OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens finalized their 53-man roster for the 2024 season on Tuesday, and general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh stayed with a veteran-laden group.
Here’s the breakdown:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Josh Johnson
Analysis: Jackson is a two-time MVP and the leader of the offense. There were questions about the 38-year-old Johnson entering training camp, but he played well enough in the preseason games to secure the backup job. Rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary did not make the cut for the final roster but could end up on the practice squad.
Running backs/fullback: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali and fullback 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 that ranked No. 1 in the NFL. Hill will be the main backup until Keaton Mitchell returns from knee surgery. Ali, a rookie fifth-round pick, missed the final two preseason games, so he was on the bubble. Owen Wright might have been in the driver’s seat to claim that third spot but broke his foot in the final preseason game against the Packers.
Wide receivers: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace and Deonte Harty
Analysis: Flowers, Bateman, Agholor and Wallace were locks to make the roster. Wallace was the best wideout in the preseason and earned more playing time. There were questions about Harty, who is almost one-dimensional as a kick returner. Walker has been underwhelming and was also in the bubble, but the Ravens are not going to give up on the rookie fourth-round pick.
Tight ends: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar
Analysis: This group has been set since the end of last season. The Ravens also could look to add a veteran blocking tight end if one becomes available because Kolar has struggled in that area.
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, center Nick Samac and tackle/guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
Analysis: The Ravens’ offensive line has been a work in progress throughout training camp. Stanley and Linderbaum are the only returning starters from 2023-24. Samac, a rookie seventh-round pick, had to be carted off the field against the Packers, but he was back at practice this week. Harbaugh does not plan to reveal the starters until the team plays the Chiefs in the opener.
DEFENSE
Outside linebackers: Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo and Adisa Isaac
Analysis: The Ravens received solid production last season from their outside linebackers, who kept the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team wants to keep that momentum with new defensive coordinator Zachary Orr. After producing a career-high nine sacks last year, Van Noy re-signed with the team. The biggest question about this group is the availability of Isaac, who has been hampered by injuries throughout training camp.
Inside linebacker: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Malik Harrison and Chris Board
Analysis: No surprises here. 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 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 and throughout training camp. Harrison and Board provide solid depth.
Defensive line: Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington and Brent Urban
Analysis: This unit is intact from last season. Madubuike started all 17 games, producing career highs in tackles (56), sacks (13), tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33), and forced fumbles (2), to earn his first Pro Bowl honors and second-team All-Pro selection.
Cornerbacks: Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and T.J. Tampa
Analysis: The Ravens decided to part ways with Pepe” Williams, a fourth-round (141st overall) of the 2022 NFL draft who struggled in coverage and missed tackles in the preseason games. Arthur Maulet will start the season on injured reserve but should be back in the lineup sometime in the first half of the season.
Safeties: Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, Ar’Darius Washington, Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade
Analysis: The Ravens added another key player to their talented secondary, signing Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler. 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. The biggest surprise might be the team kept two rookies — Kane and Brade — but both players earned their spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Specialists: Kicker Justin Tucker, punter Jordan Stout, and long-snapper Nick Moore
Analysis: Continuity has been the key for this group, which ranked among the best in the NFL. Moore, second-team All-Pro in 2022, is back after missing last season with a torn Achilles.
