s position, linebacker is definitely not a need. However, it wouldn’t hurt to add someone with a keen nose for the football like Cooper to complete the Ravens linebacker core.
In fact, drafting him would go a long way in helping stifle the likes of running backs Nick Chubb (Cleveland), Najee Harris (Pittsburgh), and Zack Moss (Cincinnati). In Chubb’s last full season against the Ravens (2022), he gained 190 yards rushing and scored one touchdown. In Harris’ last full season against the Ravens (2023), he gained 149 yards rushing and scored one touchdown. Moss, in his most recent game against the Ravens (as a Colt in 2023) gained 122 yards rushing, 22 yards receiving, and scored one touchdown. There may be more pressing positions to address, but Eric DeCosta selecting a linebacker would not surprise me in the least.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.