After falling short of reaching Super Bowl LVIII, the Baltimore Ravens retooled during the offseason in the hopes of reaching Super Bowl LIX this season. The roster was already loaded with strong talent heading into the offseason, and the team looks positioned to make another deep playoff run.
There are certainly some question marks on the roster. However, a few positions stand out as very strong for Baltimore as they make their push to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. Let’s touch on three of those positional units here.
The Reigning NFL MVP
Winning two MVPs by the age of 27 is a feat in and of itself. That’s the case with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens never feel like they are out of any game because of the arm and the legs of Jackson.
The reigning MVP is coming off a season in which he posted a 102.7 quarterback rating. Jackson threw for 3,678 yards (a career-high), 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Having Todd Monken running the offense helped unlock another level to Jackson’s game.
The Ravens also have one of the most veteran of veteran quarterbacks, longtime journeyman Josh Johnson. At the very least, it’s a reliable option in the case of an emergency. Rookie quarterback Devin Leary will also be intriguing to watch develop during the preseason.
Cornerbacks are the backbone of the defense
The Ravens already had two quality starters in Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens at cornerback. That unit got even faster after Baltimore drafted speedy Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins 30th overall in the 2024 NFL draft.
Wiggins has a chance to start on the outside, opposite Stephens, with Humphrey in the slot. Or Humphrey can be outside and Stephens mans the slot. In essence, the Ravens have a lot of flexibility and versatility at the cornerback position to help Baltimore make a splash this season. Good luck to opposing offenses trying to throw on them this season.
Reloaded at running back
The Ravens made one of the biggest splashes in free agency this year by signing former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry to a two-year deal worth $16 million. Henry just turned 30 years old, so age is starting to become a factor. However, the man can still power through a defense.
Henry rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns behind a poor Titans offensive line while playing with a rookie quarterback in Will Levis. Now, defenses have to worry about him and Jackson in the backfield? Good luck.
Even after Henry, the Ravens have some good and exciting running backs in their stable.
Justice Hill has shown he can be a serviceable spell running back. Last season Hill rushed for 387 yards on 84 carries and had three touchdowns. He was also targeted 39 times out of the backfield, and has proven to be a trusted option for the Ravens on third down.
Another player that hopes to get back to full health for Baltimore and stay healthy is Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell. As a rookie, Mitchell stole the show and was one of the most exciting backs to watch. He appeared in eight games (two starts) and rushed 47 times for 396 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He also flashed in the passing game, catching nine balls for 93 yards. Mitchell suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 and is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Yet if he gets healthy again, the Ravens could have their own thunder and lightning duo of Henry and Mitchell.
