Baltimore has a stacked roster, and Lamar Jackson will enter Year 2 in Todd Monken’s pro-style offense. He’s joined by Derrick Henry, and the dynamic Zay Flowers is returning.
On defense, Zach Orr replaces Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator, and his biggest test will be deciding who replaces Patrick Queen and how to utilize rookie cornerbacks Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa.
With the onfield work continuing, we’re looking at seven key Ravens who’ll need to elevate their games in 2024.
Rashod Bateman
In 2023, Bateman caught just 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown despite playing in all but one game and starting 12 contests.
A 2021 first-round pick, Bateman missed most of his second season after having foot surgery. He was still dealing with the effects last season after finishing with 56 targets, the fourth-most on the team behind Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mark Andrews.
He’ll enter 2024 without any lame duck status, as he and the organization reached a fair resolution that’ll likely pay Bateman less than his fifth-year option while ensuring security with two extra years.
Andrew Vorhees
Vorhees appeared in 44 games on the offensive line at USC, with 25 starts at right guard before the All-American tore his ACL during the 2023 scouting combine.
With Kevin Zeitler now in Detroit, Vorhees could step right into the lineup after a redshirt year as a rookie.
Ronnie Stanley
After agreeing to a reworked contract, Stanley will look to regain his Pro Bowl form. Stanley has moments when he was considered by some to be one of the best at his position, but his reputation and production have decreased over the past few seasons due to poor play and injury.
In 2023, Stanley missed four games, dealt with injuries throughout this season, and spent the final stretch on a pitch count.
When Stanley is healthy, he’s a solid player but hasn’t been a Pro Bowler or All-Pro player since 2019.
In 2023, Stanley finished 37th in PFF’s overall grades, 22nd in pass blocking, and 41st in run blocking behind backup Patrick Mekari (who filled in for both tackles as needed).
David Ojabo
Ojabo, a former second-round pick, was an obvious choice, but he has been limited to five games over his first two seasons.
Still, he offers pass-rush prowess, and Baltimore will need his production to help replace Jadeveon Clowney.
Trenton Simpson
Another obvious choice, Simpson improved daily as a rookie playing behind Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen at the inside linebacker spot.
Queen cashed out in free agency, and Simpson gave a preview of his potential in the season finale against Pittsburgh, logging seven tackles and one sack on 26 snaps played.
Marlon Humphrey
The 2017 first-round pick is no longer among the NFL’s top ten cornerbacks, but he’ll need to return to elite status in 2024.
Broderick Washington
The defensive tackle started five games after signing a three-year contract extension in the offseason, but his defensive snap rate dropped from 52 percent to 38 percent to 33 percent over the last three weeks.
Washington had 12 tackles and a fumble recovery in 2023, and he could see more action as a pass rusher.
LB Tavius Robinson
Another obvious choice, the former Ole Miss pass rusher, was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and could see his snap shares increase with Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina.
Robinson saw 335 defensive snaps, logging 26 tackles and one sack.
