Russell Wilson, Nnamdi Madubuike, Denver Broncos
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Nnamdi Madubuike #92 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
TheBaltimore Ravens core identity has always been defense, and once again, one of their units ranks among the best in the NFL.
PFF has named the Ravens as the 10th best defensive line in the league in their article“2025 NFL defensive line rankings: T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward propel Steelers to No. 1” by Zoltán Buday.
The Ravens finished second in the NFL in 2024 with 54 sacks, with Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh andNnamdi Madubuikeleading the way.
Buday highlights how the Ravens’ defensive line remains solid despite the retirement of Michael Pierce.
“Michael Pierce‘s retirement will dull the team’s interior impact, but Baltimore is still in a solid position there with Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones, who both ranked among the top 30 interior defenders in PFF overall grade last season.”
Along with the returning members of the Ravens’ line, they may have also added an X-factor through the draft.
Mike Green Factor
The Ravens added to their lineman room with the addition of Marshall’s Mike Green, who lines up on the edge. Green was a projected first-round pick who dropped into the second round due to multiple off-field issues. The Ravens are taking a risk with Green, but they hope he stays out of trouble and can replicate his college success in the pros. Green at Marshall had 17 sacks and was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year.
Early in camp, Green has garnered praise from his coaches. Pass rush coach Chuck Smith was complimentary of Green’s effort in Sports Illustrated’s article“Ravens Coach Gushes Over Rookie Defender” by Josh Reed.
“A guy who runs to the ball, and if you’ve watched him out here, Mike Green runs to the ball,” Smith said. “Every play, and you don’t have to coach him on that.”
Green is joining a defensive line that has pedigree and experience.
Veterans Anchor the Line
While the Ravens have added some youth, the main anchors of the line will be the veterans.Kyle Van Noy is entering his 12th year in the league, and the two-time Super Bowl Champion linebacker/ edge rusher is looking to pick up right where he left off last season. Van Noy racked up 12.5 sacks last season on his way to making the Pro Bowl.
Ravens website writer Kyle Phoenix transcribed Van Noy appearance on the NFL Network’s“The Insiders” show in his article“Late For Work: Kyle Van Noy Is Eager for Matchup vs. Aaron Rodgers.” In the appearance, Van Noy discussed how he’s able to perform at such a high level at 34 years old.
“I’ve been able to just focus on one job. That’s getting after the passer,” Van Noy said. “I’ve been doing it; I feel like I’ve been one of the best in the NFL at doing so the last two seasons.”
Van Noy will be joined on the Ravens line this season by veteran defensive tackleJohn Jenkins. Jenkins started all 17 games last season for theLas Vegas Raiders, and he had a career high of 61 tackles.
Jenkins is on the Ravens to help in any way he can, as he told Ryan Mink in his article for the Ravens team website titled“John Jenkins Aims to ‘Dominate’ in Tandem With Travis Jones.”
“I’m just here to help out the best way I can,” Jenkins said. “Whatever God has in store for me, whatever the team believes is my perfect role, I’m just here to fulfill that.”
With their combination of veterans and rookies, the Ravens aim to build on their success from last season, establishing themselves as one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.