Baltimore Ravens' leading contenders for major NFL awards in 2025

USA Today

4 days ago

Here are the Baltimore Ravens' best candidates to win major NFL awards from the Associated Press in 2025
The Ravens have a juggernaut of an offense and an ever-improving, stacked defense, with a coaching staff to match, as Baltimore looks to finally secure a Super Bowl berth in the Lamar Jackson era. Such a loaded roster is filled with award winners and candidates for this season.
Baltimore's most recent NFL award winner was star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens quarterback was named 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player at NFL Honors at Resorts World, marking the second time he's won the award after he took home the honor following the 2019 season.
With training camp fast approaching, we're previewing who the Baltimore Ravens' best candidates are to win major NFL awards from the Associated Press in 2025.
MVP: QB Lamar Jackson
In the closest race since Matt Ryan beat out Tom Brady in 2016, Josh Allen secured more votes than Baltimore Ravens' two-time winner Lamar Jackson for the Most Valuable Player award last February. Jackson had career-highs with 4,172 yards passing, 41 touchdowns, and four interceptions with a near-record 119.6 passer rating, which led the NFL. It marked the first time since 1987 that a first-team All-Pro quarterback had not won the MVP award. Jackson has a loaded roster, and he'll be the man to beat.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson was a finalist for the Associated Press NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Derrick Henry was also a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year award. Jackson finished second to the Eagles' Saquon Barkley, while Henry was fourth. Both players will be in the running, with Henry more likely for a drop-off after finishing second in the NFL in rushing. Leading Baltimore to its second straight AFC North title, Jackson was first-team All-Pro and set career highs for passing yards (4,172), touchdown passes (41), and quarterback rating (119.6).
Henry, the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, had 1,921 yards rushing and 16 TDs in his first season with the Ravens.
Defensive Player of the Year: OLB Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy has 55.5 sacks in his career and is fresh off a career-best campaign in which he tallied 12.5 sacks and reached his first Pro Bowl. Baltimore has a loaded secondary, and that could provide more opportunities for sacks and game-changing plays.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
The former Colorado wide receiver would need a miracle to be named a starter, but he's the only rookie skill position player who could see snaps in 2025. Wester managed a 66.7% contested catch rate in 2024 while also earning an 81.5 receiving grade against man coverage. Wester averaged 12.2 yards on punts last season, including a 76-yard touchdown.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: DB Malaki Starks
Edge rushers typically win this award, but rookie Mike Green would be battling uphill for snaps behind Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh. Starks should start from Day 1 and has the versatility to bring home the award.
Comeback Player of the Year: LB Trenton Simpson
Simpson entered the 2024 season with high expectations after being named the starter at inside linebacker after Patrick Queen's departure to Pittsburgh. Simpson started the first 11 games with mixed reviews and was eventually benched for the combination of Malik Harrison and Chris Board. Now, after an off-season of reflection, Simpson told Ryan Mink of Ravens.com that he spent four months with All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, training and studying film. Simpson referred to Smith as his "big brother" and vowed that 2025 would be his year. When asked about Simpson's benching last season, Harbaugh labeled it a "reset period" during which the former Clemson linebacker could watch and feel less pressure. Harrison departed for the Steelers and Board departed for the Giants in free agency, leaving Simpson as the inside linebacker.
Coach of the Year: John Harbaugh
Harbaugh has won over 62% of his games with a 172-104 win-loss total. He's above .500 during the postseason with a mark of 13-11. He's won a Super Bowl. Still, the NFL is a what have you done for me lately league, and a huge season could land more accolades.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Todd Monken
After getting passed over for several high-profile head coaching jobs, the veteran offensive play-caller finalized a deal to remain with the Ravens. Monken was a finalist for the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award and finished 8th in voting. Every offense Monken has commanded since 2021 has finished in the top 10 in total offense, with his title-winning team in 2022 and his first-year Lamar Jackson ranking in the top five. Monken is entering his third season coaching Lamar Jackson and expects the quarterback's growth to continue and reach another level as he enters the prime of his career. The Ravens' OC will be tasked with maintaining the NFL's most explosive rushing attack, while taking advantage of a passing offense that now includes DeAndre Hopkins to the wide receiver trio and two elite tight ends.