The NFL off-season has started for Baltimore.
GM Eric DeCosta will retool a star-studded roster while maintaining the Super Bowl window created by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
The Ravens could be on the watch for several players during Thursday’s showdown in Arlington at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. Kickoff from Globelife Field is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on NFL Network.
Here’s a look at 15 players DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh should keep a keen eye on.
Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Nov 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) runs the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers defensive back Anthony Wilson Jr. (12) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Brooks is a fan favorite and Texas Tech’s all-time leading rusher. He is a dynamic player with an underrated change of direction and balance, but he plays exceptionally violent and runs behind his pads.
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What he lacks in size, Bryant more than makes up for with his aggressive play on the outside at the cornerback position.
Bryce Cabeldue, OL, Kansas
Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue (77) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A big, physical offensive guard (6-4 3/4, 306), Cabeldue could carve out a solid NFL career at guard after three years at left and right tackle. Cabeldue could have a similar trajectory to former Kansas Jayhawks teammate Dominick Puni, who moved from tackle to guard last postseason and wound up a third-round pick and rookie starter in San Francisco.
Jacolby George, WR, Miami
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Jacolby George (3) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
An elite route runner, George finished the last two seasons with a combined 110 receptions, 16 touchdowns, and 1,616 yards.
Alijah Huzzie, DB, North Carolina
North Carolina Tar Heels Alijah Huzzie (28) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Panthers Konata Mumpfield (9) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 23, 2023.
A potential contributor at the slot cornerback spot, Huzzie is aggressive and stays around the football despite lacking elite size (5-9 1/4, 194). Huzzie earned an honorable mention in All-ACC honors with the Tar Heels after transferring from East Tennessee State.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Edge, Virginia Tech
CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 11: Thomas Castellanos #1 of the Boston College Eagles attempts to make a pass as he is tackled by Antwaun Powell-Ryland #52 of the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alumni Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
An undersized edge rusher (6-2 1/4, 253), Powell-Ryland could drop in the draft because of his average size and short arms (31 1/8 inches). The Hokies pass rusher was named a 2nd team All-American last season after logging 16 sacks and ranked second in the ACC with 19 tackles for a loss.
Traeshon Holden, WR, Oregon
Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden catches a touchdown pass as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Holden declared for the NFL Draft after spending two seasons at Oregon under coach Dan Lanning. Holden has 19 career touchdowns and played the first two seasons of his collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he posted 46 catches for 570 yards and seven touchdowns. He arrived in Eugene in 2023 and became an immediate contributor in the passing game for Bo Nix, finishing the Fiesta Bowl-winning season with 37 grabs for 452 yards, six touchdowns, and one rushing score.
Dont’e Thornton, WR, Tennessee
Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (1) runs in a touchdown during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
The most targets Thornton received during his four years of college (two at Oregon, then two at Tennessee) was 38 this past season. Mostly a deep-ball receiver who led the FBS with an average of 25.4 yards per reception as a senior, Thorton is raw and has to prove that he can win quickly on comeback routes and get inside on slants with quickness off the line.
LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) returns a punt for a touchdown the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Wester is another of the Colorado speedsters. In his lone season at Colorado after transferring from Florida Atlantic, the smooth and dynamic receiver recorded 74 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. His punt return touchdown against Utah further showcased his versatility and playmaking ability.
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
Oct 26, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) signals a peace sign to Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Josh Minkins (0) and is called for taunting penalty in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Despite being only 5-foot-8 and 171 pounds, Horn consistently got separation and showed an ability to defeat man coverage. After he caught 37 passes for 441 yards this season, Horn Jr. was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Jabbar Muhammad, DB, Oregon
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs against Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muhammad (7) in the first quarter in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Muhammad has logged 87 tackles and 26 pass defenses over the past two season between Washington and Oregon.
Elijah Roberts, Edge Rusher, SMU
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 07: Elijah Roberts #5 of the SMU Mustangs sacks Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Roberts developed into one of the nations best pass rushers during his two years at SMU. The former Miami transfer had 17 sacks for the Mustangs, and was top five or six in pressures.
RJ Mickens, DB, Clemson
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 07: R.J. Mickens #9 of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the first half of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The son of Texas A&M star and 10-year NFL veteran Ray Mickens, RJ finished his Clemson career with seven interceptions, appearing in 60 games with 30 starts. He recorded 196 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and 19 passes defended during his time with the Tigers.
Tre Stewart, Running Back, Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State’s Tre Stewart tries to evade the tackle of Western Kentucky’s Keyshawn Swanson during the C-USA Championship at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama , Alabama December 6, 2024. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC)
Following a standout career at the Division II level with Limestone University, Stewart rushed for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024 at Jacksonville State, showing off his dual-threat abilities.
Ricky White, Wide Receiver, UNLV
Oct 11, 2024; Logan, Utah, USA; UNLV Rebels wide receiver Ricky White III (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of Utah State Aggies cornerback Avante Dickerson (17) in the first half at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
White has been one of the top receivers in the nation over the past two seasons at UNLV after transferring from Michigan State, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder had a dominant 2023, earning All-American honors with an 80-catch, 1314-yard, seven touchdown season. White followed it up by recording 79 receptions for 1,014 yards and 11 scores in 2024.
Zah Frazier, Cornerback, UTSA
Nov 24, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tulane Green Wave wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) grabs a reception against UTSA Roadrunners cornerback Zah Frazier (11) during the second half at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
A Juco transfer, Frazier had a breakout 2024 campaign, picking off six passes, and at 6-foot-3, 185-pounds, he’s been compared to former UTSA star and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
Nick Nash, Wide Receiver , San Jose State
Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Nick Nash (3) catches a touchdown pass while under pressure from Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) in the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Nash set the San Jose State Spartans all-time record for touchdown receptions in a season. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
A Biletnikoff Award finalist, the 6-foot-3 senior took home college football’s triple crown, leading the nation receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
