The Baltimore Ravens reconstructed their coaching staff and strengthened several areas of the roster after falling short of the postseason. Those changes created renewed optimism, but they also increased the pressure on several returning players.
Baltimore’s established stars will drive the team’s championship pursuit. The Ravens’ ability to close the gap in the AFC, however, could be determined by younger contributors becoming more consistent in expanded roles.
Here are five Ravens who must improve in 2026.
1. Trenton Simpson
Simpson possesses the athletic tools to become a productive three-down linebacker, but Baltimore needs greater consistency from him alongside Roquan Smith. He must diagnose plays faster, take cleaner pursuit angles, and become more dependable
in coverage. Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV give the Ravens additional options, placing even more importance on Simpson converting his physical ability into reliable production.
2. Roger Rosengarten
Rosengarten has gained valuable experience at right tackle, but the Ravens need him to take another step as a pass protector. His ability to handle speed rushers without consistent assistance would give Declan Doyle greater freedom with formations and route combinations. Baltimore cannot allow pressure from the right side to disrupt Lamar Jackson or force the offense away from deeper-developing concepts.
3. Devontez Walker
Walker has the size and vertical speed to become an important piece of Baltimore’s passing game. What remains uncertain is whether he can deliver consistent production rather than occasional flashes. He must refine his routes, win contested catches, and prove trustworthy when Jackson looks beyond Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Mark Andrews.
4. T.J. Tampa Jr.
Tampa’s length and physicality continue to make him an intriguing developmental cornerback. Baltimore needs greater consistency from his technique and positioning. Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie give the Ravens a strong starting group, but injuries routinely force reserve defensive backs into meaningful roles. Tampa must demonstrate he can be trusted when those opportunities arrive.
5. Tyler Loop
Loop must respond to an uneven preseason and establish himself as a dependable replacement for Baltimore’s long-standing stability at kicker. The Ravens added Jake Moody to the practice squad, creating both insurance and competition. Loop has the leg strength to handle the job, but accuracy and confidence will determine whether Baltimore can remain patient through the natural fluctuations that accompany a young kicker.
Improvement from these five would strengthen the middle of Baltimore’s roster. The Ravens already have enough star power to compete with the AFC’s best teams. Their postseason return may depend on whether their developing players can prevent opponents from finding and exploiting weak points.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five Ravens players who must show improvement during the 2026 season
