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The Baltimore Ravens will enter training camp with established stars throughout the roster, but several competitions could shape how general manager Eric DeCosta divides the final 53 spots.
Baltimore must settle its offensive line, determine how many young receivers it can retain and decide whether Derrick Henry’s workload requires four running backs. The Ravens also have significant depth along the defensive front and in the secondary, where special teams performance could determine the final selections.
Injuries will influence the initial roster. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, John Jenkins, Teddye Buchanan, Adisa Isaac and Bilhal Kone opened camp on the physically unable to perform list. Because they can be activated at any point before the regular season, this projection includes the players expected to return without an extended absence.
Here is one way Baltimore could construct its ideal 53-man roster.
Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
Jackson remains the centerpiece of the franchise, while Huntley provides an experienced backup who can operate the same foundational running concepts. His familiarity with Baltimore and established relationship with Jackson make him the clear No. 2.
The Ravens could retain Skylar Thompson as a third quarterback, but doing so would cost them a position player with a more direct game-day role. Thompson and rookie Joe Fagnano are competing to become the developmental option Baltimore attempts to place on the practice squad.
Carrying two quarterbacks would create some risk, but the Ravens could elevate a practice-squad quarterback on game days under the league’s roster rules.
Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam Randall
Henry remains the foundation of Baltimore’s rushing attack, but keeping four running backs would give offensive coordinator Declan Doyle more flexibility to manage his workload.
Hill is the established third-down option if he has fully recovered from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season. His ability in pass protection and as a receiver gives him an important role behind Henry.
Ali and Randall are competing for the No. 3 position, but Baltimore could benefit from retaining both. Ali has NFL experience and contributed as a kickoff returner last season. Randall is a converted wide receiver with a 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame and developmental upside as a runner and pass catcher.
The Ravens’ official position preview identified Ali and Randall as the position’s primary battle. Keeping both would protect Baltimore against injury while creating multiple special-teams options.
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester
Flowers and Bateman are the established starters. The roster decisions become significantly more difficult behind them because Baltimore has several young receivers competing for limited offensive opportunities.
Lane gives the Ravens a 6-foot-4 outside target with a large catch radius, while Sarratt offers polished route-running ability and experience playing at multiple receiver positions. Both rookies should receive opportunities in Doyle’s offense.
Walker enters his third season needing to convert his size and vertical speed into a dependable role. Wester earns the final position in this projection because of his quickness and punt-return ability.
Veteran Chris Moore, who recently returned to Baltimore, is the most difficult omission. His special teams experience gives him a legitimate chance to beat out one of the younger receivers. The Ravens, however, should use this season to determine whether Lane, Sarratt, Walker and Wester can develop alongside Flowers and Bateman.
Cortez Braham Jr., Xavier Guillory, Cornelius Johnson and Dayton Wade also face an uphill battle in a crowded room.
Mark Andrews, Matthew Hibner, Josh Cuevas, Ty Pezza
Andrews remains one of Jackson’s most trusted targets and the established leader of the position. The competition behind him looks considerably different following significant offseason turnover.
Hibner, a fourth-round rookie, brings size and two-way potential as a receiver and blocker. Cuevas offers additional receiving ability and experience in a major college offense.
Pezza is one of the roster’s most intriguing developmental players. The undrafted rookie played tight end and wide receiver at Brown, giving Doyle another movable option. Baltimore could also evaluate him as a potential H-back who handles some of the responsibilities previously assigned to a traditional fullback.
Keeping four tight ends would protect a position with limited NFL experience behind Andrews while giving Baltimore options for heavier personnel packages.
Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Olaivavega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Danny Pinter, Emery Jones Jr., Hakeem Adeniji
The starting lineup projects to feature Stanley at left tackle, Simpson at left guard, Pocic at center, Ioane at right guard and Rosengarten at right tackle.
Pocic must demonstrate that he has fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered in December. The veteran has made 97 career starts and should stabilize the middle of the line if he is healthy. Ioane, the No. 14 overall pick, is expected to start immediately.
Pinter provides experience at center and guard, while Vorhees can compete at both guard positions. Jones gives Baltimore a developmental tackle with upside as a starter. Adeniji has made 16 career starts and can provide emergency depth at guard and tackle.
Keeping nine would leave Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, Nick Dawkins, Diego Pounds, Gerad Lichtenhan and Evan Beerntsen competing for practice-squad positions. The Ravens could retain 10 linemen, but that would require a reduction at running back, tight end or defensive line.
Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny
Madubuike’s medical clearance changes the outlook of Baltimore’s defensive front. The two-time Pro Bowl defender could return to practice shortly after opening camp on the PUP list, although the Ravens will continue monitoring his conditioning and response to contact.
Jones developed into one of Baltimore’s most dependable defenders during Madubuike’s absence. Campbell supplies size, leadership and the ability to play multiple positions along the front, while Jenkins remains a reliable interior run defender.
Peebles enters his second season with an opportunity to become a more consistent rotational pass rusher. Benny, a seventh-round rookie from Michigan, completes the group because of his size, experience against high-level competition and developmental upside.
Basil Okoye and David Olajiga remain long-term projects. Baltimore could attempt to continue developing both on the practice squad.
Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac
Hendrickson gives the Ravens the proven finisher their pass rush needed. His presence should create more favorable opportunities for Green and Robinson while allowing defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to build pressure packages around an established edge threat.
Green enters his second season after flashing as a rookie. Young, a second-round pick, offers size and power as a developmental defender who could earn an immediate rotational role.
Robinson provides the ability to play the run and rush from different alignments. Isaac earns the final position if he has recovered from the elbow injury that placed him on the PUP list.
Kaimon Rucker, Ethan Burke and Aaron Graves could challenge Isaac if his recovery takes longer than expected. Rucker’s familiarity with the organization makes him a strong practice-squad candidate.
Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV
Smith remains the leader and every-down presence in the middle of Baltimore’s defense. The competition next to him will involve Simpson and Buchanan.
Simpson played 407 defensive snaps and 236 special teams snaps last season. He enters the final year of his rookie contract with an opportunity to establish himself as the clear second linebacker.
Buchanan recorded 93 tackles and played 651 defensive snaps as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. His recovery will determine how quickly he can challenge Simpson for significant work.
Higgins provides depth and special teams value. Dominic DeLuca, Carl Jones Jr. and rookie Reid Williford would compete for practice-squad positions unless Baltimore decides to keep a fifth inside linebacker.
Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Chandler Rivers, Keyon Martin
Wiggins and Humphrey give Baltimore two established starters, while Awuzie enters camp as the third experienced cornerback. Humphrey’s ability to move into the slot allows Awuzie to play outside when the Ravens use nickel personnel.
Tampa played 407 defensive snaps last season and should continue developing into a larger role. Rivers, a fifth-round rookie from Duke, has the quickness and coverage ability to compete inside.
Martin earns the final spot because of his speed, special teams value and developmental upside. Bilhal Kone is the most difficult omission. He opened camp on the PUP list while continuing to recover from a knee injury that ended his rookie season.
The Ravens could preserve Kone by carrying seven cornerbacks, but that would require a difficult cut elsewhere. Robert Longerbeam, Amani Oruwariye, Marquise Robinson and Matthew McDoom also remain in the competition.
Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson
Baltimore’s first three safety positions are secure. Hamilton remains one of the league’s most versatile defenders, and Starks enters his second season after recording 84 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie.
Hawkins signed a two-year, $10 million deal after producing 71 tackles and four interceptions for New England last season. His presence will allow Weaver to use three-safety packages and move Hamilton throughout the formation.
Jackson earns the fourth position because of his special teams production. The former undrafted free agent played 12 games last season and established himself as one of Baltimore’s most energetic coverage players.
Undrafted rookies Silas Walters and Jahquez Robinson would be strong practice-squad candidates. Both must outperform Jackson on special teams to make a serious push for the initial roster.
Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick Moore
Loop returns as the starting kicker after making 88.2% of his field goal attempts during his rookie season. He must demonstrate that he has moved beyond the 44-yard miss at Pittsburgh that ended Baltimore’s season.
Eckley is the only punter on the roster after the Ravens released Luke Elzinga. The sixth-round pick led the FBS with a 48.5-yard average at Michigan State in 2025 and has drawn comparisons to former Ravens punter Sam Koch because of his directional ability.
Moore provides experience and stability at long snapper. The remaining questions involve the return units, with Wester, Ali, Randall and Sarratt among the candidates.
Special teams coordinator Anthony Levine Sr. must also identify reliable coverage players from the reserve defensive backs, linebackers and receivers. Those roles could ultimately decide the final two or three roster spots.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How Ravens could build their ideal 53-man roster
Continue reading...
Baltimore must settle its offensive line, determine how many young receivers it can retain and decide whether Derrick Henry’s workload requires four running backs. The Ravens also have significant depth along the defensive front and in the secondary, where special teams performance could determine the final selections.
Injuries will influence the initial roster. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, John Jenkins, Teddye Buchanan, Adisa Isaac and Bilhal Kone opened camp on the physically unable to perform list. Because they can be activated at any point before the regular season, this projection includes the players expected to return without an extended absence.
Here is one way Baltimore could construct its ideal 53-man roster.
Quarterback: 2
Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
Jackson remains the centerpiece of the franchise, while Huntley provides an experienced backup who can operate the same foundational running concepts. His familiarity with Baltimore and established relationship with Jackson make him the clear No. 2.
The Ravens could retain Skylar Thompson as a third quarterback, but doing so would cost them a position player with a more direct game-day role. Thompson and rookie Joe Fagnano are competing to become the developmental option Baltimore attempts to place on the practice squad.
Carrying two quarterbacks would create some risk, but the Ravens could elevate a practice-squad quarterback on game days under the league’s roster rules.
Running back: 4
Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam Randall
Henry remains the foundation of Baltimore’s rushing attack, but keeping four running backs would give offensive coordinator Declan Doyle more flexibility to manage his workload.
Hill is the established third-down option if he has fully recovered from the neck injury that ended his 2025 season. His ability in pass protection and as a receiver gives him an important role behind Henry.
Ali and Randall are competing for the No. 3 position, but Baltimore could benefit from retaining both. Ali has NFL experience and contributed as a kickoff returner last season. Randall is a converted wide receiver with a 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame and developmental upside as a runner and pass catcher.
The Ravens’ official position preview identified Ali and Randall as the position’s primary battle. Keeping both would protect Baltimore against injury while creating multiple special-teams options.
Wide receiver: 6
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester
Flowers and Bateman are the established starters. The roster decisions become significantly more difficult behind them because Baltimore has several young receivers competing for limited offensive opportunities.
Lane gives the Ravens a 6-foot-4 outside target with a large catch radius, while Sarratt offers polished route-running ability and experience playing at multiple receiver positions. Both rookies should receive opportunities in Doyle’s offense.
Walker enters his third season needing to convert his size and vertical speed into a dependable role. Wester earns the final position in this projection because of his quickness and punt-return ability.
Veteran Chris Moore, who recently returned to Baltimore, is the most difficult omission. His special teams experience gives him a legitimate chance to beat out one of the younger receivers. The Ravens, however, should use this season to determine whether Lane, Sarratt, Walker and Wester can develop alongside Flowers and Bateman.
Cortez Braham Jr., Xavier Guillory, Cornelius Johnson and Dayton Wade also face an uphill battle in a crowded room.
Tight end: 4
Mark Andrews, Matthew Hibner, Josh Cuevas, Ty Pezza
Andrews remains one of Jackson’s most trusted targets and the established leader of the position. The competition behind him looks considerably different following significant offseason turnover.
Hibner, a fourth-round rookie, brings size and two-way potential as a receiver and blocker. Cuevas offers additional receiving ability and experience in a major college offense.
Pezza is one of the roster’s most intriguing developmental players. The undrafted rookie played tight end and wide receiver at Brown, giving Doyle another movable option. Baltimore could also evaluate him as a potential H-back who handles some of the responsibilities previously assigned to a traditional fullback.
Keeping four tight ends would protect a position with limited NFL experience behind Andrews while giving Baltimore options for heavier personnel packages.
Offensive line: 9
Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Olaivavega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Danny Pinter, Emery Jones Jr., Hakeem Adeniji
The starting lineup projects to feature Stanley at left tackle, Simpson at left guard, Pocic at center, Ioane at right guard and Rosengarten at right tackle.
Pocic must demonstrate that he has fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered in December. The veteran has made 97 career starts and should stabilize the middle of the line if he is healthy. Ioane, the No. 14 overall pick, is expected to start immediately.
Pinter provides experience at center and guard, while Vorhees can compete at both guard positions. Jones gives Baltimore a developmental tackle with upside as a starter. Adeniji has made 16 career starts and can provide emergency depth at guard and tackle.
Keeping nine would leave Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, Nick Dawkins, Diego Pounds, Gerad Lichtenhan and Evan Beerntsen competing for practice-squad positions. The Ravens could retain 10 linemen, but that would require a reduction at running back, tight end or defensive line.
Defensive line: 6
Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny
Madubuike’s medical clearance changes the outlook of Baltimore’s defensive front. The two-time Pro Bowl defender could return to practice shortly after opening camp on the PUP list, although the Ravens will continue monitoring his conditioning and response to contact.
Jones developed into one of Baltimore’s most dependable defenders during Madubuike’s absence. Campbell supplies size, leadership and the ability to play multiple positions along the front, while Jenkins remains a reliable interior run defender.
Peebles enters his second season with an opportunity to become a more consistent rotational pass rusher. Benny, a seventh-round rookie from Michigan, completes the group because of his size, experience against high-level competition and developmental upside.
Basil Okoye and David Olajiga remain long-term projects. Baltimore could attempt to continue developing both on the practice squad.
Edge rusher: 5
Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac
Hendrickson gives the Ravens the proven finisher their pass rush needed. His presence should create more favorable opportunities for Green and Robinson while allowing defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to build pressure packages around an established edge threat.
Green enters his second season after flashing as a rookie. Young, a second-round pick, offers size and power as a developmental defender who could earn an immediate rotational role.
Robinson provides the ability to play the run and rush from different alignments. Isaac earns the final position if he has recovered from the elbow injury that placed him on the PUP list.
Kaimon Rucker, Ethan Burke and Aaron Graves could challenge Isaac if his recovery takes longer than expected. Rucker’s familiarity with the organization makes him a strong practice-squad candidate.
Inside linebacker: 4
Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV
Smith remains the leader and every-down presence in the middle of Baltimore’s defense. The competition next to him will involve Simpson and Buchanan.
Simpson played 407 defensive snaps and 236 special teams snaps last season. He enters the final year of his rookie contract with an opportunity to establish himself as the clear second linebacker.
Buchanan recorded 93 tackles and played 651 defensive snaps as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. His recovery will determine how quickly he can challenge Simpson for significant work.
Higgins provides depth and special teams value. Dominic DeLuca, Carl Jones Jr. and rookie Reid Williford would compete for practice-squad positions unless Baltimore decides to keep a fifth inside linebacker.
Cornerback: 6
Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Chandler Rivers, Keyon Martin
Wiggins and Humphrey give Baltimore two established starters, while Awuzie enters camp as the third experienced cornerback. Humphrey’s ability to move into the slot allows Awuzie to play outside when the Ravens use nickel personnel.
Tampa played 407 defensive snaps last season and should continue developing into a larger role. Rivers, a fifth-round rookie from Duke, has the quickness and coverage ability to compete inside.
Martin earns the final spot because of his speed, special teams value and developmental upside. Bilhal Kone is the most difficult omission. He opened camp on the PUP list while continuing to recover from a knee injury that ended his rookie season.
The Ravens could preserve Kone by carrying seven cornerbacks, but that would require a difficult cut elsewhere. Robert Longerbeam, Amani Oruwariye, Marquise Robinson and Matthew McDoom also remain in the competition.
Safety: 4
Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson
Baltimore’s first three safety positions are secure. Hamilton remains one of the league’s most versatile defenders, and Starks enters his second season after recording 84 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie.
Hawkins signed a two-year, $10 million deal after producing 71 tackles and four interceptions for New England last season. His presence will allow Weaver to use three-safety packages and move Hamilton throughout the formation.
Jackson earns the fourth position because of his special teams production. The former undrafted free agent played 12 games last season and established himself as one of Baltimore’s most energetic coverage players.
Undrafted rookies Silas Walters and Jahquez Robinson would be strong practice-squad candidates. Both must outperform Jackson on special teams to make a serious push for the initial roster.
Special teams: 3
Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick Moore
Loop returns as the starting kicker after making 88.2% of his field goal attempts during his rookie season. He must demonstrate that he has moved beyond the 44-yard miss at Pittsburgh that ended Baltimore’s season.
Eckley is the only punter on the roster after the Ravens released Luke Elzinga. The sixth-round pick led the FBS with a 48.5-yard average at Michigan State in 2025 and has drawn comparisons to former Ravens punter Sam Koch because of his directional ability.
Moore provides experience and stability at long snapper. The remaining questions involve the return units, with Wester, Ali, Randall and Sarratt among the candidates.
Special teams coordinator Anthony Levine Sr. must also identify reliable coverage players from the reserve defensive backs, linebackers and receivers. Those roles could ultimately decide the final two or three roster spots.
Projected 53-man roster
| Position | Count | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | 2 | Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley |
| Running back | 4 | Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam Randall |
| Wide receiver | 6 | Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester |
| Tight end | 4 | Mark Andrews, Matthew Hibner, Josh Cuevas, Ty Pezza |
| Offensive line | 9 | Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Olaivavega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Danny Pinter, Emery Jones Jr., Hakeem Adeniji |
| Defensive line | 6 | Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny |
| Edge rusher | 5 | Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac |
| Inside linebacker | 4 | Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV |
| Cornerback | 6 | Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Chandler Rivers, Keyon Martin |
| Safety | 4 | Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson |
| Specialists | 3 | Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick Moore |
| Total | 53 |
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How Ravens could build their ideal 53-man roster
Continue reading...
