Baltimore has used the 2025 Ravens class of rookies a lot in recent years. Every week, multiple players are making a difference. They play meaningful snaps and have impact plays. Review their recent trip to Minnesota.
Baltimore has used the 2025 Ravens class of rookies a lot in recent years. Every week, multiple players are making a difference. They play meaningful snaps and have impact plays. Review their recent trip to Minnesota.
Starks has been the top safety in the NFL for the past two weeks. He is arguably the best in the league. He showed his ball skills, which made him the best safety in the draft class, with an acrobatic interception on Sunday. This time, it was against Vikings All-Pro Wideout Justin Jefferson. The first-round pick has finally flashed some game-changing playmaking after steady-but-unspectacular play to start the season. We hope that he continues to trend up.
Green is becoming more confident in rushing the quarterback. He missed his third consecutive game with a touchdown, but he had his most productive pressure day. PFF credited Green with four pressures, including three hits on McCarthy’s quarterback. Green was a key influence in what was supposed to be the game-winning interception made by Roquan, but it was taken away without fanfare. It’s important to recognize the importance of a rookie beating Christian Darrisaw at a crucial moment. The Ravens pass rush should continue to improve with Green’s development and Dre’Mont Jones joining the team.
Buchanan has seen his role diminish with Roquan back on the field. Since Smith’s return, the rookie linebacker has seen his snap count drop each week. This week, Buchanan played just 58% of Ravens defensive snaps – his lowest percentage since Week 1. Buchanan’s best play this season has come in a more streamlined, focused role, next to Smith, and with Kyle Hamilton on the box. This is what you would expect of a rookie, thriving in a small, more focused, role that allows him more freedom to let the game find him. Buchanan, despite his more limited role in Minnesota, finished second in the team for tackles and received a PFF score of 77.7.
Vinson was selected for the game despite all of the offensive line members being in good health. He beat out veteran swing tackle Joseph Noteboom. Vinson’s performance in practice, and the confidence of his coaches, is evident in this alone. Vinson was ready to cover Lamar Jackson’s left side in the event that Stanley had to leave during a game, which is possible due to his ankle injury. Vinson was drafted by the Ravens as a developmental left tackle with all the physical attributes to become a franchise tackle in time. It’s exciting to see his progress. Vinson was given a gameday jersey and took part in five field goal blocking snaps.
Loop missed his 56-yard field goal, his second of his career. He went 4-5 and scored his one extra point. Loop’s four field goals kept the Ravens within striking distance of Vikings during their early offensive struggles. Loops has missed two field goals this season, both from distances of 55 yards or more. His career long is 52. He has been 1-3 from 50-plus range so far. Range shouldn’t be a problem because he shot 8-13 in college from 50-plus with a long score of 62. While it’s not an actual game, we’ve seen the leg be hit from 70 feet in practice. As we watch more and more NFL kickers hit from 55 and above this season, loop hitting will be a focus.
Wester made his first kick returns on Sunday. He replaced Rasheen Ali who was out with a sprained ankle. Wester was a fluid and explosive ball carrier. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Ravens kept him in that position and he made a few explosive returns. He returned a punt 19 yards, which kept the Ravens out of the 5-yard line and allowed them to kick a field-goal on the next drive.
Keondre Jackson, UDFA, earned a spot on the 53 man roster following the Dolphins’ game. He then made his biggest career play in Minnesota. Jackson recovered the ball after a fumbled kickoff, and the Ravens scored their first touchdown on the 23-yard line. Jackson is a beast on the Ravens’ special teams, utilizing all three of his elevations to earn himself a spot on their roster going forward. PFF gave him a special teams grade of 90.2 on Sunday.
Keyon Martin was also able to play his first defensive role in a long time after Marlon Hushprey had to leave the game due a finger injury. Martin was able to make multiple plays during his eight snaps, earning a grade of 78.2 from PFF. Humphrey may be out for a few weeks if he has surgery on his finger. This could allow Martin to take over the featured secondary role.
Other injury news: UDFA’s Jay Higgins, a preseason star linebacker who was seen in a knee brace after the game. John Harbaugh informed reporters that Higgins’ knee injury will keep him out of the game for several weeks but is not season-ending. We’ll just have to wait to see if Higgins is placed on IR.