Baltimore Ravens (Last Year: 13-4)
Season Summary:
The good news regarding the Ravens’ 2023 season is that Lamar Jackson was able to finish the year without getting injured for a change. The bad news was that Jackson suffered another humiliating playoff defeat.
2024 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
RB Derrick Henry, OT Josh Jones, LB Chris Board.
Early Draft Picks:
CB Nate Wiggins, OT Roger Rosengarten, DE Adisa Isaac, WR Deonvtez Walker, CB T.J. Tampa. Ravens Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Tyler Huntley, RB J.K. Dobbins, RB Gus Edwards, WR Odell Beckham Jr., WR Devin Duvernay, OT Morgan Moses, G Kevin Zeitler, G John Simpson, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB Tyus Bowser, LB Patrick Queen, CB Ronald Darby, CB Rock Ya-Sin, S Geno Stone.
2024 Baltimore Ravens Offense:
Lamar Jackson will be hoping for a better outcome in the following season compared to when he won the MVP award the first time. Jackson was named MVP for the 2019 season, but the 2020 campaign didn’t go nearly as well. Jackson saw his completion percentage fall by 1.7 percent, as he threw for 400 fewer yards and 10 fewer touchdowns. His interceptions increased by 50 percent.
Jackson wasn’t at fault for the regression, as his offensive line took a huge hit. All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda retired, while left tackle Ronnie Stanley suffered a devastating injury early in the season. History may be repeating itself, given that the Ravens lost three offensive linemen to free agency. Their right tackle and both guards are both gone. Two of them were key veterans in Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler. Both will be sorely missed if the replacements don’t live up to expectations.
Moses’ replacement will be second-round rookie Roger Rosengarten. The Washington product has potential, but has been knocked for a lack of strength. He’ll bookend Stanley, who continues to endure injuries. Stanley is extremely talented, but remaining on the field has become increasingly difficult for him.
The two new guards will be Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland. Both were on the roster last year, but neither played very much. In fact, Vorhees didn’t see any action. Cleveland was on the field for limited snaps, so it’s difficult to tell if he’ll be effective at all. The Ravens will at least be able to depend on their center Tyler Linderbaum, who has emerged as one of the top players at his position.
The three departed offensive linemen aren’t the only players the Ravens lost on this side of the ball. The top two running backs from last year, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, are gone. However, the Ravens found an upgrade by signing Derrick Henry. It remains to be seen, however, if Henry will be effective behind an offensive line that could struggle. Henry is also a player in decline, as he was forced into sharing touches with Tyjae Spears in Tennessee last year.
Odell Beckham Jr. is gone as well. While he was an inconsistent player for the Ravens, he made some big plays. His departure is not a huge loss, but it’ll be felt unless someone fills his shoes. That could be fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker. If not, the Ravens won’t have much at receiver beyond second-year Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews.
2024 Baltimore Ravens Defense:
As with the offensive line, Baltimore’s front seven experienced some departures as well. The difference in this situation is that the Ravens have viable replacements for the players they lost.
Jadeveon Clowney is the most recognizable name to depart. Clowney has been an inconsistent player throughout his career, but he was a very effective player for the Ravens last year. Clowney was second on the team with 9.5 sacks. However, the Ravens had other edge rushers who were able to generate a pass rush. This includes the do-it-all Kyle Van Noy, who notched nine sacks. Odafe Oweh, a former first-round pick, chipped in with five sacks. Oweh played better than that figure, and he has immense potential to make a big leap soon. Baltimore also has a couple of promising young players as well in former second-round pick David Ojabo, and third-round rookie Adisa Isaac.
Another front-seven player to exit the team is Patrick Queen. The speedy linebacker defected for Pittsburgh, but the Ravens were prepared for it. Pro Bowler Roquan Smith was acquired to be the long-term linebacker of the future, while Queen’s direct replacement figures to be Trenton Simpson, who was chosen in the third round of the draft a year ago.
One front-seven player the Ravens absolutely did not allow to get away was Justin Madubuike. The former third-round pick was a free agent, but the Ravens re-signed him to a $98 million contract. The Ravens were correct in paying him a large sum of money because of his incredible talent and potential. Madubuike recorded a team-high 13 sacks last season, and at just 26 years old, he could continue to improve. He’ll start along with Michael Pierce, a fierce run stopper, and Broderick Washington, who was a liability this past year.
The secondary, meanwhile, is mostly intact. There was one swap, which should be an upgrade. Ronald Darby is gone, but he was replaced by first-round rookie Nate Wiggins. The Clemson product figures to start across from Marlon Humphrey, a talented cornerback coming off a down year in which he was hindered by injuries. Humphrey could be used in the slot if Brandon Stephens maintains his position as a starter. Stephens had a fairly decent 2023 campaign.
The safeties are in better shape. In fact, this position is the strength of the defense. Kyle Hamilton is an All-Pro talent, while Marcus Williams is also an incredible player. Williams missed a handful of games last year, so he’ll be looking for better injury luck in 2024.
2024 Baltimore Ravens Schedule and Intangibles:
John Harbaugh has done a terrific job of maintaining a dominant home-field advantage during his tenure as Baltimore’s head coach. The Ravens are an outstanding 97-40 as hosts since 2008.
Justin Tucker is the best kicker in the NFL. He whiffed on just 25 of his 290 attempts in the past eight years, drilling a remarkable 40-of-55 tries from 50-plus in that span. Tucker has missed just six extra points in his career. He also nailed an NFL-record 66-yard field goal to beat the Lions a couple of years ago.
Former fourth-round pick Jordan Stout finished in the bottom third of net punting average, but he was able to do a good job of pinning the oppositon inside the 20.
Baltimore has a difficult schedule. Four of its first five opponents made the playoffs last year. The Ravens have to take on all the tough teams in the AFC North, and they also have to deal with the Chiefs, Texans, Eagles, and Bills.
2024 Baltimore Ravens Rookies:
Go here for the Ravens Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2024 Baltimore Ravens Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2024 Baltimore Ravens Analysis: Will there be a repeat of 2020? The last time the Ravens suffered a severe decline on their offensive line, they won three fewer games the following season. If history repeats itself, the Ravens will go 10-7. That is certainly possible, given how extremely competitive the AFC is.
Projection: 10-7 (Tied 2nd in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 11-6. 2023 Actual Result: 13-4.
2022 Projection: 11-6. 2022 Actual Result: 10-7.
2021 Projection: 11-6. 2021 Actual Result: 8-9.
2020 Projection: 12-4. 2020 Actual Result: 11-5.
2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 14-2.
2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 10-6.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 9-7.
2016 Projection: 9-7. 2016 Actual Result: 8-8.
Goals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Ravens often draft a talented player who inexplicably falls to them. If that doesn’t happen again, Baltimore will instead have to focus on the offensive line after losing three blockers to free agency this offseason. The Ravens also lost Patrick Queen and some receivers, so replacements will be needed. A cornerback upgrade must be acquired as well.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: It was surprising that the Ravens used only two of their picks on offensive linemen. They spent a second-round choice on Roger Rosengarten, who was expected by some to be taken earlier than that. However, Baltimore didn’t go back to addressing its blockers until the final round. This was a shocking turn of events, given how many offensive linemen departed this offseason.
However, the Ravens made up for the lack of focus on the offensive line with some stellar values elsewhere. Adisa Isaac, a third-round pass-rushing upgrade, was thought to perhaps be taken in the second frame. The same can be said of Devontez Walker, who was a steal in the fourth round. Walker should be an adequate replacement at the very least for Odell Beckham Jr. Another unbelievable value was T.J. Tampa at the end of the fourth. Some had Tampa in the second as well!
Of course, there was the first-round pick. Nate Wiggins wasn’t as much of a steal, but he could have gone earlier than No. 30. He figures to provide a nice upgrade at cornerback, which Baltimore sorely needed.
Of Baltimore’s nine picks, only one scored worse than a “B,” and that was a late sixth-round choice used on backup quarterback Devin Leary. The Ravens had a great weekend, which should come as no surprise. The only shocking thing, as mentioned, was that another earlier pick wasn’t used on an offensive lineman.
Season Summary:
The good news regarding the Ravens’ 2023 season is that Lamar Jackson was able to finish the year without getting injured for a change. The bad news was that Jackson suffered another humiliating playoff defeat.
Offseason Moves: Jets acquire OT Morgan Moses from Ravens for 6th-round pick, swap of 4th-round picks
Team Needs:
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Baltimore Ravens Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
2025 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
Projection: 10-7 (Tied 2nd in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 11-6. 2023 Actual Result: 13-4.
2022 Projection: 11-6. 2022 Actual Result: 10-7.
2021 Projection: 11-6. 2021 Actual Result: 8-9.
2020 Projection: 12-4. 2020 Actual Result: 11-5.
2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 14-2.
2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 10-6.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 9-7.
2016 Projection: 9-7. 2016 Actual Result: 8-8.
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Ravens often draft a talented player who inexplicably falls to them. If that doesn’t happen again, Baltimore will instead have to focus on the offensive line after losing three blockers to free agency this offseason. The Ravens also lost Patrick Queen and some receivers, so replacements will be needed. A cornerback upgrade must be acquired as well.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: It was surprising that the Ravens used only two of their picks on offensive linemen. They spent a second-round choice on Roger Rosengarten, who was expected by some to be taken earlier than that. However, Baltimore didn’t go back to addressing its blockers until the final round. This was a shocking turn of events, given how many offensive linemen departed this offseason.
However, the Ravens made up for the lack of focus on the offensive line with some stellar values elsewhere. Adisa Isaac, a third-round pass-rushing upgrade, was thought to perhaps be taken in the second frame. The same can be said of Devontez Walker, who was a steal in the fourth round. Walker should be an adequate replacement at the very least for Odell Beckham Jr. Another unbelievable value was T.J. Tampa at the end of the fourth. Some had Tampa in the second as well!
Of course, there was the first-round pick. Nate Wiggins wasn’t as much of a steal, but he could have gone earlier than No. 30. He figures to provide a nice upgrade at cornerback, which Baltimore sorely needed.
Of Baltimore’s nine picks, only one scored worse than a “B,” and that was a late sixth-round choice used on backup quarterback Devin Leary. The Ravens had a great weekend, which should come as no surprise. The only shocking thing, as mentioned, was that another earlier pick wasn’t used on an offensive lineman.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
30. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson – B Grade
Nate Wiggins is a talented player who could have gone earlier than this. He also fills a big need for the Ravens’ declining cornerback group. However, my concern is that Wiggins is a bit brittle, so he comes with some risk. I actually thought he might fall as a result, and I’m a bit surprised that he was chosen over Kool-Aid McKinstry.
62. Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington – B Grade
Some would call this a steal because there was some speculation that Roger Rosengarten would go in the first round. However, Charlie Campbell reported that Rosengarten would slide, so it’s not a surprise to see him here. Still, it’s a good pick because the Ravens really needed to find some replacements on the offensive line after losing three blockers to free agency.
93. Adisa Isaac, DE, Penn State – A- Grade
While Chop Robinson went in the first round, I thought Adisa Isaac could have been chosen in the second frame. He’s a good value at this spot as a well-rounded edge player. It makes sense for the Ravens to add someone who can help get pressure on Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
113. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina – A+ Grade
The Ravens always seem to get some steals in the draft, and this is another one. Devontez Walker is someone who easily could have been chosen toward the end of Round 2. He fills a need for the Ravens, who don’t have much at wideout aside from Zay Flowers.
130. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State – A+ Grade
Another steal for the Ravens. What a shocker! T.J. Tampa could have been selected in the second round without any complaints, yet the Ravens are getting him toward the end of the fourth. And if that wasn’t enough, Baltimore is filling a huge need.
165. Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall – B Grade
This isn’t a major steal like some of Baltimore’s other picks, but it’s a solid choice. Derrick Henry’s not the long-term answer, so Baltimore had to find a potential successor. Rasheen Ali is a tough runner who makes sense in the fifth round.
218. Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky – C Grade
The Ravens needed a backup quarterback with Tyler Huntley gone, but I would have rather have seen Michael Pratt. Devin Leary has a history of injuries and accuracy woes.
228. Nick Samac, C, Michigan State – B Grade
Nick Samac makes sense as a seventh-round pick as far as draft range is concerned. He’s limited athletically, but could be a solid backup.
250. Sanoussi Kane, S, Purdue – B Grade
Sanoussi Kane got some buzz late in the pre-draft process, so it’s not a surprise to see him drafted. He’ll help on special teams, which is more important now in the wake of the new kickoff rules.
Season Summary:
The good news regarding the Ravens’ 2023 season is that Lamar Jackson was able to finish the year without getting injured for a change. The bad news was that Jackson suffered another humiliating playoff defeat.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Three Offensive Linemen: Ronnie Stanley is unreliable, so the Ravens may want to find a better insurance policy at left tackle. Meanwhile, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson are both impending free agents. Simpson needed to be upgraded anyway.
- Running Back: J.K. Dobbins can’t stay healthy, and Keaton Mitchell can’t handle a full workload. The Ravens could stand to add an upgrade in their backfield. Signed Derrick Henry
- Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr. was a temporary solution as a No. 2 receiver. Baltimore needs someone better across from Zay Flowers.
- Defensive Tackle: Justin Madubuike had a terrific season. He’ll be missed if he leaves via free agency.
- Linebacker: Patrick Queen is an impending free agent as well. Losing him would be a big blow to the defense.
- Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney is also set to hit free agency. Clowney’s absence would diminish the pass rush.
- Cornerback: The Ravens aren’t very strong at cornerback, and they could lose Ronald Darby to free agency.
- Punter: Jordan Stout had one of the worst net punting averages in the NFL.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Baltimore Ravens Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
Fantasy Football Rankings - May 23
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