Maryland’s OWINGS MILLS After two weeks of training camp, the Baltimore Ravens’ decision-makers have a firm grasp on what they currently have and what they could still need.
The Ravens are essentially set at tight end and along the defensive line, barring any injuries. Officials are already considering whether they will have enough place on the roster to retain all of the defensive backs they would like to keep because they are so deep in the secondary.
The Ravens likely have enough depth at other spots to get by, but if there are several injuries or young players do not perform well in expanded responsibilities, that may change. Then, in certain areas, Baltimore’s current lineup makes it appear a little susceptible.
The NFL Players Association’s Public Salary Cap Report indicates that the Ravens have little less than $7 million in salary-cap room. To make it through the regular season and keep their options open, they will probably need and want even more. They can reorganize certain contracts to make additional room. They must, however, exercise caution in what they include.
They will have to decide what is a need and what is a luxury. It is a good idea to examine the areas in which the Ravens still need to develop after seeing the team play over the last two weeks. Let us assess the degree of concern (at least as seen from the outside) for each prospective need position.
Backup quarterback
Level of concern: Moderate
When Lamar Jackson was out due to illness during the first week of camp, veteran Josh Johnson—who coach John Harbaugh has already named the team’s No. 2 quarterback over rookie Devin Leary, selected in the sixth round—led the offense. Johnson was in a difficult situation, and the Baltimore defense did not help him. However, his performance did not allay concerns about whether the Ravens should try to sign free agent Ryan Tannehill or hunt for a better backup quarterback elsewhere.
The Ravens have faith in Johnson’s acumen for game management and decision-making. They are aware that he will be equipped and ready to go if needed. Additionally, they value his professionalism and knowledge in the quarterback room. Johnson appears to be a little more trusted by the offensive coaches than Jackson’s previous No. 2, Tyler Huntley, who is currently in Cleveland vying for a 53-man slot this summer.
It probably will not matter much who the Ravens have as their No. 2 if Jackson suffers a serious injury. They will not be regarded as Super Bowl contenders anymore, most certainly. But what happens if Jackson misses two or three games due to a relatively minor injury? Will the 38-year-old Johnson, who has made few appearances in his extensive career, be sufficient to sustain Baltimore?
The Ravens believe he is. If their opinion has changed in recent weeks or is wavering, it would make sense to keep tabs on Tannehill or veteran quarterbacks elsewhere who are on the roster bubble.
Running back
Level of concern: Low
This summer, the Ravens signed Derrick Henry with the intention of using him as a running back by committee. The leading back will be Henry. Justice Hill, another seasoned player, will most likely be in the game when he isn’t. The Ravens still plan to carry a No. 3 back, though. They most likely will, albeit it is unlikely the player will play a significant offensive role.
Rasheen Ali, a rookie selected in the fifth round, is the clear favorite to take the No. 3 spot. With the exception of a mishandle last week that brought up some of his ball-security concerns from Marshall, Ali has had a strong camp and appears at ease receiving passes out of the backfield. But do not write out second-year undrafted player Owen Wright, who was a member of Baltimore’s practice squad the previous year. Wright has quietly distinguished himself at camp and earned a spot on the roster. With both young backs expected to get a lot of run, the preseason games will be crucial.
Dalvin Cook and Jerick McKinnon are two experienced running backs who are still available, but it seems more like a luxury than a need to add one. There are always seasoned backs available, whether it is a man on someone else’s practice squad or a free agent off the street. The Ravens may then search for a veteran to take Henry’s or Hill’s place if they are injured. However, right now? When Keaton Mitchell is ready to return in the second half of the season, they should be fine with having a young, inexperienced back as their No. 3.
Wide receiver
Level of concern: Low
That depends, of course, on who you ask. The wide receiver-crazed fan base of the team has been somewhat agitated by the depth chart at the position, which has Nelson Agholor, Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and only one other player with more than 15 catches in an NFL season (return specialist Deonte Harty). The Ravens, though, appear happy with what they have.
They want to use the passing game with their running back, Hill, and their three tight ends, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar, but there is only one football available. Due to Andrews’ lower leg injury that sidelined him for the second part of the previous season, Likely’s performance will probably force offensive coordinator Todd Monken to employ more 12 personnel groupings, which will result in just two wide receivers on the field. The Ravens are at ease with that bunch in part because they practically factor Likely into their wide receiver equation.
On paper, it appears like they have enough players, but when one of their best players is hurt, everything changes. Additionally, Bateman has had trouble staying healthy throughout his brief career. Many skilled experienced receivers are still available, such as Corey Davis, Hunter Renfrow, Julio Jones, and Michael Thomas. But, unless there is a serious injury, no one should be shocked if Baltimore does nothing at this point.
Working that passing game!!@Lj_era8 ➡️ @ZayFlowers ➡️ @Mandrews_81 pic.twitter.com/GLDFFkBQm5
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 4, 2024
Offensive line
Level of concern: High
If the Ravens just needed to address one position up front, there would be little to no cause for concern. In recent years, Baltimore has demonstrated the capacity to insert an unproven option and obtain respectable output. Alongside center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley, there is uncertainty at three positions.
After sitting out his rookie season to recover from a knee ailment, 2023 seventh-round pick Andrew Vorhees has established himself as the team’s most likely starting left guard. Strong and intelligent, he ought to pick things up quickly. However, there is greater doubt at right guard, as the Ravens are debating whether to start veteran Patrick Mekari or rookie second-round choice Roger Rosengarten at right tackle. Daniel Faalele, a converted tackle, is given every chance to secure the position, but he still has a lot to prove. Josh Jones, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Ben Cleveland, and other candidates do not seem to be pressuring the matter either.
However, it is likely that the Ravens will have to solve the problems on their own. Good lineman are in far greater demand than they are in supply. This close to the season, the free-agent market is not exactly brimming with guards and tackles of the starting quality. Anybody Baltimore signs would likely be considered a depth addition rather than a true starter. Nevertheless, general manager Eric DeCosta and staff will continue to search. The same will be done by thirty-one additional teams.
Edge rusher
Level of concern: Moderate
This is another instance where the team’s decision-makers’ anxiety is likely to pale in comparison to the apparent external concern. Nevertheless, the Ravens are aware that a few of their rookie edge rushers must develop into significant contributors. Should they fail to do so, DeCosta will probably need to bring in an experienced free agent or give the position top attention before to the trade deadline.
Even after Baltimore lost rotational candidate Malik Hamm to a season-ending knee injury last week, depth is not really the problem here. There are males on the Ravens. The anticipated starters are 2021 first-round selection Odafe Oweh and seasoned player Kyle Van Noy. Malik Harrison’s ability to establish the edge against the run and give a physical presence against tight ends and backs has made him a useful player on the outside. He is going to play early. After recovering from a knee injury, David Ojabo merely needs some time to get back into shape and improve as a rusher. Last year’s fourth-round selection, Tavius Robinson, will provide something. Adisa Isaac, a rookie selected in the third round, is expected to return shortly, according to Harbaugh, who has been worried for a
The focus of the questions is quality rather than quantity. Last season, the Ravens lost some big plays against the run as well as nine and a half sacks from Jadeveon Clowney. Oweh has been playing well this summer, so even if he makes significant progress, Baltimore still needs more spark. It seems excessively optimistic to expect Isaac to do it right now given that he is suddenly completely caught up after missing so much time. Likewise for Ojabo, who in two seasons has only appeared in five games. Though not as much of an eight-to-10-sack player as the Ravens need, Robinson has demonstrated enough to suggest he can still have an impact.
The seasoned edge players still available are Yannick Ngakoue and Carl Lawson, but the Ravens are currently offering their young outside linebackers a chance to demonstrate that they do not require any extra assistance at the position.
Inside linebacker
Level of concern: Low
Trenton Simpson, a second-year player, may face some setbacks in his early career, but the Ravens are dedicated to him as Roquan Smith’s backup in place of Patrick Queen. Simpson has performed admirably in a leading position thus far in camp. All he needs is experience. Veterans Harrison and Chris Board, who are both capable of filling in if necessary, are behind Simpson. Josh Ross, an inside linebacker, is another option. Over the last two seasons, Ross has appeared in five games with Baltimore.
Simpson might not even have to be used by the Ravens on all three downs. They could play a lot of dime packages and pile up on defensive backs because they had so much secondary depth, and in certain circumstances they would not need a full linebacker to sit next to Smith.
Currently, the only question is whether Ross will be added to the Ravens’ 53-man roster along with Smith, Simpson, Harrison, and Board, or if they will stick with only four inside linebackers.
(Top photo of Josh Johnson: Tommy Gilligan / USA Today)
