After massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff, the Ravens have slightly retooled and still have questions on both sides of the football field.
Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landedDerrick Henryfor two years and $16 million.
However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses.Patrick Queen(Steelers),Geno Stone(Bengals), andGus Edwards(Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also tradedMorgan Mosesto the Jets and releasedTyus Bowserin a cost-cutting move.
Questions still need to be answered, and we’re examining how the NFL draft will impact each of the ten players on both sides of the football.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jul 29, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) practices at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson won his second MVP award last season, but he played under duress and lacked an elite pass-catching option outside rookie Zay Flowers. Whether it’s a stud offensive tackle or a game-changing wide receiver, Baltimore has to continue upgrading the roster around their quarterback.
RB Justice Hill
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore signed Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million deal, and the team could still look to add running back depth via the NFL draft. Keaton Mitchell is rehabbing a torn ACL, and Mitchell will be in the final year of his deal. If the Ravens draft a running back on Day 2 or 3, Hill could be the odd man out in 2025.
WR Rashod Bateman
Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Short of a breakout season, 2024 will likely be Rashod Bateman’s final season in Baltimore, and the Ravens will need to take steps toward solidifying the wide receiver position in the future.
TE Mark Andrews
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Andrews is entering year seven in Baltimore, and a freak injury in 2023 allowed Isaiah Likely to blossom into a big-play target for Lamar Jackson. Andrews isn’t declining, but his current contract nets him $14 million annually, on average, and 2024 is the final year of guaranteed money for the tight end after he signed a 4-year, $56,000,000 contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.
Even with Charlie Kolar and Likely on the roster, Andrews could be in trouble if Baltimore selects a tight end early.
OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
Jon Simpson departed to the Jets in free agency, and Aumavae-Laulu should be the next man up. Baltimore could draft two or three offensive line prospects over the three-day weekend and could leave the former Oregon Ducks star on the bench.
OL Daniel Faalele
May 7, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Daniel Faalele (77) looks on during rookie minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
With Aumavae-Laulu uncertain on the left side, Faalele faces a similar dilemma at the right tackle spot with Baltimore likely targeting multiple offensive tackles over the three-day weekend.
DT Travis Jones
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs the ball against Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) during the first quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike signed contract extensions this offseason, leaving the pressure squarely on Travis Jones. Jones enters year three needing to make a splash, and he could see competition from a mid- to late-round rookie defensive tackle.
DE Broderick Washington
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Broderick Washington #96 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after recovering a fumble in the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
After signing an extension in 2022, Washington was inactive or a healthy scratch for multiple games. He can play various positions and offers versatility, but he could be on the clock if Baltimore adds defensive end or edge rusher depth.
OLB David Ojabo
Sep 17, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) is tackled after a catch by Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) and Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo (90) in the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore drafted outside linebacker David Ojabo in the second round of the 2022 draft. Ojabo was widely regarded as a first-round selection but tore his Achilles at his Michigan Pro Day, causing him to slip to the Ravens at the beginning of Day 2.
After missing most of his rookie season, Ojabo was expected to break out in Year, but suffered various lower body injuries.
Ojabo has been limited to five games over his first two seasons.
Still, he offers pass rush prowess, but could be on the clock if the Ravens target a pass rusher.
CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (5) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore could look to stay in-house with their cornerback depth.
The 24-year-old cornerback landed on injured reserve in December and has struggled to stay on the field throughout his two-year NFL career, appearing in just 12 of Baltimore’s 32 games.
The Alabama product has been solid on special teams and could break out in 2024.
OL Andrew Vorhees
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Andrew Vorhees #72 of the USC Trojans in the second quarter at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Vorhees appeared in 44 games on the offensive line at USC, with 25 starts at right guard before the All-American tore his ACL during the 2023 scouting combine.
With Kevin Zeitler, a free agent, Vorhees could step right into the lineup after a redshirt year as a rookie.
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