Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens’ offseason. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers:

Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.

What is your overall assessment of the Ravens’ 2025 draft? Good? Bad? I know it will take several years to know for sure. — Bob in North Carolina

When I first got into this business almost 40 years ago, I thought it was a great thing to give out a report card grade, especially if a team filled every major need. I was wrong. After being around a team like the Ravens for so long, it really takes three to four years, and sometimes even a fifth, to provide an accurate assessment.

With that said, I like the first three picks. Malaki Starks, the first-round safety out of Georgia, was a great selection and he can only help one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL a year ago get better. The Ravens gambled selecting edge rusher Mike Green out of Marshall in the second round, but that happens, especially for a team that might be a player or two away from participating in the Super Bowl. I love him teaming up with Chuck Smith, the team’s pass-rushing coach. With his ability and motor combined with Smith’s knowledge, Green could become special. LSU offensive tackle Emery Jones Jr. was a third-round pick, and he will add depth to an offensive line that needs help.

As for the other eight picks, they are more fill-ins and special teams players. That’s not an insult, but actually a compliment to a team that has good overall talent.

As usual, there are some projects such as offensive linemen Garrett Dellinger (seventh round, LSU) and Carson Vinson (fifth round, Alabama A&M), and cornerback Bilhal Kone (sixth round, Western Michigan), but there might be some players who can help right away such as linebacker Teddye Buchanan (fourth round, California), wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (sixth round, Colorado) and placekicker Tyler Loop (sixth round, Arizona).

To be fair, it wouldn’t make sense to provide a grade, but the Ravens have been one of the best drafting teams in the NFL since moving to Baltimore for the start of the 1996 season. That pretty much says it all.

What do you think is the reason for the dramatic drop of Shedeur Sanders in the draft? — Bob in North Carolina

I’m not privy to all the information that goes to all the front office personnel of the 32 NFL teams, but it seems consistent from all published reports that Sanders might have overplayed his hand as far as arrogance in dealing with top executives. That’s pretty consistent with the attitude his father displayed for years when he was the best cornerback in the NFL.

I covered Deion Sanders when he played for the Ravens during the 2004-2005 season. I think he is a good guy and reminds me of former Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. They are pretty reserved, but once that red light goes on from the TV cameras, they change.

This is just an assumption, but when you’re Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis, they could back it up. I’ve never put Shedeur in that class, and few players seldom are. Maybe this entire drop in the draft episode humbled him, and I’m sure it will serve as motivation. I wish the kid well.

There’s the incumbent Trenton Simpson, and this offseason the Ravens signed Jake Hummel and drafted Teddye Buchanan along with signing UDFAs like Jay Higgins. Do you think one of those linebackers will be lining up next to Roquan Smith in the opening game of the season, or do you expect a veteran to still be added at some point in summer? — Paul in Orlando

Paul, the Ravens will do whatever is necessary. They’ll bring in a couple of veterans or street free agents to compete in training camp, and if they can’t find a capable running mate for Smith, they’ll make a trade a game or two into the preseason. With Green, they added some fresh legs and blood at outside linebacker, and Simpson might be able to fill the void now after playing poorly early last season.

But the Ravens will find a capable player. It’s a weak link on defense, and they also need to find a cornerback to start opposite of second-year player Nate Wiggins. Overall, this team is in pretty good shape.

Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston @baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun.