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Ravens projected defensive depth chart entering training camp
Ravens projected defensive depth chart entering training camp
The Ravens enter training camp with a defensive depth chart that looks strong at the top but still has several important roles to settle before the season opener. Baltimore has star power with Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Trey Hendrickson, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins, but the real intrigue comes from how the Ravens sort out their defensive line depth, edge-rusher rotation, second inside linebacker spot, and cornerback hierarchy behind the projected starters.
The defensive line starts with Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington, though Madubuike’s health remains one of the biggest storylines after a neck injury limited him last season and created questions about his long-term outlook. Jones gives Baltimore power inside, while veteran John Jenkins provides size and experience. Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny, David Olajiga, Basil Okoye, Aaron Graves, and Dion Wilson Jr. will compete for rotational jobs, with Washington’s cap status worth monitoring if the Ravens need flexibility.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson gives Baltimore the closer it wanted. Hendrickson is the projected top option, while Zion Young, Mike Green, and Tavius Robinson should battle for significant snaps behind him. Young arrives as a second-round pick with SEC production and pass-rush juice, Green is entering Year 2 after posting 3.5 sacks as a rookie, and Robinson remains a physical rotational piece after recording 4.5 sacks while working through injuries. Adisa Isaac, Kaimon Rucker, Carl Jones Jr., and Ethan Burke round out a crowded group.
Inside linebacker remains anchored by Roquan Smith, who is coming off another 100-tackle season and remains the tone-setter in the middle of the defense. Trenton Simpson enters a pivotal season as he tries to secure a long-term role next to Smith, while Teddye Buchanan’s recovery from a torn ACL will be watched closely. Jay Higgins, Reid Williford, and Dominic DeLuca provide depth.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe cornerback could be Baltimore’s strength. Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie form the top cornerback trio, while Chandler Rivers has a chance to push for slot snaps as a rookie. T.J. Tampa, Robert Longerbeam, Amani Oruwariye, Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone, Marquise Robinson, Lardarius Webb Jr., and Matthew McDoom will compete for depth and special teams value.
At safety, Kyle Hamilton remains the centerpiece. Malaki Starks gives Baltimore another high-end young defensive back, while Jaylinn Hawkins enters camp as the preferred third safety after the departures of Ar’Darius Washington and Alohi Gilman. Keondre Jackson’s special teams value gives him a real roster path, with Jahquez Robinson and Silas Walters competing for depth.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ravens have enough talent to field a top-tier defense, but training camp will determine how the supporting roles settle. The biggest questions are Madubuike’s availability, how quickly Young earns trust, whether Simpson locks down the second linebacker spot, and how the cornerback depth shakes out behind Humphrey, Wiggins, and Awuzie.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens projected defensive depth chart entering training camp