OTL: Were You an April Fool?

On April Fools’ Day, we saw quite a few Ravens fans get duped. Hey, it happens to the best of us!

The Ravens have traded Lamar Jackson to the Pittsburgh Steelers for TJ Watt and a first round pick! pic.twitter.com/dukrVbPRUj

— Maryland Sports Blog (@MDSportsblog) April 1, 2025

ð—•ð—¥ð—˜ð—”ð—žð—œð—¡ð—š: The #Ravens are trading for #Packers superstar CB Jaire Alexander

Baltimore adds a lockdown cornerback to an already talented secondary. pic.twitter.com/m7jaVrCEE5

— hezzo (@hezzosmith) April 1, 2025

Some of these pranks were easier to believe than others, but what I found particularly interesting was the league’s choice to announce some major changes to rules and regulations on April 1^st:

A couple rules changes passed:
— The NFL will now allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime, but amended to 10 mins.
— Expanded replay assist has also passed.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 1, 2025

A joint proposal with the Ravens, Browns, Texans, Eagles, Raiders, Vikings and Commanders to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs (“K-Balls”) before game day, similar to the process permitted for game footballs, has passed. https://t.co/WJ1rkSoiZ2

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) April 1, 2025

Starting with the overtime rule, I did a double take as to whether the change was actually new to this upcoming season. This campaign will, in fact, be the first year in which both teams are guaranteed an overtime possession throughout the year – it’s about time.

The 10-minute period wasn’t much of a surprise to me, either, and I really don’t see why 15 minutes would be necessary. While it’s always a bummer to see a game end in a tie, 10 minutes should be enough for both teams to have drives without the pressure of the clock. Further, if neither team scores on their first OT possessions, I’d imagine there’d still be time remaining for a third.

As for expanded replay assist, I’m all for it. We’ve seen far too many missed calls, and while it may slow the game down at times, it’ll lead to a fairer game at the end of the day.

Finally, when it comes to the K-Balls, I could care less!

Meanwhile, the ruling everyone cared about was tabled, as there was not a deciding vote on whether to ban the tush-push. I personally agree with TheDailyRaven on the topic:

Banning a legal football play cuz nobody can stop it is crazy to me

— 12 (@TheDailyRaven) April 1, 2025

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s frustrating to feel like the Eagles and often the Bills have an automatic first down or TD within 1-2 yards, but just because their execution is better doesn’t mean it should be banned. If we start seeing consistent health issues stemming from the play, I’ll change my mind.

Turning attention to the NFL Draft, which is just under a month away, GM Eric DeCosta shared a fascinating new method of scouting the Ravens have engaged in:

EDC reveals a new scouting method for evaluating talent

Untold Stories presented by @MillerLite pic.twitter.com/zDENITuc2X

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 1, 2025

I had to save the best April Fools’ joke for last! At the same time, maybe Harbs, DeCosta and company will catch a few opposing GMs out with this one – I wouldn’t mind seeing an AFC rival pass on a Capricorn in favor of a Cancer!

Back to reality, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo shared his 2025 predictions for Baltimore at the league meetings:

“You look at the roster this season, why would that not still be the case this upcoming season?”@MikeGarafolo on his predictions for the Ravens in 2025: pic.twitter.com/75V3Cnn2lQ

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 1, 2025

It’s always great to keep hearing the Ravens are viewed as one of the most well-run, consistent organizations in football, and Garafolo certainly reiterated that. At the same time, I would’ve loved to hear more about where Garafolo expects Baltimore to go in the draft based on his sources.

For Fox Baltimore’s A.J. Gersh (ed note: Eutaw Street Report alum!), the Ravens should be looking at inside linebacker:

The more I think about it – I think the Ravens are/should massively consider drafting a MLB in the first round.@FOXBaltimore

— AJ Gersh (@AJGershTV) April 1, 2025

Trenton Simpson has been a topic of conversation of late, and we recently heard Harbaugh reiterate his expectations for the young ILB. While I also feel Simpson can take a step forward, I don’t disagree that, if the right player is available, it could be a good move. In the first round, though, I’m less convinced.

What are your thoughts?

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