The Baltimore Ravens filled out their roster this offseason with a number of notable additions in the draft and free agency. Now, with the 2026 season fast approaching next month, position groups will be finalized across training camp and preseason action over the next few weeks.
Which of the team’s position groups are the strongest? Let’s rank them below in terms of best on the roster, from best to worst.
1. Safety
When combining star power and depth, the Ravens have one of, if not the best safety room of any
team in the league. Kyle Hamilton is established as a premier talent, while Malaki Starks proved to be a solid pro as a rookie and has the potential for a sophomore leap. Jaylinn Hawkins, who the team signed this offseason, is coming off a strong season as a defensive leader for the AFC Champion New England Patriots. Hawkins gives the Ravens a trio of above-average safeties and lots of flexibility in the secondary.
2. Quarterback
Lamar Jackson remains an elite quarterback with a great chance to return to his MVP-caliber ways after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign. Jackson could thrive in Declan Doyle’s new-look offensive system with some new playmakers around him. Tyler Huntley is the ideal backup for Jackson with a proven track record of winning games as a spot-starter. Huntley quickly proved last year that he was a better No. 2 option than Cooper Rush.
3. Running Back
Derrick Henry continues to defeat father time and church out elite seasons. Henry should be super productive again as the workhorse in the Ravens’ backfield. Justice Hill remains a solid backup and third down running back but could be pushed by either Rasheen Ali or Adam Randall for playing time. Randall, a fifth-round pick this year, is a sleeper to emerge as a contributor given his versatility and pass-catching prowess. The Clemson product could beat usurp Ali for the No. 3 role to begin the season and have a role on special teams.
4. Cornerback
The Ravens’ cornerback room underwhelmed in 2025 given the on-paper talent. The prospects for positive regression in 2026, though, are good. Marlon Humphrey’s ability to rebound from a subpar season will be a major X-factor. Nate Wiggins didn’t make a huge Year 2 jump like many anticipated last season, but is still a proven talented coverage corner and possesses high-level upside. Chidobe Awuzie is a solid veteran and reliable starter. The Ravens have several young cornerbacks competing for the last two spots on the depth chart.
5. Defensive Line
The return of Nnamdi Madbuike is a major lift for the Ravens’ defensive line. If he can perform anywhere close to his previous All-Pro level, the Ravens have a more than formidable front seven. The addition of veteran Calais Campbell, even at age 40, is also a significant boost. Travis Jones ascended to another level in 2025 with a career-best season and is an anchoring force in the middle. The Ravens have a crowded group of veterans and young players fighting for the last roster spots in this group and will have solid depth no matter how the pecking order shakes out.
6. Edge Rusher
The Ravens got subpar production from their edge rushers last year but made two significant additions this spring in Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young. Hendrickson is well-established as one of the league’s premier pass rushers dating back several years. Although he’s coming off a season-ending injury is now 31 years old, Hendrickson figures to have a big impact. Young also projects as an instant contributor, especially as an edge-setter and run defender, in his rookie season. If Mike Green takes a step forward in his sophomore season like many anticipate, edge rusher could quickly become a real strength for the Ravens. Tavius Robinson is a serviceable rotational player who has proven he can handle starter reps.
7. Inside Linebacker
Roquan Smith’s reputation as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL precedes him. However, although he was named to a third straight Pro Bowl in 2025, his play left some to be desired. Smith’s tackles dropped and his playmaking was missing at times; he had no interceptions, sacks or forced fumbles. He’s in good position to perform well as the center of Jesse Minter’s defense this season. Next to Smith, Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson are both viable starting options. Buchanan was emerging as a solid starter in his rookie season before suffering a torn ACL last October. Simpson, meanwhile, has yet to prove himself as a consistent and reliable defensive option, but his potential is still high given his raw athletic abilities.
8. Offensive Line
The Ravens are more solidified at offensive tackle than on the interior. Ronnie Stanley remains a quality starter on the left side, as does Roger Rosengarten on the right. The latter has the potential to become an upper-echelon player this year in his third season. Incoming first-round pick Olaivavega Ioane projects as an instant plug-and-play starter at right guard and may quickly prove to be a high-level starter in Year 1. Veteran John Simpson will likely be an upgrade at left guard, even though he’s far from an elite player. The biggest question mark is who will win the starting center job between Ethan Pocic, Danny Pinter and company, and how they will perform throughout the season.
9. Tight End
After losing both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, plus Pat Ricard also, the Ravens took a hit in terms of tight end strength. For the first time in many years, they’re facing a lot of questions with this position group. Can Mark Andrews bounce back after a big dip in production last season? Andrews has shown some signs of athletic decline amidst injuries in recent years. What impact can incoming rookies, both mid-round picks, Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas provide right away?
10. Specialists
The Ravens have almost had a reliable trio of specialists but that will be put to the test in 2026. Tyler Loop has a lot to prove as the team’s kicker in his second season. Loop was solid overall last season but struggled from beyond 50 yards and had a poor end to the year. Incoming rookie punter Ryan Eckley has big shoes to fill after Jordan Stout departed in free agency. Nick Moore, meanwhile, is established as a solid long snapper.
