As the NFL Draft approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are focusing on addressing their offensive line, particularly the guard position, following the departure of Patrick Mekari. Last season's line showed improvement as it gained experience, but the need for new talent is pressing. Expect the Ravens to target offensive guards in the mid-rounds of the draft.

Marcus Mbow from Purdue is a notable name, showcasing speed and athleticism for his size. Despite Purdue's struggles, Mbow has proved himself as a solid run blocker. Willie Lampkin from North Carolina is another intriguing option, known for his versatility and high energy on the field, potentially offering significant value as a mid-round pick. Garrett Dillinger from LSU rounds out the list, with experience at both guard and tackle positions, demonstrating a knack for both run-blocking and pass protection, fitting well into the Ravens' zone-read scheme.

DeAndre Hopkins has signed with the Baltimore Ravens, aiming for a Super Bowl run after his time with the Arizona Cardinals. However, his integration into the Ravens' offense, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, poses some intriguing questions. The Ravens' offense is known for leaning heavily on their ground game, and with emerging talents like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, along with stars like Mark Andrews, the dynamics may shift. Hopkins, now potentially the third option, will need to adapt to a role focused more on efficiency than volume to find success.

The challenge for Monken will be balancing the various offensive weapons without compromising the Ravens' established identity. Although Hopkins is a proven playmaker, his recent performance has raised questions about whether he can still command the same targets that defined his earlier career. Will he embrace a complementary role, or will he attempt to reclaim his previous stardom? As the Ravens look ahead to the upcoming season, the expectation is that Hopkins can coexist with the existing talent and contribute meaningfully to their playoff aspirations.

Brandon Stephens, after a challenging season with the Baltimore Ravens, is set to join the New York Jets, where his role is expected to shift positively. Although he struggled primarily as an outside cornerback, the Jets' defensive lineup, highlighted by all-pro Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, suggests that Stephens will thrive as a slot defender. This change could allow him to utilize his physicality against smaller, shifty receivers rather than larger outside threats.

Last season, Stephens recorded 70 tackles but struggled with just 10 pass deflections, leading to his benching during critical playoff moments. The Ravens are anticipated to seek a cornerback in the upcoming draft to enhance their secondary. Meanwhile, with his new team, Stephens can look forward to a more tailored fit within the Jets’ defensive scheme, potentially enhancing his performance and fantasy value.

The NFL is gearing up for its 2025 season, and while exact dates and times remain unannounced, teams now know their opponents and locations. The league's 17-game schedule is determined using a fixed formula that ensures competitive balance. Each team plays against divisional rivals both home and away, which constitutes about a third of their games. The remaining matchups come from a rotation involving other divisions in the conference and across the league, making for a dynamic schedule.

For the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills, who had a strong 2024 season but fell short of the Super Bowl, will host teams like the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-9 finish last year, will have a challenging schedule. The New England Patriots and New York Jets, both coming off disappointing seasons, will look to improve with a mix of familiar and new foes. The Bills' tough opponents include the Baltimore Ravens and defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, which will test their mettle as they aim for playoff success.

The NFL has announced significant changes to the rules governing participation in the "Hard Knocks" documentary series, aiming to attract more teams to the show. Previously, teams that consistently made the playoffs were exempt; however, the new guidelines now allow playoff teams from the last two years to be featured, increasing the pool of potential participants.

This adjustment means that high-profile squads like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and the reigning Super Bowl champions, Philadelphia Eagles, could find themselves under the spotlight of the documentary crew. The league is determined to solve the growing reluctance among teams to engage with the show, which has faced criticism in recent editions for exposing internal team dynamics.

While the intention is to create a more diverse showcase, skepticism remains regarding whether established teams will embrace the added scrutiny and pressure that comes with being featured. As teams seek to avoid the cameras at all costs, the NFL's decision could force some franchises to play ball in a way they might prefer to avoid.