Ravens Training Camp 2025 - Which Positions Have Question Marks?

The Baltimore Ravens have come up short in the playoffs the past few seasons, but that’s not because of a lack of talent. GM Eric DeCosta has built what might be the best team in the NFL on paper going into 2025. But anyone in the organization will tell you that games don’t happen on paper, they take place any given Sunday. 

There are enough pro bowlers on this roster to clean out a Waffle House, including stars like Lamar Jackson, Tyler Linderbaum, Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley, Derrick Henry, Nnamdi Madubuike. Marlon Humphrey, and Patrick Ricard. The Ravens also added CB Jaire Alexander and WR DeAndre Hopkins, who have 7 Pro Bowl nods between them. 

The roster is mostly complete, with eyes on the Lombardi Trophy, although the team usually signs a veteran during camp at a position of need. Past examples like Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney have joined late in camp and have had productive seasons. For now, the Ravens have maybe their most talented roster in the Lamar Jackson era, but there are still a few questions to answer before the season starts. Now with training camp starting today, it is time to look at a few position groups that have some holes, and see who might be able to separate themselves from the pack and see significant playing time.

Roquon Smith’s Running Mate - Starting Off-Ball Linebacker

Roquan Smith is the obvious star in this group and the leader of the defense. Smith has been named first team All-Pro in all 3 years he’s been in Baltimore, and he will expect that to continue. Smith seemed a little bit slower last year, he didn’t have quite the same sideline-to-sideline speed. The whole defense struggled through the first half of the season in first year defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s new system, so Smith didn’t underperform in a vacuum. 

As the leader of the defense with the green dot on his helmet, he and the rest of the defense struggled mightily with communication issues. The defense cleaned it up in the second half and led the NFL in most defensive categories over the last 7 games. Smith will be on the field for nearly 100% of all defensive snaps, but he will need a partner next to him against run-heavy formations. 

Last season, Trenton Simpson was the starter next to Roquan during the early season struggles. Orr started giving more snaps to veterans like Malik Harrison and Chris Board. While they weren’t as athletic as Simpson, they were sure tacklers and seemed to have a better understanding of their assignments. 

Both of those vets are now gone, and the door is open for Simpson to take his spot back. The Ravens signed Jake Hummel in free agency from the Rams and drafted Teddye Buchanan in the fourth round. Hummel was signed for special teams purposes, but the Ravens value his experience. Buchanan is actually a similar profile to Simpson coming out of college: A fast, twitchy linebacker who is effective as a rusher but needs to improve his coverage skills. Teddye consistently shows good instincts and play recognition. He even got some big first day of camp hike from Roquan:

https://x.com/ColeJacksonFB/status/1916583187779616865

NFL Network’s Charles Davis said Buchanan “plays like his hair is on fire” which is what Ravens fans love to hear. Buchanan, like Simpson, has the physical tools to be a contributor to the Ravens defense. This battle will come down to who performs better throughout camp and preseason games, with Simpson’s experience giving him the inside track.

Protecting Lamar Jackson - Starting Left Guard

With last seasons’ starting guard Patrick Mekari headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, this was shaping up to be an open competition in camp. Guards Andrew Voorhees and Ben Cleveland return from last season, and the Ravens drafted LSU guards Emery Jones in the third round and Garrett Dellinger in the seventh. 

Cleveland was cited for a DUI during the offseason and could face a possible suspension if found guilty. Rookie Emery Jones picked up an injury during minicamp and will miss the start of training camp and possibly some early games. Seventh round picks rarely see game action in their rookie year, so Voorhees will win this almost by default. 

Andrew Vorhees actually started the first two games of last season, but an injury forced him out of the lineup. They shifted Mekari over from right tackle and plugged in Roger Rosengarten, who had an outstanding rookie season. It made sense to keep continuity along the offensive line when your offense combined for over 3000 rushing yards. Vorhees possesses incredible strength and was a second round talent who fell to the seventh round 2 years ago due to a knee injury that sidelined him for his rookie year. Now with a year of playing time under his belt, the Ravens hope he can maul defenders in the run game and pave the way for Action Jackson, King Henry, and the rest of the offense. 

Who Makes the Cut at Cornerback?

You can never have too many corners, they say, but it could actually be a numbers game for the Ravens during camp. Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins will start alongside new additions Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander, so there will be at least two roster spots remaining. 

TJ Tampa and Jalyn Armour-Davis have shown promise, but haven’t been able to stay healthy. The Ravens took two corners in the 6th round, Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Kone has all the physical tools you want in a corner. Longerbeam projects as a slot corner who hits a lot harder than his playing weight would indicate. The Ravens likely won’t be able to keep all 4, but may be able to keep 2 on the roster and stash 1 on the practice squad. Whoever wins this battle will see most of their snaps on special teams, unless injuries pile up.

At safety, Kyle Hamilton will run the show next to first round pick Malaki Starks, who should start week 1. Behind those two are a pair of intriguing second-year players, Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade. Both showed flashes as rookies in preseason and contributed on special teams. Neither one has elite physical traits, which makes it tougher for them to become every-down players. 

Ar’Darius Washington was re-signed in the offseason after a great season at nickel corner and safety. Washington unfortunately tore his achilles during the offseason, he will miss all of next season unless he makes a miraculous recovery. 

Cap Casualty - Could the Ravens Add a Safety?

The Ravens love to use 3 safety looks to let Hamilton play closer to the line of scrimmage. This would be an interesting spot to add a veteran if they don’t trust Kane or Brade enough. They could wait for a team to cut a player as a cap casualty, or go after a free agent. 2-time Pro Bowler Justin Simmons is still available, as well as Super Bowl champion Jordan Whitehead. This would be a classic Ravens move to grab a high caliber player late into training camp.

The Ravens know their mission this year, win the Super Bowl at all costs. They certainly have the roster to do it, elite starting talent and depth at every position. If they can figure out these 3 position groups, then this is a team with no weaknesses.