Nearly ready for Week 1
After selecting nine rookies in the 2024 NFL draft, the Ravens depth chart is beginning to come into focus. Baltimore’s roster is probably better positioned than it was at the same juncture last offseason, before general manager Eric DeCosta added impact veterans including Jadeveon Clowney and Ronald Darby, after training camp began. There are a couple positions where a veteran signing seems likely but overall the Ravens already appear ready to compete for the AFC championship once again.
Quarterback
Lock: Lamar Jackson
Bubble: Josh Johnson, Devin Leary
Longshot: Malik Cunningham
Synopsis: The veteran Johnson figures to battle with strong-armed rookie Leary to earn the backup job. It remains to be seen if the team will carry three quarterbacks on the regular season roster considering the rule change that will allow unlimited practice squad elevations for an emergency third quarterback.
Running Back
Lock: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali
Longshot: Owen Wright
Synopsis: Tailback should be a strength of the team after the signing of Henry to lead the committee. With Mitchell expected to start the season on the shelf while he rehabs from serious injury, Ali seems like a sure bet to make the initial 53-man roster.
Offensive Tackle
Lock: Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele
Synopsis: The Ravens have a straightforward two deep here. Mekari will backup the injury-prone Stanley on the left side while the quick-footed rookie Rosengarten battles the powerful Faalele for starting reps on the right.
Interior Offensive Lineman
Lock: Tyler Linderbaum, Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees, Josh Jones
Bubble: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Nick Samac
Longshot: Tykeem Doss, Tashawn Manning
Synopsis: Linderbaum will anchor the blocking unit and after waiting his turn behind Kevin Zeitler, Cleveland is in-line to serve as the right guard. Vorhees is expected to compete with Jones at left guard while big Sala fights Samac for potentially the ninth and final offensive line job.
Tight End
Lock: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard, Charlie Kolar
Longshot: Scotty Washington
Synopsis: Tight end is another predictable position group. Andrews will compete with Likely for receiving targets while Ricard and Kolar work primarily as in-line blockers.
Wide Receiver
Lock: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Tez Walker, Nelson Agholor
Bubble: Tylan Wallace, Deonte Harty
Longshot: Sean Ryan
Synopsis: Field-stretching rookie Walker is likely to slot in behind Flowers and Bateman on the depth chart, all three could see the field together in 11-personnel. Agholor provides veteran experience and Wallace will be challenged by Harty for returner duties.
Specialists
Lock: Justin Tucker, Jordan Stout, Nick Moore
Synopsis: Moore returns to the fold after missing the 2023 season due to injury.
Defensive Line
Lock: Justin Madubuike, Travis Jones, Michael Pierce, Broderick Washington
Bubble: Brent Urban
Longshot: Rayshad Nichols, Bravvion Roy
Synopsis: The front returns all five standouts from last season. Urban is closer to a lock than a long shot but could begin the regular season on the practice squad because his contract contains low guaranteed money.
Outside Linebacker
Lock: Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac, Tavius Robinson
Bubble: Malik Hamm
Synopsis: The edge rush should be expected to take a step back without Clowney. Nevertheless, Oweh appears poised for a breakout season and Ojabo has designated pass rusher potential when healthy. The savvy Van Noy will likely be deployed in high-leverage situations, Isaac and Robinson supply solid developmental depth.
Inside Linebacker
Lock: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Malik Harrison
Bubble: Chris Board, Josh Ross
Synopsis: Simpson is slated to take over on the weak side for the departed Patrick Queen. Harrison figures to transition back inside after working as a run-down edge setter last season. Board and Ross could both make the squad as core special teamers.
Cornerback
Lock: Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, T.J. Tampa, Arthur Maulet
Bubble: Jalyn Armour-Davis, Ar’Darius Washington, Pepe Williams, Ka’dar Hollman
Longshot: Trayvon Mullen, Tre Swilling, Christian Matthew
Synopsis: DeCosta flipped what was a potential weakness into a bonafide strength with the selections of Wiggins and Tampa. With improved depth on the perimeter, Humphrey could see more snaps in the slot, the position he played when he led the NFL in forced fumbles in 2020. The clock is ticking on former Day 3 selections Armour-Davis and Williams.
Safety
Lock: Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams
Bubble: Sanoussi Kane
Synopsis: Hamilton and Williams comprise perhaps the top safety tandem in the league. However, depth behind them is almost non-existent. Signing one or two veteran safeties before training camp seems probable.