Keldric Faulk
Potential Ravens draftee. Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk celebrates against Missouri in an October 18, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens, entering free agency and the draft, have decisions to make at edge rusher and on the interior offensive line. However, according to ESPN writer Ben Solak, those two positions contain the most depth and the most opportunity to emerge with quality starters.
“If your favorite team’s general manager can’t find a good fit at edge rusher this offseason, tell him to take a hike…Interior offensive line is always a spot at which teams can plug guys quite freely, but this feels like a uniquely good year for it.”
Consequently, those are the two positions that the Ravens desperately need the most. First, looking at the edge rusher. In head coach Jesse Minter’s scheme, the edge play on the line of scrimmage gives the front a five-man look. One edge will stand in a two-point stance while the other drops into either a three-point or four-point stance with the ability to get upfield.
For Baltimore, which seeks to improve upon 30 sacks and limited pressure, a pair of edges makes the scheme go. Second-year linebacker Mike Green will get a look at one of the edge spots, but Minter didn’t draft him, and they will ask him to not only rush the passer but also set the edge. With the 14th-overall pick, someone like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk could provide a versatile piece. At six-foot-six and 280 pounds, Faulk can go around the corner.
Interior line will also become a priority for two reasons. They need a replacement for Daniel Faalele at right guard. More importantly, center Tyler Linderbaum. If Baltimore retains him, it would significantly contribute to maintaining line continuity, given the high expectations set for him. If they can’t, players like Carolina’s Cade Mays or Cleveland’s Ethan Pocic provide options. Neither is the run blocker that Linderbaum is, but they are better in pass protection.
Cade Mays
GettyFree agent center and potential Ravens target, Cade Mays, during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
High-Ticket Options Could Cost More Than Ravens Are Willing to Spend
For Maxx Crosby, the Ravens could receive a premier pass rusher who can also stuff the run. Crosby’s hand fighting and energy would provide a boost. However, Baltimore would need to part with multiple first-round picks as an opener.
Similarly, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson knows the AFC North well. The Ravens provide a team that sits on the cusp of a playoff spot. Yet, Hendrickson, who really wants to be compensated as an elite rusher, possesses a high market value. According to Spotrac, his AAV is estimated at $25.4 million.
Meanwhile, a veteran like Khalil Mack, although older than both Crosby and Hendrickson, would cost roughly $18.4 million. Mack, at 35, does not appear to have many playing years remaining. At the same time, he is familiar with Minter’s scheme. Not to mention, he does have 11.5 sacks in the system.
Khalil Mack
GettyKhalil Mack, free agnet and potential Ravens target, celebrates during the 2025 Wild Card game against the Houston Texas.
With that said, two pieces of the puzzle dictate the course. Linderbaum’s signing all but eliminates Hendrickson and Crosby from serious consideration. If the Ravens decided to draft a guard early, like Penn State’s Vega Ioane, that would potentially soften the blow for the offensive line. As mentioned, what Minter thinks he can do with Mike Green will go a long way in deciding the course of action.