Baltimore Ravens 2023 Training Camp Preview
The Baltimore Ravens went all in on Lamar Jackson this season… although it took a while for the organization to reinforce that. After a back-and-forth battle that captivated NFL media throughout the start of the offseason, the Ravens signed Jackson to an extension that made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
To further reinforce their commitment to the former MVP, they added some major weapons to the receiving corp. They signed Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and added wideout Zay Flowers through the draft. Along with new additions to the receiving corps, the Ravens added a new offensive coordinator in Todd Munken. The former Georgia offensive coordinator will reportedly provide a more autonomous offense for Jackson, with less reliance on the run game.
It’s easy to understand why Baltimore chose to go all-in on their franchise quarterback. The Ravens have consistently been dominant under Jackson. Jackson has the tenth-highest winning percentage of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era. Additionally, the Ravens have made the playoffs in four of Jackson’s five seasons at the helm. With Jackson’s newfound weapons, a re-loaded defense, and good health, Baltimore seems primed to be in Super Bowl contention once again this season.
Let’s dive into their 2023 Training Camp preview!
Three Position Battles to Watch
Starting Left Guard: Ben Cleveland vs. John Simpson
After the departure of the rock-solid Ben Powers, the Ravens’ biggest hole and question mark is at left guard. 2022 fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele and depth lineman Patrick Mekari will compete for the position as well, but it will likely come down to Ben Cleveland or John Simpson. Faalele is a natural tackle and not likely to get moved over, and Mekari is extremely valuable in his role to fill any spot on the line. Head Coach John Harbaugh says he anticipates “quite a battle” for the left guard spot so it’s unclear who will win out. Cleveland is reportedly being tried at different positions on the line, so I would give a slight edge to Simpson right now. Although, this battle likely won’t be decided until the end of training camp.
Backup Quarterback: Tyler Huntley vs. Josh Johnson
Considering Jackson’s playstyle and injury history, this may be a crucial battle to watch between Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson. Jackson has missed eight games over the past two years and failed to finish either season. If Johnson outperforms Huntley in training camp or the preseason, Baltimore could opt to let Huntley go and free up $2.6 million in salary cap space. However, if the competition is close or Huntley convincingly wins, Baltimore will likely stick with the younger option.
Depth Defensive Backs
Free agent signing Rock Ya-Sin is expected to start on the outside, but the Baltimore Ravens still have the decision to make depending on where Marlon Humphrey lines up. If Humphrey lines up outside, Brandon Stephens could be pegged for nickel snaps.
Additionally, Damarion Williams could take slot touches as he got playing time last year and has the most experience inside. But there are a few unproven wild cards in the mix. Last year’s fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis will be competing for touches but struggled in his rookie campaign. His play on the field was adequate at best and his season ended early due to a hip injury.
Despite that, the Ravens are still hopeful he can be a starter with a good showing in training camp. Additionally, veteran corners Trayvon Mullen and Daryl Worley will be in the mix for the third defensive back spot in training camp.
Breakout Player: Kyle Hamilton
I honestly struggled to pinpoint which stud on the Ravens’ defense I wanted to choose for this. I think Justin Madubuike, Roquan Smith, and Odafe Oweh are honorable mentions to break out this season. However, Kyle Hamilton is my favorite.
Hamilton saw limited action last season as the third safety and nickel-and-dime corner behind Chuck Clark and Marcus Williams. With the departure of Clark, Hamilton is primed to be the starting strong safety this season. He’s got great size, burst, straight-line speed, and instincts. Besides that, his versatility is a plus, as despite being the strong safety in base coverage, Hamilton will line up all over the field.
This season, Hamilton has the chance to prove himself as one of the best defensive backs and defensive playmakers in all of football.
Rookie to Watch: Zay Flowers
Even though he’ll start the season as the third or fourth receiving option behind veterans like Beckham Jr. and Andrews, Zay Flowers is still my choice for the Ravens’ rookie to watch. What makes Flowers special is his jittery speed and acceleration.
He’s a highlight waiting to happen–if he gets the ball in his hands, he’s always a threat to go to the endzone. He was also solid catching against coverage but needs to improve his hands overall. Flowers made 50 percent of his contested catches at Boston College last season but had an 11 percent drop rate with 24 drops across his collegiate career. He also may start the season behind a healthy Rashod Bateman, but I believe Flowers is a dynamic playmaker, and will force his way on the field this season.
How do you feel about the Baltimore Ravens heading into training camp? Let us know in the comments below!
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