Mink: The Ravens are loaded with talent this season, but that doesn't mean they're devoid of any question marks. The two (and only) concerns for me entering the season are the status of the offensive line and the pass rush.
The offensive line is still in the process of figuring out three starting spots. If the Ravens don't protect Lamar Jackson and don't block for Derrick Henry well enough, it's going to short-circuit their offensive plans. This young line will improve over the course of the season, but with the Kansas City Chiefs up first and a challenging start to the schedule it must be adequate from the jump.
The other (smaller) concern is the pass rush considering Jadeveon Clowney, who led the team's linebackers with 9.5 sacks last year, wasn't replaced in free agency. The depth of the unit has taken some hits this summer too, as outside linebacker Malik Hamm (knee) went on injured reserve and rookie third-round pick Adisa Isaac (hamstring) has barely practiced yet.
The Ravens are primarily banking on a breakout from Odafe Oweh and the emergence of David Ojabo to pick up that slack. Oweh looks ready as he's been a monster at training camp. Ojabo has been a consistent practice participant coming back from last year's knee injury, which is great news, but he's going to need to transfer his brimming talent into production.
I'm less worried about the pass rush because Baltimore will continue to get sack production from across the defense. The Ravens had 16 players record at least one sack last season. Plus, the lights-out secondary will help the pass rush get home.
Brown: I believe Justice Hill, who has looked very good in camp, is the favorite to be the No. 2 back behind Derrick Henry until Keaton Mitchell returns from his knee injury. Hill had 84 carries last year and ran for three touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. The coaching staff trusts Hill and he plays special teams.
However, I think Owen Wright is a running back to watch. He was a practice squad player in 2023 and has had a strong camp so far. Wright should get touches during the preseason and if he looks good, he has a shot to make the 53-man roster and earn carries until Mitchell gets back.
Mink: It's funny that you ask this question because on the latest episode of “The Lounge” podcast, I asked Roquan Smith about hitting Derrick Henry in practice now that they both have pads on. Smith said, "When thudding the guy out there in practice you feel like, 'OK, big homie has something under those pads.' I'm definitely glad he's on our team and not going against him."
I'm going to give the edge to Smith on this hypothetical scenario. Henry is definitely a handful, but if Roquan is going full tilt, I just don't see him getting run over by anybody. Now, if Smith were trying to chase down Henry and the "King" could deploy his wicked stiff-arm, that may be a different outcome.
Brown: I'd be very surprised if Jackson takes any snaps during the preseason. He won his second MVP award in 2023 after not playing in the preseason. Entering his second year with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson has more familiarity with the system and will have plenty of practice reps to get ready for Week 1.
For me, the risk of playing Jackson during the preseason isn't worth the reward. Even if he plays a series or two, will that make a huge difference in how he performs against the Chiefs in Week 1? I don't think so. Jackson's health is at the top of the Ravens' priorities. The best way for him to avoid injury during the preseason is to keep him on the sideline.
