As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for another NFL season with their sights set on securing their third Vince Lombardi Trophy, their scouting department is already planning for the future. While the draft may seem like an event strictly confined to the offseason, scouting for prospective talent is a year-round endeavor. With the upcoming college football season on the horizon, scouts are poised to gain further insights into the next wave of top prospects.
Recently, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus highlighted one standout offensive prospect for each NFL team to monitor closely this fall. For the Ravens, that spotlight fell on Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Texas.
“The Ravens moved on from Morgan Moses this past offseason, creating a vacancy at right tackle (potentially to be filled by rookie Roger Rosengarten),” Sikkema notes. “Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has just one year remaining on his contract, will turn 31 next offseason, and has been grappling with injuries over the past four seasons. Offensive tackle is likely to be a high priority for Baltimore in the 2025 draft. Kelvin Banks Jr. is still refining his technique but possesses exceptional athleticism for his position. He possesses all the tools to become a starting-caliber left tackle.”
Banks, entering his junior season, has been a stalwart on the Longhorns’ offensive line, starting in 27 games over the last two years. His performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors last season, contributing significantly to Texas’ potent offense both in the passing and rushing game.
The focus on selecting a tackle is particularly intriguing. Sikkema’s analysis suggests a potential transition away from Ronnie Stanley, who garnered first-team All-Pro accolades in 2019 but has struggled with injuries since then. While this season could mark Stanley’s final campaign in Baltimore, nothing is certain, especially if he makes a strong comeback.
However, concerns loom over the interior offensive line, where the Ravens have introduced two new starting guards in Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland. The landscape could evolve leading up to the draft, potentially steering the Ravens’ focus towards bolstering their interior trenches instead.
As the Ravens navigate the upcoming season with their eyes on championship glory, their strategic planning for the future, particularly in the realm of offensive line reinforcements, remains a pivotal aspect of their long-term success strategy. The journey towards securing another Lombardi Trophy continues, intertwined with the meticulous process of identifying and acquiring the talent needed to sustain their competitive edge in the NFL.