The Baltimore Ravens are making waves this offseason with a major addition to their offense and a clear vision for strengthening their defense. By signing future Hall of Famer DeAndre Hopkins and setting their sights on Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Ravens are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the 2025 season.
DeAndre Hopkins Joins the Ravens
The Ravens have officially secured five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on a one-year deal. Hopkins, known for his elite route-running, strong hands, and ability to make contested catches, brings a much-needed veteran presence to Baltimore’s receiving corps. His arrival adds another layer to the team’s offensive scheme, providing quarterback Lamar Jackson with a reliable target to complement young stars like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Hopkins’ previous stint with the Kansas City Chiefs saw limited production due to injuries and a crowded receiver room. However, he still showcased glimpses of his elite skill set, recording 41 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns. Now, in Baltimore’s run-heavy but increasingly versatile offense, he has an opportunity to reassert himself as one of the league’s premier receivers.
Lamar Jackson Gets Another Weapon
For years, critics have pointed to the Ravens’ lack of elite receiving talent as a reason why Jackson has struggled in the passing game. The addition of Hopkins addresses this issue, giving Baltimore a veteran receiver who can make plays in crucial moments. With Mark Andrews at tight end and Flowers’ speed on the outside, Hopkins’ presence should provide Jackson with more opportunities to stretch the field and make key third-down conversions.
Baltimore’s Defensive Focus: Malaki Starks in the NFL Draft
While the Ravens have fortified their offense with Hopkins, they are also looking to build a stronger defensive foundation by targeting Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Starks, a standout in college football, has earned a reputation for his elite athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability in the secondary.
Starks’ ability to play both deep safety and in the box makes him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme. With veteran safety Kyle Hamilton excelling as a hybrid defender, pairing him with a dynamic talent like Starks could solidify Baltimore’s secondary for years to come. The Ravens have long been known for their defensive prowess, and adding a high-ceiling player like Starks would further strengthen their ability to shut down opposing offenses.
A Championship Mindset in Baltimore
The Ravens are clearly in win-now mode. After another strong regular season in 2024, they fell short in the playoffs, leaving fans eager for the team to make the necessary moves to push them over the top. By adding Hopkins and potentially drafting Starks, the Ravens are addressing key areas of concern and demonstrating their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.
With Hopkins giving the offense a much-needed boost and the potential addition of Starks reinforcing the defense, Baltimore looks poised to make a deep playoff run in 2025. The combination of veteran leadership, young talent, and a proven coaching staff makes them one of the most intriguing teams heading into the new season.
Final Thoughts
The Baltimore Ravens have made a bold statement with their offseason moves. Signing DeAndre Hopkins adds another weapon for Lamar Jackson, while targeting Malaki Starks in the draft signals a continued commitment to defensive excellence. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Ravens are setting themselves up to be one of the most exciting and competitive teams in the league. Ravens fans have every reason to be optimistic—Baltimore is building something special.
