BALTIMORE RAVENS

OFF SEASON CHANGES

Baltimore had a clear focus to improve defensively, and they’ve added 10 Pro Bowls of pass rusher experience between Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell, then drafted Zion Young 45th overall. The Ravens actually traded for 5x Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby but the deal then fell through after a failed medical. They also signed new head coach Jesse Minter, previously the Chargers’ DC. The Chargers finished in the top 10 in sacks in both Minter’s seasons as DC.

QUATERBACKS

Lamar Jackson is still the heartbeat of this team and Baltimore will be hoping he can get back to his best after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign. Lamar started 13 games last season but was clearly not at full health, ending the year with 21 passing TDs and just 2 rushing TDs. They were clearly protecting him at points last season, with Derrick Henry taking most of the goal line carries and far less frequent designed run plays for Lamar. Lamar is still just 29 years old and in his prime, so I expect him to return to the MVP conversation if he stays healthy. Tyler Huntley signed a two year deal and will remain as the backup. He’s one of the better backups in the league in my opinion.

RUNNING BACKS

Derrick Henry is still the workhorse RB for the Ravens, but the big question is how long he can maintain his elite efficiency. Henry will turn 33 this season and he’s had 300+ carries in back-to-back years with the Ravens. He’s going to regress at some point, but they’ll be hoping he can produce again this season. Henry had 1595 rushing yards last year with 16 rushing TDs, another incredible season. He did have some fumble issues though, losing the ball a career-high 3 times last year. No back with 100-plus carries has topped 4.5 yards per carry at age 35-plus since 2016, but Henry still has a couple of years before he gets there. Justice Hill remains the third-down and change of pace back behind Henry. There isn’t a lot of depth in this backfield but the Ravens are relying on Henry to maintain his performance going into his 11th NFL season.

RECEIVERS

The Ravens lost tight end Isaiah Likely to the Giants which means veteran Mark Andrews regains the role as TE1. Andrews is still only 30 years old and the Ravens will hope he can recapture the form he showed back in 2021 and 2022 where he had 70+ receptions both years. They also signed Durham Smythe as backup tight end who is a serviceable option. At wide receiver, Zay Flowers is the undisputed WR1 and is coming off back to back Pro Bowl seasons. He had 1200 receiving yards last year along with 5 TDs. Flowers just signed a huge extension in the off season which will make him one of the highest paid receivers in the NFL. I don’t think he’s rated in those top receivers, so maybe he will have a point to prove to get himself there. There have been a lot of positive reports coming out about rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane who was drafted with pick 80. He is an athletic beast at over 6 foot 3 and could have an increased role as the season progresses.

DEFENCE

The Ravens’ defense fell off last season, especially in the pass rush. They placed 28th overall in both team pass rush win rate and sacks (30 total) in 2025. Enter Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell this year and that bottom-five defense should be back to top-10 territory. Rookie linebacker Zion Young should also help in that area. Their secondary is one of the best in the league, led by Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Chidobe Awuzie. If everything clicks in Jesse Minter’s new scheme, the Ravens will have a very good defense.