The Baltimore Ravens have come up short each year that they’ve had Lamar Jackson at the helm. Jackson, last year’s runner-up to Josh Allen for NFL MVP, put up absurd numbers in 2024. He threw for 4,172 yards and a ridiculous 41 touchdowns to just four interceptions. The downfall of the Ravens ultimately came down to their defense, as they lost 27-25 in the AFC Divisional round against the Buffalo Bills.
The Ravens came into this offseason knowing they needed big-time additions to the defense. They had three solid building blocks in the secondary already in Nate Wiggins, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey. It was the CB1 role that needed to be addressed, which is why the Ravens went out and signed former All-Pro Jaire Alexander to fill that role. The signing came after Jackson publicly campaigned for the team to sign his former Louisville teammate.
Heading into training camp, ESPN ranked each NFL roster, with the Ravens coming in at No.1. Here’s what analyst Mike Clay had to say regarding Baltimore’s biggest strength:
“Quarterback. Lamar Jackson, an All-Pro in each of the past two seasons and the NFL MVP in 2019 and 2023, is one of the best in the business. He fell just short of his second consecutive MVP last season even though he led the league in QBR (77.3) and produced career-high marks in passing yards (4,172) and passing touchdowns (41, the second most in the league). The dual-threat QB has never finished a season lower than second at his position in rushing yards. Former Cowboys QB Cooper Rush also makes for a solid backup.”
As for their biggest weakness, Clay had this to say regarding the Ravens’ guard position: “New year, same “weakness” for a roster that is otherwise pretty stacked. On the left side, Patrick Mekari is out and will be replaced by Andrew Vorhees, Ben Cleveland or perhaps a rookie. Daniel Faalele returns on the right side after underwhelming as a run blocker and ranking among the worst in the league in run block win rate (71.8%).”
The Ravens’ ‘X-factor’ for 2025 was Ronnie Stanley, as Clay cited his health concerns for the top tackle.
Baltimore’s quest for another Lombardi trophy starts now and they’ll have the top roster in the league to make it happen.