Ravens depth chart 2019: Lamar Jackson gets running help with a passing twist

The Ravens, in relation to the rest of AFC North, had limited turnover in terms of personnel this offseason with no coaching change. They are still in the midst of a big transition at quarterback, where Lamar Jackson is now the unquestioned second-year starter with Joe Flacco playing for the Broncos.

Last season, Baltimore's staff adjusted well to Jackson's athleticism, getting him running effectively to complement a traditional power-rushing attack. This year, the team wants to open things up a little and trust him more as a passer.

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The biggest void was created on defense, as three fourths of the Ravens' starting linebackers — C.J. Mosley, Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs — all left via frae agency. Baltimore scrambled to recover at that position, but it had a stronger answer at safety after releasing Eric Weddle.

Here's a breakdown of Baltimore's two-deep depth chart projection, focusing on the most notable changes going into 2019.

Ravens depth chart: offense

Running back

The Ravens had some good rushing production down the stretch with Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon to help Jackson. But after Alex Collins, Ty Montgomery and Buck Allen all faded out of the offense, they felt the need to invest in a veteran hammer. Enter former Saint Mark Ingram, who will take early-down lead and red-zone finishing duties. They also drafted grinder Justice Hill in the fourth round.

Ingram has been a solid chunk runner in New Orleans of late and projects to keep up the power with fresher legs than most at age 29. He also can help as a receiver if needed. Edwards looks determined to keep a key role with his hard offseason work aimed at increasing his versatility. Hill offers youthful speed to go with the power. That has Dixon looking more like an expendable in this mix, especially with more Jackson-tailored help at wide receiver.

Wide receiver

The Ravens don't plan to suddenly make Jackson pass-happy, but they know they need something of a big-play threat to stretch the field and keep opponents honest against a running game that's leaning toward more zone read and option wrinkles. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has a good history getting the most from running QBs.

Jackson will need the rookie first-rounder Marquise Brown (foot) to come back healthy in training camp so he can develop a real rapport with his new go-to guy. Based on the power running foundation of the offense, Brown can make a big impact as calculated deep threat to play off that.

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While Marquise Brown replaces John Brown, fellow rookie Miles Boykin has a clear shot at taking over the second spot outside vacated by Michael Crabtree. Boykin offers some blazing speed to go with a 6-4, 220-pound frame, a complement to the 5-9, 179-pound Marquise Brown. He also lost valuable early time with Jackson because of a hamstring injury. Willie Snead returns to be reliable in the slot.

A lot of what the Ravens do to add more of a passing element with Jackson will still be tied to the backs and second-year tight ends Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst. The goal at this position is to open up other things when they throw to the perimeter downfield against defenses that will be better focused on Jackson in Year 2.

Ravens depth chart: defense

Outside linebacker

Smith and Suggs moved on to help the pass rushes of the Packers and Cardinals, respectively. That's 15.5 sacks gone, leaving Matt Judon needing some help on the edge. The Ravens feel confident that Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser can raise their games in increased roles.

They also used a third-round pick on rookie Jaylon Ferguson, who has freaky power and athleticism as a natural sack artist. He will help in obvious passing situations at first. Behind him are two new veteran flyers — one very familiar in Pernell McPhee, one brand new in Shane Ray. McPhee returns to the Ravens five years removed from recording 7.5 sacks for them. Ray will try to tap into the potential he once had opposite the Broncos' Von Miller.

The Ravens were more pass rush by committee on the second level last season, too. This season, there's more of an unknown in terms of who all will contribute and at what level without Smith and Suggs to set the tone.

Inside linebacker

There definitely will be some pass-rushing pop from this position, as the team re-signed restricted free agent Patrick Onwuasor (5.5 sacks in 2018) to remain one of the inside starters. Kenny Young is the one in line to get the promotion with Mosley gone.

Young was an active tackler as a backup, showing some ability to get to the quarterback, too. Onwuasor, better all-around, will be handling the true middle role of Mosley, while Young, a second-year fourth-round pick, figures to be pushed a little on the weakside by Chris Board, a second-year undrafted player the team likes.

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Safety

The Ravens raised the marquee on their Ingram move by winning the Earl Thomas sweepstakes. They weren't thought to be a player until they wanted to move on from Weddle. Thomas, 30, is coming off a broken leg that ended his brilliant career with the Seahawks, but before then, he was playing like an elite force in coverage.

That area of his game is a big upgrade from Weddle, who is also four years older. The Ravens don't lose too much against the run, and Thomas' game against the pass complements that of Tony Jefferson, an effective blitzer. Given the loss of Mosley, Thomas' cleanup act is a needed boost to the Ravens' inside coverage range.