The NFL offseason is a complicated formula of fine-tuning and reinforcing rosters. The Baltimore Ravens weren't uber-aggressive in the early period of free agency, but Eric DeCosta put together a draft class for fans to be excited about.
But, it may not be the new additions that take Baltimore's offense to a next level. Perhaps the most vital additions come from players who are returning from injury.
The Ravens were without second-year running back Keaton Mitchell for most of last season after he tore his ACL late in his rookie campaign. Mitchell returned for the final five games of the season, but he didn't look his usual speedy self. Mitchell took just 15 carries for 30 yards after averaging 8.4 yards per carry as a rookie.
The Ravens are also returning Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers, who got hurt at the most inopportune time in 2024. Flowers hurt his knee in a Week 18 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, and the Ravens were left without their top weapon in the receiving game for the playoffs.
Now, both playmakers are back at full health and are ready to dominate defenses in 2025. Both players showed up at OTAs showing lots of promise, with words to back it up.
“I feel like I’m back better than when I first got here. It’s going to be a movie.” Mitchell said.
"My knee's great," Flowers said on Tuesday. "I feel 100%. I feel like I'm ready to go, ready for the season, no limits."
Ravens' offensive coordinator Todd Monken has high hopes for Flowers, saying the third-year receiver is "unbelievable" and he could see even more volume this year.
“We’ve just got to get him the ball more,” Monken said, via the Ravens' website. “He’s an unbelievable football player. He’s not only an outside receiver that has elite route-running skills, but he’s unbelievable with the ball in his hands. So you have a guy that really plays two spots. I’m not sure he can use that in his contract negotiations. But I’m just saying you can use him in a variety of roles to get him the ball, which allows your volume to go up. He’s a volume catch guy. You can use him in novelty screens, getting him the ball down the field. I expect him to take another leap. When you make it to the Pro Bowl, or you’re an All-Pro, you’re pretty good."