The Ravens have multiple starting roles that need filled; competition for them begins in minicamp.
Last season, the Ravens brought back an overwhelming majority of their roster and added to their needs in the NFL draft and free agency, leaving few spots up for grabs save for left guard, ultimately won by John Simpson. But after being pillaged in free agency this offseason, there are numerous starting and depth roles up for grabs.
Each position has enough competition to go around, be it the constantly covered starting offensive line openings and third safety role to the less discussed depth at wide receiver, cornerback and other areas.
Final Wide Receiver Spots
Positions open: 1-2
Competitors
- Tylan Wallace
- Deonte Harty
- Malik Cunningham
- Sean Ryan
- Isaiah Washington
- Devontez Walker
- Dayton Wade
- Qadir Ismail
Favorite(s): Deonte Harty, Tylan Wallace
Harty was signed more for his return ability than receiving production, but he’ll be in the mix. As for Wallace, he needs a good camp and to demonstrate his value as a receiver. Yes, he’s done an excellent job in special teams, both in being a gunner and his heroics last season with a walk-off punt return touchdown, but he’s never found the final gear as a receiver. Wallace is at a disadvantage from a cap standpoint, as cutting him saves $1 million for the Ravens, who are cap-strapped. But, he’s outperformed all others on the list. He’ll need to do more to remain a Raven.
Others in close contention include Sean Ryan, who demonstrated worthy of a full season as a practice squad member last season and made enough plays in OTAs to keep relevant. As has Cunningham, who appeared just after Wallace working with Jackson during various team drills.
Starting Right Tackle
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Daniel Faalele
- Roger Rosengarten
- Patrick Mekari
- Josh Jones
Favorite: Roger Rosengarten
The Ravens won’t be handing over the starting reins to a rookie without them earning the role, but Rosengarten looks the part. They also had such a strong affinity for him during the draft, as General Manager Eric DeCosta didn’t want to trade back on a good offer, instead staying at pick No. 62.
“Honestly, if Rosengarten’s gone I’d do that in a heartbeat,” DeCosta said. “… But I’m not going to get Rosengarten there.”
That isn’t to say he’s going to be their guy. He has technique work to hone and there’s the looming mountain Faalele as his greatest competition, who was given game reps spelling Morgan Moses in 2023. But after struggling to finish a practice last week, Faalele has a lot to prove in minicamp and in training camp.
Starting Right Guard
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Ben Cleveland
- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
- Patrick Mekari
- Josh Jones
- Daniel Faalele
- Andrew Vorhees
Favorite: Ben Cleveland
After three years of development, it’s time for Cleveland to get on the field and produce. The Ravens have been patient in getting the 6-foot-6, 335-pound guard into the rotation, but this is his last opportunity. The hope is Cleveland puts it all together and dominates, rewarding their patience and high selection of him in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft by opening lanes for running back Derrick Henry and keeping Lamar Jackson’s jersey clean.
Others, however, aren’t far behind him. The Ravens have tried about every combination of offensive linemen, meaning he’s not solid yet earned the job. And the Ravens always have sixth-man Mekari as a chance if they value him starting over being the automatic injury-replacement savior.
Starting Left Guard
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Andrew Vorhees
- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
- Patrick Mekari
- Josh Jones
Favorite: Andrew Vorhees
A year of living in the classroom and weight room while rehabbing from a torn ACL during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine had Vorhees preparing for when he could return to action. He did so at OTAs and appeared prepared for his assignments, knowing where to be and what to do after his studies and training behind the scenes paid off. The Ravens knew they’d have to wait a year for Vorhees’ selection to be fruitful. He looks ready. But Aumavae-Laulu could be a worthy competitor. He was in the running for the starting left guard role last season as a rookie a poor preseason and final practices ushered him out of the competition. A year of refinement could have Aumavae-Laulu and Vorhees jockeying for the starting spot.
There’s also Josh Jones, the veteran, to step into the limelight. He’s had a struggling few seasons after bouncing around from multiple positions along the offensive line for the Arizona Cardinals the past three seasons. Originally, the Cardinals put Jones at right tackle where he considerably struggled. In 2022, he dominated at left tackle, grading out as the No. 18 tackle according to PFF in offensive grade (75.8). He was then traded to the Texans where he didn’t replicate such success.
The Ravens more view Jones as a backup at left tackle, usually Mekari’s role in spelling Ronnie Stanley when injured. But if Jones isn’t a viable option at left guard, that puts him at backup left tackle and could free Mekari to contend for either guard role.
No. 3 Safety
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Sanoussi Kane
- Ar’Darius Washington
- Tre Swilling
- Jordan Toles
- Beau Brade
Favorite: Ar’Darius Washington
Of those on the roster, Washington is the frontrunner. He’s shown NFL ability and fits well into the role left behind by Geno Stone. It feels like, however, the Ravens may be looking at a potential signing for this spot after bringing in safety Jamal Adams for a workout earlier this offseason. There are a number of good safeties left in free agency, but it will come down to the money.
While Washington continues to show he’s ready for the role, others have been flashing in OTAs. Both Toles and Swilling have been in the rotation and nabbed interceptions. The Ravens could also not be considering Washington as much for the traditional third safety spot due to their affinity of him in the nickel. But that job appears firmly in the grip of recently re-signed nickel cornerback Arthur Maulet.
Backup Inside Linebacker
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Josh Ross
- Chris Board
- Deion Jennings
Favorite: Chris Board
The Ravens brought back special teams ace Board for his acuity not as a linebacker, but that doesn’t mean they don’t envision him as the primary backup for Roquan Smith or the young Trenton Simpson. Board’s veteran status and special teams resume could propel him above Ross. But, his defensive play from his years as a Raven (2018-2021) graded poorly. That can leave the door open for Ross, who has done well in special teams and looked good in training camp the past two years.
If it comes down to the money, Board has the edge, as the Ravens signed Board to a one-year, $1.15 million contract, all guaranteed. Ross could be parted with and the Ravens would save $915k.
Final Cornerback Spots
Positions open: 2-3
Competitors
- Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Damarion Williams
- Ka’dar Hollman
- T.J. Tampa
- Bump Cooper Jr.
- Christian Matthew
Favorites: Armour-Davis, T.J. Tampa
Over the past five years, the Ravens have averaged 6.4 cornerbacks on their initial 53-man roster. I have Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins and Maulet locked into the first four spots. That leaves three spots open if the Ravens go with seven cornerbacks. I’d typically say Tampa is a lock but the Ravens have shown less leniency in hanging onto drafted rookie cornerbacks since 2021 where trading Shaun Wade and cut Kyu Blu Kelly in 2023.
That’s not to say Tampa hasn’t shown better ability than either, because he has in the limited OTAs we’ve seen him in, just noting it’s not a surefire roster lock.
It’s a significant year for Armour-Davis and Williams, who were both drafted in 2022 and battled through injuries and lack of development. Both had solid OTAs, with Armour-Davis getting involved in the starting rotation with Humphrey out and getting an interception and Williams plucking a possible 90-yard touchdown-scoring interception on Josh Johnson in red zone drills on the final day of media available OTAs.
The Ravens brought in another veteran in Hollman, which shows nobody is safe on this list from being on the chopping block.
Kick Returner
Positions open: 1
Competitors
- Deonte Harty
- Tylan Wallace
- Justice Hill
- Damarion Williams
The new kickoff rule will bring significant juice to this competition. Who can become the best of a new play, understand their responsibilities and prove themselves to a coaching staff desperate to be ahead of the curve?
Harty is the easy answer. His return ability is some of the best in the NFL. The Ravens adding him was specific to securing a bonafide return specialist after the departure of wide receiver Devin Duvernay. But to not factor in Wallace and Hill would be negligence. Both have shown ability to bring the ball out and gain positive yardage. With a new design with the intention to better enhance the play, all are viable options to show their ready to take the mantle.