roster spots
ESPN’s
are loaded at several key positions. With the same head coach in place and a change at the defensive coordinator spot, there won’t be many guaranteed available.
A handful of players have had excellent off-season workouts. After GM Eric DeCosta added Derrick Henry, the Ravens are among the Super Bowl favorites in the AFC. However, all NFL teams are a terrible injury or sullied chemistry away from disaster.
So, what will the Baltimore Ravens look like in 2024? Jamison Hensley did a quick dive into the machinations that are most likely to tilt this team in one direction.
Biggest X factor: Offensive line
Roger Rosengarten is the second-round pick, but Patrick Mekari is listed as the first-team right tackle heading into the second preseason contest against the Falcons on Saturday. Ronsengarten has all the tools, but he must earn his snaps. Daniel Faalele is the right guard after switching positions, and he’s listed as the starter ahead of veteran Ben Cleveland. Faalele is one of the biggest right guards in the NFL but he must sustain his momentum.
The ceiling: 13-4
The floor (that doesn’t include a long-term injury at quarterback): 8-9
The Ravens decided to go younger on the offensive line, letting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson sign elsewhere and trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. The three new up-front starters — Baltimore has yet to officially name them — will have a major impact, especially with their pass protection. When Lamar Jackson has been sacked four or more times in his career, Baltimore is 8-9 (.470). When Jackson is sacked three times or fewer, the Ravens are 50-10 (.833). — Jamison Hensley
