NEWSLETTER
Ravens training camp is right around the corner. But first, we’ll take stock of Baltimore’s offseason and look ahead to the storylines to watch for in training camp. Plus, I have some bold predictions, and I took a crack at what the Ravens’ depth chart will look like when they open the season against the Houston Texans on September 10.
Baltimore Ravens Offseason Recap
Who’s In?
Who’s Out?
Meet the Rookies
2023 Outlook & Training Camp Storylines
Lamar Jackson is a Raven and will be for a long time. Now he has to prove that Baltimore made the right call in giving him a new five-year, $260 million extension. Greg Roman is out, Todd Monken is in, and the Ravens seem serious about finally opening up the offense more. So, all things considered, Baltimore should be feeling pretty good heading into training camp after a rocky offseason filled with the drama surrounding the Lamar Jackson extension negotiations.
MORE: Lamar Jackson Contract Extension Details
Training Camp Storylines
How will the offense look with Todd Monken calling the plays? Todd Monken’s offensive strategy will differ significantly from Greg Roman’s approach during his four-year tenure. The Ravens aim to increase the speed of their offense and plan to focus on this during practice. They also plan to improve their play-action game and involve their running backs in the passing attack. Their ultimate goal is to spread out their play and force the opposing team to defend the entire field. However, they will likely keep things simple until the actual games begin.
Will J.K. Dobbins be there? J.K. Dobbins is looking for a new contract. He was present at the Ravens facility for all three mandatory minicamp practices last week; however, he didn’t participate. Dobbins is set to make $1.3 million this season, the final year of his rookie deal.
That number makes Dobbins the 24th highest-paid running back in the league in 2023. Since 2020, Dobbins has been second among all running backs in rushing yards per attempt with 5.9. Dobbins said that he would like to remain in Baltimore for the rest of his career. Will Dobbins and the Ravens find common ground before camp starts? We shall see.
Will any of the young cornerbacks stand out? Marlon Humphrey is the only lock to start for the Ravens at the cornerback position. Rock Ya-Sin is a strong candidate, however, he must maintain his health throughout the summer and prove his worthiness for the position.
Beyond those two names, there are several players who could potentially get playing. Fourth-round picks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams are expected to have opportunities to show their skills, while rookie Kyu Blu Kelly may need to adjust quickly to the professional level. Trayvon Mullen, who has started 31 games for the Raiders, is also likely to receive more playing time. Additionally, the team’s young safeties Kyle Hamilton, Brandon Stephens, and Ar’Darius Washington may be considered for playing time in the slot position.
Bold Predictions
Lamar Jackson will have his best season yet in 2023. The extension is in the books, everyone is happy, and the Ravens went out and got Lamar some wide receivers and a new OC. So, there are no more excuses, and I think Jackson will not need any by season’s end. Jackson is going to nuke his career passnig yardage mark (3,127 yards in 2019) and flirt with 4,000 yards through the air this season.
A lot of those yards are going to Zay Flowers. I love the Ravens’ addition of former Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers. I think he’s one of the most talented receivers in the draft class and will lead the Ravens in receiving yards and touchdowns in his rookie season in Baltimore.
More: Zay Flowers’ Impact on the Baltimore Ravens and Fantasy Outlook
Kyle Hamilton is going to have a big season for Baltimore. Hamilton spent his rookie season as the third safety and got some looks at nickel. However, he’s stepping into Chuck Clark’s role (traded to the New York Jets), and I think that he’s going to be one of the Ravens best players this season.
Wins Over/Under (9.5)
The Ravens were a playoff team in 2022 with no Lamar Jackson down the stretch, no OBJ, no Zay Flowers, and an offense thar primarily ran through J.K. Dobbins. So, I think they’re going to be pretty good in 2023. Still, they’re playing in a tough division, and I think that 10 wins might be a little overzealous.
Prediction: Under (but just barely)
Note: 2023 NFL Win Totals via Caesar’s Sportsbook
Baltimore Ravens Projected Starting Lineup
