OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens have a deep pool of players as they open training camp on Sunday and it will be a challenge for any undrafted players to make the final 53-man roster.
Here’s a look at the potential final roster:
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs the ball against Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II (25) during the third quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. By Mitch Stringer-USA Today Sports
Offense
Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson
Analysis: Jackson is a two-time MVP and the Ravens will go as far as he takes them. Entering his second year with offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson should be more comfortable with the schemes and game plans. The Ravens are comfortable with Johnson as the main backup. Johnson is a 38-year-old journeyman who has played for 14 NFL teams. He is 14-25 as a starter, throwing for 2,280 yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over his nine-year career. Rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary looks to be headed for the practice squad.
Running backs/fullback: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Patrick Ricard
Analysis: The Ravens signed Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract worth up to $20 million in March. The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to boost a running attack already ranked No. 1 in the NFL. Henry turned 30 on January 4th but is still a dominant player. Justice Hill will be the main backup until Keaton Mitchell returns from knee surgery. The Ravens will get a good look at Ali, a rookie, in the preseason. The versatile Ricard can play multiple positions, but he will be a key blocker as the fullback.
Wide receivers: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace
Analysis: The Ravens still have questions at wide receiver with several young players looking to have breakout years. Flowers led the team with 77 receptions for 858 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. He is expected to make more strides this season as he becomes more comfortable with the speed of the NFL. The pressure is on Bateman, a former first-round pick who finished fifth on the team with 32 receptions for 367 yards and a touchdown last season. Walker, a rookie, could surprise opponents with his speed and ability to catch the ball in traffic.
Tight ends: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar,
Analysis: The Ravens’ offense should have versatility with three tight ends capable of making plays downfield and creating matchup problems because of their size. Andrews has established himself as one of the top playmakers in the NFL. Despite missing six games with a fractured fibula and ligament damage in his left ankle, Andrews still ranked second on the team with 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns, the best among the receivers. Likely could have a breakout year and Kolar also will have a bigger role if he can become a consistent blocker. Coach John Harbaugh expects all three tight ends to play key roles in the offense.
Offensive line: Tackle Ronnie Stanley, center Tyler Linderbaum, tackle/guard, Daniel Faalele, tackle Roger Rosengarten, tackle/guard Patrick Mekari, guard Andrew Vorhees, guard Ben Cleveland, tackle/guard Josh Jones, tackle/guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, center Nick Samac.
Analysis: The Ravens’ offensive line is a work in progress because the team has to replace three starters from last season. Stanley, at left tackle, and Linderbaum, at center, are the only returning starters from 2023-24. The main competition at left guard is between Jones and Vorhees. At right guard, Cleveland and Aumavae-Laulu are battling for a starting position. Faalele and Rosengarten, a rookie, are the top candidates to become the starter at right tackle. Mekari can play all five positions on the offensive line and the Ravens like having him available off the bench in case of injuries.
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) intercepts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. By Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports
Defense
Outside linebackers: Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac, Malik Hamm
Analysis: The Ravens received solid production this past season from their outside linebackers, who kept the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team wants to keep that momentum going next season with new defensive coordinator Zachary Orr. Van Noy re-signed with the team after producing a career-high nine sacks last year. The addition of Van Noy takes some of the sting out of losing fellow outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens need David Ojabo to take the next step in his career after being hampered by injuries over the past two seasons.
Inside linebacker: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Malik Harrison, Chris Board
Analysis: Smith led the Ravens with 158 tackles last season. He also had five tackles for a loss, five quarterback hits and an interception. He earned his second-career Pro Bowl nod. Simpson was behind Patrick Queen on the depth chart last season, but he will move into the starting lineup. So far, he has looked fast and strong in the offseason workouts. Harrison and Board provide solid depth.
Defensive line: Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Broderick Washington, Travis Jones, Brent Urban
Analysis: The Ravens will be stout again on the defensive line. Madubuike started all 17 games, producing career highs in tackles (56), sacks (13), tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33), and forced fumbles (2), en route to earning his first Pro Bowl honors and being named second-team All-Pro. Washington is poised for a breakout year and is having a productive offseason. Jones is a solid run-stopper and Urban provides valuable depth.
Cornerbacks: Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, Arthur Maulet, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Damarion “Pepe” Williams, T.J. Tampa
Analysis: The Ravens should be able to contain most teams with the talent at cornerback. Stephens has established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the NFL and is a physical player. Wiggins, the team’s first-round pick this year, looks ready to make an impact as a rookie. He has a nose for the ball and is quickly adjusting to the speed of the NFL. Tampa, a fellow, rookie will also be in the rotation. The wild card is Humphrey who needs to stay on the field. Humphrey missed the beginning of the 2023 season with a foot injury. He also dealt with a calf injury that kept him out of the final four games. He returned for the AFC Championship Game but played just 13 snaps.
Safeties: Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, Ar’Darius Washington,
Analysis: The Ravens added another key player to their talented secondary, signing two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson to a one-year deal. Jackson has 459 total tackles, 355 solo stops, 14 tackles for a loss, 44 pass breakups, 15 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles in his seven-year career. Jackson joins a loaded Ravens secondary led by Hamilton, who was named an All-Pro in his second year in the NFL. The addition of Jackson is also insurance for Williams, who has missed 13 regular-season games because of various injuries. Seventh-round safety Sanoussi Kane is likely headed to the practice squad.
Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates after kicking a field goal against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. By Jessica Rapfogel, USA Today Sports
Special teams
Specialists: Kicker Justin Tucker, punter Jordan Stout, long-snapper Nick Moore
Analysis: Tucker has 22 game-winning or go-ahead field goals in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime, and has converted 90.2 percent of his attempts (395 of 438) since joining the team in 2012. He is regarded as one of the best kickers in the game. That’s why the Ravens are confident they can adapt to the new kickoff rules. Stout had a solid second season after an uneven rookie year. Fans rarely hear Moore’s name and that is a good thing for a long-snapper.
