Baltimore Ravens 2022 Training Camp Preview
After a disappointing and injury-filled 2021, the Ravens are looking to bounce back. Reasons for optimism are plentiful with the returns of JK Dobbins, Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Peters, and others. Of course, the most critical variable for a successful season will be the health and play of Lamar Jackson. As he goes, the Ravens go. I’m sure John Harbaugh (recently ranked the second-best head coach in the NFL by PFF) will have a game plan that puts the team in a position to win plenty of games. A franchise like this expects to make the playoffs every season and this one is no different. Expectations are (rightfully) high entering 2022, so let’s take a look at which players will make this team tick in our Ravens 2022 Training Camp Preview.
Three Position Battles to Watch
Safety: Chuck Clark and Kyle Hamilton
The Ravens signed Marcus Williams to a big deal this offseason, so he is locked into on starting spot. That leaves Clark and Hamilton to duke it out for the other. The Ravens value depth in the secondary highly, which makes sense given the rash of injuries they seem to have there every year. The team apparently doesn’t intend to trade Clark, and while Harbaugh has stated that he “consider(s) Clark a starter”, you don’t take a safety in the first round to sit him on the bench. The team also signed Tony Jefferson for added depth and if Hamilton proves he can play at a high level, maybe they consider unloading Clark for a draft pick.
Cornerback: Marcus Peters, Kyle Fuller, Jalyn Armour-Davis
Let me preface this by saying I love Marcus Peters. He is incredibly entertaining to watch because he does stuff like this:
He leads the NFL in interceptions since he came into the league in 2015 with 31. He’s just been an all-around stud since he came to Baltimore. However, he is coming off a serious injury which wiped out his 2021 season. I don’t really trust Kyle Fuller to be his replacement, but I have a lot of respect for the Ravens’ ability to draft a develop corners. Armour-Davis seems like he could be a mid-round steal. He’s long and strong at 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds. He reminds me a lot of Marlon Humphrey because of his size and alma mater. If he shows out, Peters’ days in Baltimore could be numbered.
Wide Receiver: Devin Duvernay, James Proche II, Tylan Wallace
The only sure thing about this receiving corps is Rashod Bateman’s spot at the top of it. The second-year pro is going to get his shot to lead the group. The Ravens have refused to invest significantly in targets for Jackson beyond him. Duvernay is the only receiver on the depth chart drafted above the fourth round (and he was taken in the third). Currently, Duvernay is listed behind Bateman on the depth chart with Proche and Wallace following respectively. However, none of these guys have proven themselves in the NFL, so that could be subject to change. I believe Wallace might have the most upside of the three listed. He’s only been in the league for a year, while Proche and Duvernay were both drafted in 2020. Neither of them was able to make an impact as receivers in their time, even with a relatively weak group of targets to compete against.
Ready To Breakout: Rashod Bateman
The Ravens need Bateman to have a big year. As we’ve already discussed, the guys behind him aren’t great. Rashod looked pretty damn promising after he came back from injury last season. He creates separation better than any receiver on the Ravens. Although they might not throw the ball often, when they do, expect it to go to Bateman. If he stays healthy, I’m expecting over 1,000 yards and at least five touchdowns from the University of Minnesota product.
Rookie To Watch: David Ojabo
As we all know, the Ravens dominate the draft. They consistently outperform nearly every other team when it comes to identifying talent in later rounds and maximizing their slot values. Ojabo is just another example of the front office’s drafting genius. He was seen as a first-round prospect before his injury and the Ravens snagged him in the mid-second round. Maybe other teams were scared away by the potential for a redshirt year, but his recovery is coming along well and the Ravens expect him to play in 2022. If he does, watch out. Ojabo and last year’s first rounder Odafe Oweh give the Ravens two athletic freaks on the edge.
Fantasy Sleeper: JK Dobbins
Dobbins is currently outside the top 20 of ESPN’s PPR running back rankings. I don’t buy that. The guy is a wrecking ball at 5-foot-9 and 212 pounds. He bounces off tackles like nobody’s business. Dobbins is also an excellent receiving back and is sure to catch a ton of Jackson’s dump-offs. He plays on the team that finished third in the NFL in rushing attempts per game in 2021. I’d expect them to end 2022 higher on that list with better backs and an improved offensive line. Jackson’s mere presence and the threat of the option open so many holes. He might split some carries with Gus Edwards, and his workload might be a little limited early in the season, but he’s going to force John Harbaugh’s hand to give him the vast majority of the touches at some point. You’re going to want him on your team when that happens. He could win you your league.
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