Projecting the Ravens' 2026 starting defense ahead of OTAs, workouts

[ASFN Admin]

After months of waiting, the Baltimore Ravens are looking to get back to the postseason and will begin off-season workouts under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, with adjustments following significant roster losses. Eric DeCosta regrouped from the backed-out Maxx Crosby trade and made a splash signing, landing Trey Hendrickson on a four-year deal. Teams that successfully build through the NFL draft typically suffer the greatest losses. Changes in personnel spark offseason and training camp roster battles, and the Ravens will take part in several high-profile competitions.

With the off-season in full swing, we're projecting the Baltimore Ravens starting offense ahead of workouts and OTAs, highlighting key roles and position battles.

Defensive line​

Starter: Nnamdi Madubuike:

Starter: Travis Jones:

Starter: John Jenkins:

Comments:

Madubuike missed most of this season with a neck injury, and there's been some talk of a potential retirement, but a recent workout video has promoted optimism. Travis Jones was outstanding in 2025, while veteran John Jenkins, second-year sixth-round pick Aeneas Peebles, third-year former undrafted free agent C.J. Okoye, and second-year David Olajiga offer depth with training camp approaching. Broderick Washington could be a salary cap casualty.

Edge Rusher​

Starter: Trey Hendrickson

Starter: Tavius Robinson

Mike Green

Hendrickson is the big fish and the guy who'll close games out when the Ravens have a lead. Second-round pick Mike Green returns after posting 3.5 sacks in 2025, and 2023 fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson returns after dealing with injury but posting 4.5 sacks. Adisa Isaac and second-year Kaimon Rucker offer depth.

Linebacker​

Starter: Roquan Smith

Trenton Simpson:

Starter: Teddye Buchanan

Comments:

The 29-year-old Roquan Smith had another 100+ tackle season and is under contract for two more seasons. But it is a big part of the calculus beyond the 2026 season and how and when Baltimore moves on from the perennial Pro Bowl pick. Teddye Buchanan is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 15, while Trenton Simpson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Jay Higgins IV and Carl Jones offer depth.

Cornerback​

Starter: Marlon Humphrey

Starter: Nate Wiggins

Comments:

Veteran Marlon Humphrey is expected to be on the roster despite his $26M cap hit. Nate Wiggins is entering his third year, and the Ravens re-signed Chidobe Awuzie. That's a solid trio when Humphrey is efficient. T.J. Tampa is entering his third season but has yet to play meaningful snaps on defense, while 2025 undrafted free agent Keyon Martin played critical snaps after Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam both suffered serious injuries during their rookie seasons. Veteran Amani Oruwariye and second-year Marquise Robinson offer practice squad depth.

Safety​

Players on the roster:

Starter: Kyle Hamilton

Starter: Malaki Starks

Starter: Jaylinn Hawkins

Keondre Jackson:

Comment:

After Ar'Darius Washington and Alohi Gilman both left in free agency, Baltimore added former Patriots defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins as the much-preferred third safety. Hawkins is a solid and efficient complement to the dynamic duo. He'll join All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and last year's first-round pick Malaki Starks. Second-year undrafted free agent Keondre Jackson is a special teams standout who'll look to improve in coverage.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens projected starting defense before OTAs and workouts

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