{"id":27693,"date":"2025-02-21T04:01:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T04:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=27693"},"modified":"2025-02-21T04:01:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T04:01:55","slug":"breaking-ravens-3-round-2025-nfl-mock-draft-with-trades-according-to-pfn-simulator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=27693","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING : Ravens 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft with trades, according to PFN simulator"},"content":{"rendered":"
What direction will the Ravens go when it counts for real?<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nMaybe the\u00a0Baltimore Ravens will decide to cut bait with Mark Andrews. But the team needs to take\u00a0a long look at re-signing Ronnie Stanley. Those decisions will impact the immediate future, and here is the Ravens\u2019 three-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft with trades, according to the Pro Football Network simulator.<\/p>\n
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Fortunately, the Ravens don\u2019t need the simulator to perform their draft functions. This run came up severely lacking in common sense for what the Ravens need for the 2025 season. Baltimore has its sights set squarely on a Super Bowl berth. And the right draft picks will be critical for the team to reach this lofty goal.<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, the PFN simulator failed right off the bat for the Ravens. After an early trade netted the Browns Shedeur Sanders at No. 1, the Titans grabbed cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 2. That left Cameron Ward for the Giants at No. 3.<\/p>\n
Twenty-four picks later, the PFN\u00a0simulator sent a safety\u00a0to the Ravens.<\/p>\n
First-round pick of Notre Dame\u2019s Xavier Watts is bad<\/strong><\/h2>\n
First, the Ravens have two of the best NFL safeties in the game. Kyle Hamilton ranked No. 2 this year with an overall grade of 90.0. Ar\u2019Darius Washington followed not far behind at No. 8 with a great of 80.9.<\/p>\n
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\u201cXavier Watts is a dynamic and instinctive safety renowned for his ball-hawking prowess and versatility in the secondary,\u201d PFN wrote. \u201cTransitioning from wide receiver to safety at Notre Dame, he showcased exceptional football intelligence and adaptability. In 2023, Watts led the nation with seven interceptions, earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis background as a receiver enhances his ability to anticipate routes and secure turnovers. However, his aggressive pursuit can occasionally lead to missed tackles when approaching the point of contact too hastily. Watts’ playmaking ability and versatility make him a valuable asset for any defensive unit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Could Ravens have done better than Xavier Watts?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Maybe if the Ravens planned to convert him back to a receiver position, it might make sense. However, the Ravens need an edge rusher. And the simulator passed on Texas A&M standout Nic Scouton, who immediately landed with the Lions at pick No. 28.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what PFN said about Scourton.<\/p>\n
\u201cNic Scourton is a rare blend of technical skill, bend, size, and power,\u201d PFN wrote. \u201cThough currently playing too heavy, trimming down should enhance his explosiveness as an edge rusher. His pass-rush moves are polished beyond his years. And his fluidity at 280 pounds is striking. With a strong lower half and room to refine his power game, Scourton has the tools to develop into a dominant force.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Scourton could have been a perfect fit for the Ravens. But perhaps the Ravens desire to use Washington and Hamilton in different spots makes the selection of Watts a little more palatable.<\/p>\n
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said the team\u00a0wouldn\u2019t mind another safety, according to baltimoreravens.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can add another safety, obviously, it would be really good for us,\u201d DeCosta said. \u201cIt gives us that multiplicity on defense and the ability to do a lot of different things. Kyle becomes that sort of (Swiss Army) knife again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ravens trade up for Grey Zabel in Round 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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This would be a good move for the Ravens. The North Dakota State offensive tackle could provide immediate help if Stanley leaves via free agency. And if Stanley stays, Zabel can play a different position.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrey Zabel is a versatile and technically sound offensive lineman with the ability to excel at multiple positions along the line,\u201d PFN wrote. \u201cHe combines solid size and strength with a high football IQ, allowing him to adapt to different blocking schemes and defensive looks. Zabel is effective in both run and pass blocking, using strong hand placement and leverage to control defenders.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis footwork and balance are impressive, enabling him to handle quicker pass rushers and maintain stability against power moves. The main concerns are his arm length and the competition level he has played at in college. He may be more suited to playing on the interior of the line in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n
DeCosta said the Ravens want to bring Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari back. But if they leave, the team has a plan to rebuild the unit. He said if it\u2019s too guys cost prohibitive to keep Stanley and Mekari, the Ravens are open to finding solutions in the draft or free agency and\/or turning to in-house replacements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Round 3 brings Texas TE Gunnar Helm<\/strong><\/h2>\n
This makes good sense if the Ravens cut Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely will provide a good target for Lamar Jackson, but the Ravens need someone to complement Likely.<\/p>\n
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Helm comes from a good program and gets good reviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunnar Helm has emerged as a reliable tight end, showcasing his ability to find separation, navigate spaces, and make challenging catches over the middle,\u201d PFN wrote. \u201cHe runs crisp routes and has dependable hands, excelling in short-to-intermediate areas while also being a threat in the red zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelm’s versatility is evident in his contributions as both a pass protector and run blocker, enhancing his value to an offense, especially in critical situations. His well-rounded skill set and consistent performance have solidified his status as an intriguing Day 2 prospect for the 2025\u00a0NFL Draft<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Xavier](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ravens-3-Round-2025-NFL-Mock-Draft-with-trades-according-to-PFN-simulator.jpg?w=1200\")
<\/p>\n![\"Notre](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Notre-Dame-S-Xavier-Watts.jpg\")