Baltimore Ravens’ Draft Strategy: A Closer Look at Anthony Belton
The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2025 NFL draft, and their strategy for Day 2 has been revealed. According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, “multiple evaluators” have named Anthony Belton, a tackle from NC State, as a potential target for the Ravens in the second round.
A Potential Successor for Ronnie Stanley?
Belton’s size and tenacity make him an attractive prospect for the Ravens, who have traditionally coveted players with these qualities up front. At 6-foot-6 and 336 pounds, Belton has the physical attributes to play either tackle spot or even guard if needed. As James Foster notes, Belton had a standout performance in the Senior Bowl, showcasing his movement skills and “easy feet.”
However, Belton’s struggles with speed may make him more likely to be available in the second round. As Foster points out, Belton had some losses to Central Arkansas edge David Walker in the Senior Bowl, highlighting his potential vulnerability against quicker opponents.
A Solution to the Ravens’ Guard Problem?
The Ravens don’t necessarily need a left tackle, having secured Ronnie Stanley’s immediate future. However, losing Patrick Mekari in free agency created a void at guard, which the Ravens may look to fill from within. According to Ryan Mink, the Ravens view Andrew Vorhees as a “plug-and-play guard.” However, Vorhees’ injury history may make Belton a more attractive option.
If the Ravens were to draft Belton and slide him to guard, it would give them more security at an important spot. As Reid notes, “Safety and defensive line are the obvious needs” for the Ravens, so drafting Belton could allow general manager Eric DeCosta to use his first-round pick in more pressing areas.
A Busy Schedule of Pre-Draft Visits
Belton has 18 top-30 visits lined up, according to click2houston’s Aaron Wilson. Many teams are eager to evaluate the 6-foot-6, 336-pounder, who has positional flexibility and can play either tackle spot or guard.
The Ravens have already looked Belton over during a top-30 visit, and it remains to be seen whether one of the teams on Belton’s busy schedule will feel compelled to take him before the Ravens get started on Day 2 with the 59th pick.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Ravens’ draft strategy for Day 2 is centered around finding value and stacking talent at key positions. Anthony Belton’s size, tenacity, and positional flexibility make him an attractive prospect, and the Ravens may look to draft him and slide him to guard to solve their problem at that spot. With safety and defensive line being the obvious needs, drafting Belton could allow the Ravens to use their first-round pick in more pressing areas.