BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens initially planned to integrate rookies Teddye Buchanan, Mike Green, and Malaki Starks into the starting lineup. However, as they approach the second half of the 2025 season against the Minnesota Vikings, the focus has shifted to helping these three players avoid the so-called “rookie wall.” This wall is characterized by a combination of mental exhaustion and physical fatigue that many rookies encounter after an intense preparation period that includes their final college season, bowl games, and the NFL scouting combine, followed by minicamps leading into training camp.
As the rookie season progresses, some players may become complacent due to this fatigue. Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence that his trio of rookies has not shown signs of hitting this wall. “I am not too worried about it. I think those guys are in great shape; very focused, determined guys who bring it every day,” Harbaugh stated. He noted their continuous improvement and emphasized that they are getting better with each game.
Buchanan, a fourth-round pick from the University of California, has been particularly noteworthy. Despite initial concerns regarding his ability to shed blockers and cover running backs and tight ends, he has become a key player. When Trenton Simpson struggled early in the season, the Ravens did not hesitate to promote Buchanan to the starting role. Even when Roquan Smith missed two games due to a hamstring injury, Buchanan took over as the starter and is now the team”s leading tackler with 63 tackles, participating in 76% of the defensive snaps.
The Ravens have acknowledged that starting three rookies on defense can lead to inconsistencies, particularly evident in their early season struggles against teams like Buffalo, Kansas City, and Detroit. However, as they look ahead to a more manageable second-half schedule, the expectation is for these rookies to step up and perform effectively. Avoiding the rookie wall remains a concern as the Ravens aim for a third consecutive AFC North title and a playoff berth.
