The Ravens begin their 17th training camp under Head Coach John Harbaugh on Sunday with far more strengths than unanswered questions.
They are led by a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson. They added a two-time rushing champion in Derrick Henry and have an All-Pro player on each level of their defense – tackle Justin Madubuike, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, and safety Kyle Hamilton.
However, notable offseason departures on the defense, offensive line, and coaching staff were part of the inevitable changes that occur from one NFL season to the next. The 2023 Ravens were very good, winning the AFC North, finishing with the league’s best regular season record (13-4), and reaching the conference championship game.
Will the 2024 Ravens be even better and reach their goal of winning Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans? Training camp will help set the foundation toward achieving that goal, and here are some key storylines to watch:
Which offensive linemen will take charge?
It’s unusual for a Super Bowl contender like Baltimore to enter training camp with three offensive line positions up for grabs. The only locks to start are Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and former All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
Andrew Vorhees enters camp as the favorite at left guard. However, the right side is up for grabs. Ben Cleveland could get the nod at right guard, but Daniel Faalele, Josh Jones, and Sala Aumavae-Laulu are challengers. Second-round pick Roger Rosengarten could be the favorite to start at right tackle, but Patrick Mekari, Faalele, and Jones are options if Rosengarten isn’t ready.
Mekari can play all five positions and gives the Ravens insurance if they need him to start. However, the competition at left guard, right guard, and right tackle will be must-see viewing once the pads come on.
Ravens insiders Ryan Mink and Clifton Brown break down the upcoming training camp battles on the offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and more.
Listen On Apple Podcasts
How does the offense evolve in Year 2 with Todd Monken?
The Ravens were among the NFL’s best offensive teams in the second half of 2023, averaging 34.0 points from Weeks 7 through 17 when they went 9-1.
However, scoring just one touchdown during the 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game was a disappointing way to end the season. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken’s system is no longer new to Jackson and many of his weapons. The Ravens want to become more diverse offensively and more capable of adjusting to whatever a defense throws at them.
It will be interesting to see if the Ravens use more two tight-end formations featuring Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who became a favorite target of Jackson’s after Andrews’ ankle injury. They are hoping the addition of Henry makes their ground attack more consistent, while also creating more opportunities for the Ravens to attack downfield.
For the Ravens to reach New Orleans in February, it’s imperative for their offense to take another step forward in Year 2 with Monken.
Our insiders, Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, talk about what will be different for Lamar Jackson in 2024, areas for improvement, the impact of Derrick Henry, and more.
Listen On Apple Podcasts
Which players will earn bigger roles?
This is an important training camp for Rashod Bateman, who signed a contract extension and enters his fourth season in prime position to become a bigger part of the offense. Bateman is healthy and has worked hard throughout the offseason. He hopes that momentum carries into camp, which could be the first step in a possible breakout campaign.
Practice reps will be huge for Trenton Simpson, who takes over for the departed Patrick Queen (Steelers) at inside linebacker. After learning behind Queen and Smith last season, Simpson needs to prepare for being thrust into the starting lineup.
No. 3 tight end Charlie Kolar as a chance to carve out a role as a blocking tight end. Other players to watch include outside linebacker David Ojabo, who has been limited by injuries his first two seasons, and third-year corners Jalyn Armour-Davis and Pepe Williams, who are both fighting for a reps and a roster spot.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman joined The Lounge podcast to discuss his first three seasons in the NFL and what he’s learned from that experience. He discussed his mindset going into this season and where he’s grown as a player and person.
Listen On Apple Podcasts
Which rookies will shine?
It’s always interesting to see how rookies handle their first training camp, and Rosengarten isn’t the only one with an opportunity to play an important role.
First-round pick Nate Wiggins could be a regular in the cornerback rotation or even a starter at some point if he gets the best of his one-on-one battles during camp. Adisa Isaac (Non-Football Injury List) needs to get healthy to crack the edge rusher rotation.
Can rookie receiver Devontez Walker show enough to be part of the offense on Sundays, particularly as a deep ball threat? Will Rasheen Ali show enough to be the No. 3 running back until Keaton Mitchell returns from his knee injury? Can seventh-round pick Sanoussi Kane earn a roster spot as a backup safety?
It’s going to be difficult for undrafted rookies like Beau Brade and Jordan Toles to beat the odds and secure a roster spot, but they’ll have a chance to state their case.
Will training camp and preseason set the tone for a fast start?
Harbaugh has a 35-18 career record in September, and those fast starts have resulted in 11 playoff appearances in his 16 seasons.
The Ravens have a challenging September slate – at Kansas City, vs. the Las Vegas Raiders, at Dallas, and vs. Buffalo. They’ll have to play well to enjoy another winning September, and the quicker they answer those questions in training camp, the better.