Ravens’ Teddye Buchanan Earns Top 1% Rehab Praise

Buchanan’s Breakout Rookie Campaign

The Ravens chose Buchanan with the 129th pick in the 2025 fourth round out of California. He entered the league without early‑round hype but quickly earned a starting spot in Week 2. By October he led the team with 30 tackles and was honored as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month. Before a mid‑December ACL tear against the Bengals, he had logged 93 tackles, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a half‑sack in just 14 games.

DeCosta Declares Top 1% Rehab Effort

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called Buchanan’s recovery a “top 1% rehab,” highlighting the linebacker’s dedication to one of the sport’s toughest comeback paths. The comment does not guarantee a return by training camp, but it signals strong confidence in Buchanan’s long‑term development. It also reflects the organization’s belief that his promising rookie season was only the beginning. With the injury ending his 2025 season, the Ravens now look for signs that the rehab is progressing as expected.

Impact on Baltimore’s Linebacker Competition

The ACL injury left a vacancy next to Roquan Smith, prompting a race between Buchanan and Trenton Simpson for the second inside linebacker spot. Simpson saw increased first‑team work after Buchanan went down, hoping to solidify his role for 2026. The Ravens can manage Buchanan’s workload early in the season rather than force a full return immediately. Their ability to balance health and depth will shape the defensive unit’s effectiveness throughout the upcoming campaign.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If Buchanan can complete his rehab and regain his sideline‑to‑sideline range, the Ravens will regain a young, inexpensive starter capable of playing all three downs. That type of player is hard to find outside the first two rounds of the draft. DeCosta’s praise suggests the organization will monitor his knee closely as camp approaches, but the “top 1% rehab” gives fans reason to expect a return that could reshape Baltimore’s defense.