The Baltimore Ravens will enter the 2024 season looking to avenge their loss in the AFC Championship.
Of course, a lot of games stand between September and January football, and the Ravens have the tough task of making it back to the playoffs in a tough division, with a brutal schedule, and some notable offseason losses.
Baltimore has proven to be as resilient and consistent as any team in the league, however, and there's little doubt that the Ravens will be in the playoff mix this season.
With training camp now underway, we've ranked the 11 most important Ravens this season. In reality, every player has a big role to play, but to make our list, we considered players' positions, age, career arcs, and how their success or struggles could affect the team the most.
11. Justin Tucker, K
Kickers don't often jump to mind for when it comes to NFL teams' most important players, but Tucker's impact on the Ravens over the years has been undeniable. The 34-year-old kicker, now entering his 13th season, was still close to his peak last year, accounting for 147 total points, second most among kickers. The Ravens rely on Tucker's field goal prowess and his near-perfect accuracy on extra-points (98.7% for his career), and this year, he'll have the added responsibility of nailing the strategy for the new kickoff rule. Replace Tucker with an average kicker, and his absence would be felt.
10. Andrew Voorhees, G
Offensive line might be the biggest question mark on the Ravens this year, as the team looks to replace three of last year's starters. Voorhees, a 2022 seventh-round selection who fell in the draft because of an injury, is slated to get a chance to win the job. Voorhees sat out the entirety of the 2023 season while rehabbing, so his experience in the Ravens' system and locker room doesn't make him the typical first-year player. Given his position and small contract, he could become a coup for the Ravens if he can play at even an average level.
9. Rashod Bateman, WR
Bateman received a contract extension this offseason, a sign that the Ravens believe in him, despite minimal production in the three years since they drafted him 27th overall. Now it's time for Bateman to step up. The fourth-year receiver is finally healthy, acquainted to the offense, and is expected to produce at a higher level. Bateman has reportedly looked good in training camp, but that's been with backups throwing him the ball, as Lamar Jackson has been sidelined with an illness. If Bateman can make a leap, the Ravens offense should, too.
8. Roger Rosenarten, OT
A second-round pick this year, Rosengarten is also expected to compete for the starting right tackle job. Rosengarten did not allow a sack over his final two years at Washington. It's tough to expect much from a rookie, but we've seen rookie offensive linemen make impacts in the NFL. Given Rosengarten's high draft position, he could play a big role on a revamped line this year.
7. Marlon Humphrey, CB
After a shaky 2023, Humphrey has returned to Ravens training camp a few pounds lighter and motivated. The Ravens' secondary looks deep and talented, but Humphrey still looks like the most talented, versatile cornerback on the team. He's still paid like a star, too, so a bounce-back season would only strengthen the Ravens' secondary.
6. Zay Flowers, WR
A lot of attention has been paid to Bateman, who, as stated, needs to have a breakout season. That line of thinking has generally assumed that Flowers will remain the Ravens' WR1. There's no reason to think that Flowers can't or won't improve upon an impressive rookie season, but there is real pressure on him to be that top threat. Can Flowers hit 1,000 yards this year? Double-digit touchdowns? A breakout season from Bateman would be nice; consistency from Flowers is a must.
5. Odafe Oweh, OLB
Following the departures of players like Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen, Oweh is in position to have a big year. He's off to a good start — head coach John Harbaugh said he's had to rein in Oweh, who's been in the backfield nearly every play. Oweh has the physical tools, and the Ravens picked up his fifth-year option this offseason — a sign they believe that a leap is on the way.
4. Derrick Henry, RB
The Ravens' splashiest offseason addition is expected to make a big impact this year. But there are questions to be answered first. Will Henry's running style work with Lamar Jackson's preferred formations? Was Henry's statistical decline in 2023 a sign that, at 30, he's no longer an elite running back? The Ravens' running back room is deep, with Justice Hill, rookie Rasheen Ali, and Keaton Mitchell (who will start the year on the IR). But it certainly lacks pop if Henry is no longer the same weapon carrying the ball.
3. Ronnie Stanley, OT
In some ways, the Ravens' offseason losses along the O-line were a bet on Stanley. The 2019 All-Pro has not been the same player because of injuries over the years. The Ravens restructured his contract this offseason. But Stanley says he is finally healthy and feeling better than he has in the last few years. He is the lone veteran starter on the offensive line (we won't consider Tyler Linderbaum a veteran yet), and a bounce-back year would be a huge development for the Ravens.
2. Kyle Hamilton, S
There's little doubt that Hamilton is primed for another monster season. But the third-year All-Pro safety, who Rams head coach Sean McVay and Ravens DC Zach Orr both called the "ultimate chess piece," is such a key part to Baltimore's defensive identity that they need him to maintain that consistency. Hamilton can line up all over the field, playing deep safety, cornerback, and even linebacker. He's widely regarded as one of the best players in football; any regression or injury to Hamilton would be a huge blow to the Ravens' secondary.
1. Lamar Jackson, QB
Duh. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and there's no doubt that the Ravens can only go as far as Jackson takes them. There is mounting pressure on Jackson to lead the Ravens on a deep playoff run. He's won two MVPs, so regular-season greatness is now expected. If the Ravens want to contend for the AFC, they need Jackson to reach another level.
