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[Baltimore Ravens]

Tyler Linderbaum cracks Top 10 of ESPN’s interior offensive lineman ranking

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As part of their part ongoing ranking of the best players at each position, ESPN recently released their Top 10 interior offensive lineman list. These rankings are determined via survey responses from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts across the league.

For the Ravens, who have been well-represented thus far in the other positional rankings thus far, center Tyler Linderbaum narrowly cracked the list at the No. 10 overall spot. He earned the nod through a tiebreaker with Carolina Panthers’ guard Robert Hunt.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler quoted a veteran NFL defensive coach saying Linderbaum “can do anything you want in the run game” and might be “the best center in the NFL” in the run blocking department.

To this point, Linderbaum has been the anchor of the Ravens’ dynamic rushing attack for the past few seasons — immediately establishing himself as a strong run blocker upon entering the league. He’s continued to progress into elite status in this area and helped drive open lanes for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson both in 2024, who combined for nearly 3,000 rushing yards between them.

Linderbaum still has room to develop in pass blocking, although he has made good strides as protector of Lamar Jackson. Fowler notes that Linderbaum has a pass block win rate of 96.5, an impressive mark, but some NFL evaluators say, “his shorter arms show up in one-on-one settings.”

The 25-year-old’s length and size was a highlighted concern back in the pre-draft process but did not prelude the Ravens from selecting him in the first round. Overall, Linderbaum has validated the team’s confidence in him, quickly developing into a back-to-back Pro Bowler.

His national recognition has clearly increased but he has the potential to take a step further into true elite interior offensive lineman status in 2025. Linderbaum is entering a pivotal fourth career season, seeking to earn himself a long-term second contract.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...or-offensive-lineman-ranking-baltimore-ravens

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens’ offensive line ranked 17th by PFF

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Baltimore’s offensive line has some question marks

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has assembled one of the league’s most talented rosters for the 2025 season. No roster is perfect in the NFL, however, and the Ravens still have a few question marks regarding theirs. The biggest area of concern for Baltimore has to be the offensive line.

The Ravens will have a new starter at left guard after veteran Patrick Mekari departed in free agency to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Daniel Faalele is the current favorite to start at right guard again after an up-and-down season there in 2024. At offensive tackle, Baltimore will hope for a leap from Roger Rosengarten at right tackle after a promising rookie campaign and for another healthy season from Ronnie Stanley on the left side. Tyler Linderbaum is the most dependable piece of the starting unit at center, but even he is coming off a down year in pass protection compared to the previous year.

When ranking all 32 offensive lines ahead of the 2025 season, PFF slotted the Ravens in at No. 17 overall.

“The Ravens’ offensive line was a significant concern going into the 2024 season, but the group defied expectations while protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson and opening lanes for running back Derrick Henry,” PFF’s Zoltan Buday wrote.

This was certainly true last season as Jackson had perhaps his best season to date with 41 passing touchdowns to just four interceptions, while Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. Baltimore’s offense was seemingly unstoppable for much of the season.

“Baltimore re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley in free agency, and while he is not the player he once was, his 80.9 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024 was a reminder of his previous form,” Buday wrote. “Tyler Linderbaum is already among the best centers in the league, especially in run blocking. However, the other three positions might cause problems for Baltimore’s offense.”

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ie-stanley-tyler-linderbaum-roger-rosengarten

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Someway, somehow, the NFL’s own see Lamar Jackson as the No. 4 QB in their league

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By all accounts, Lamar Jackson is the greatest quarterback in the NFL today. But the NFL’s own members don’t view him as such.

The stats, eye-test, advanced metrics, highlights, head-to-head wins, dominance, win percentage, success, accolades and awards all tell us who the best in the NFL is. But those aren’t enough for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to receive the respect he’s so rightly earned.

On Monday, ESPN released their Top 10 quarterback list ranked by NFL executives, coaches and scouts, and Jackson was placed below three quarterbacks: Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen and Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow.

There’s no argument to be made here because they’ve been splayed across Baltimore Beatdown and media outlets across the internet. They’ve been published time and time again, demonstrating all the various proofs of how Jackson is the elite, not clutching the cliff among them.

Nothing anyone can type, text, call, speak or argue in any various form can change this. Jackson’s prolific abilities have done all they can. And apparently that’s not good enough.

But at least Fowler gave Jackson credit.

“Jackson also led the NFL in Total QBR (77.3) and yards per dropback (8.3) and set new career highs in passing touchdowns (41), passing yards (4,172), yards per attempt (8.8) and touchdown-to-interception ratio,” Fowler wrote. “His Total EPA was 160.6, more than 16 points higher than any other quarterback.”

Commentary from NFL members on Jackson:

• Veteran NFL coach: “A 10-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio [10.3], winning percentage is insane [74.4%] and he’s a leading rusher on any team he’s on. He’s one of a kind.”
• NFL defensive coordinator: “Best space runner in the NFL, and he’s such a good passer now. He probably doesn’t get enough credit for how he’s improved there.”
• Veteran NFL personnel man: “I think he had to grow up as a passer. He was always more athletic than everyone else, so why not run? But he had to stay in the pocket a little bit more to prolong his career, and he’s doing that increasingly well.”

Sidenote: I think it’s pretty soft they don’t have a single head coach or high-ranking executive’s commentary on Jackson.

Worth noting, Jackson was ranked No. 4 in last season’s list. So, after his diabolical 2024 season, he moved zero spaces.

There’s no argument to be made. In the face of all proof and the truth, Jackson still cannot garner the respect of the NFL.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-lamar-jackson-as-the-no-4-qb-in-their-league

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Baltimore Ravens All Quarter Century Team: Wide Receiver No. 2

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The final two wideouts who will duke it out for the WR2 spot on the Ravens All Quarter Century Team are Torrey Smith and Mark Clayton.

Derrick Mason was our winner for the honor to be the WR1 for the Ravens All Quarter Century Team.

With him out, it’s now a decision between Torrey Smith and Marl Clayton as the team’s second and final wide receiver. Which one will ultimately earn the final spot at wideout?

Let’s go ahead and find out!

Torrey Smith (2011-2014)​

Smith was a local product out of the University of Maryland when he was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He made his presence felt immediately with 841 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. In 2012, he bested his previous receiving total with 855 yards and recorded a career high eight scores. In year three, Smith notched his first 1,000-yard season with a career-best 1,128 yards to go with four more touchdowns.

In his final season with the Ravens, Smith recorded just 767 yards (his worst with the team) but balanced it out with a new career high of 11 touchdown grabs. He is also still second on the Ravens all-time receiving list among wide receivers, behind only Mason.

Mark Clayton (2005-2009)​

Clayton was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team after posting 471 yards and a pair of scores in his first year. Clayton’s best season came in 2006 when he record 971 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Over his five seasons with the Ravens, Clayton was a steady contributor as the team’s secondary receiver to Mason with whom he spent his entire tenure with in Baltimore. He ended his time with the Ravens having collected 3,116 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Despite never recording a 1,000-yard season, Clayton is still fifth all-time in Ravens history for receiving yards and the third wideout in the top five behind both the aforementioned Mason and Smith.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-team-wide-receiver-torrey-smith-mark-clayton

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Which Raven will lead the team in touchdowns in 2025?

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Who on the Ravens’ offense will finish the season with the most touchdowns scored?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Baltimore Ravens fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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Scoring touchdowns is the name of the game in football and last season the Ravens were one of the best at it. They finished with 62 offensive touchdowns (rushing/receiving), tying them for second-most with the Buffalo Bills and behind the Detroit Lions (68).

With the hope of the Ravens repeating or exceeding their scoring strength from last season, we’re asking who you believe will lead the team in RRTDs for the 2025 season?

My Answer: WR Rashod Bateman

I’m going a bit bold here, seeing as last season Bateman finished with nine touchdowns and Derrick Henry, the team leader in touchdowns and one of the league leaders in scoring doubled him (18) remains and appears more motivated than ever on account of being offered to join an Adam Sandler film.

Bateman finished last season on a heater. From Week 14 to the Ravens’ Divisional Round loss to the Bills, Bateman scored six touchdowns in six games. I see that trend continuing as he hits double-digit touchdowns in 2025.

Will that be enough to unseat Henry from his touchdown throne? Maybe not. But if Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell burst through for a few and the tight ends (or Bateman) poach a handful from Henry in the red zone, it could become a close enough race for Bateman to win.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...2025-derrick-henry-rashod-bateman-nfl-scoring

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Baltimore Ravens All Quarter Century Team: Tight End

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The Ravens have been a steady tight end team since the turn of the century.

The Ravens have been one of the best teams at finding tight end talent this century, spending most of the past 25 seasons with a player regarded as one of the best in the NFL at the position. For this position, there are two players that are far and away above all others, making this one of the smallest groups to pick from.

So without further ado, it’s Ravens legend Todd Heap versus current Ravens star Mark Andrews.

Who will end up making the cut? Let’s find out!

Mark Andrews (2018-present)​

Andrews was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In seven seasons with Baltimore, Andrews has zoomed up the all-time receiving rankings and currently sits second in Ravens history with 5,530 yards and first with career 51 touchdowns. Barring a catastrophic injury, Andrews will be able to blow past Derrick Mason’s franchise record 5,777 receiving yards during the 2025 season.

The former Oklahoma Sooner earned his first and only All-Pro honor in 2021, garnering a placement on the First Team. Andrews also has three Pro Bowl nods as well, coming in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Todd Heap (2001-2010)​

Heap was taken by the Ravens with the 31st-overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. He spent a decade with Baltimore where he was one of the most consistent tight ends in all of football during his career.

Heap finished his Ravens career with 5,492 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns, good for third and second in franchise history, respectively. He was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2003 and twice named to the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2003.

Following his career, Heap was named to the Ravens Ring of Honor.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...tury-team-mark-andrews-todd-heap-dennis-pitta

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Which Ravens player could have a bigger role on offense in 2025?

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Keaton Mitchell can remind everyone what he is capable of

The Baltimore Ravens had one of the league’s best offenses last season with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry leading the way. With largely the same cast returning for the 2025 season, it will be hard for anyone else to make a significant impact. There are always surprises in any given NFL season, however, so at least one player will have a bigger role on offense for the Ravens than a year ago.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Ravens player could have a bigger role on offense in 2025?​

My answer: RB Keaton Mitchell

It is hard to envision much playing time for a third running back behind Henry and Justice Hill, but if Mitchell can return to his rookie form, then offensive coordinator Todd Monken will have no choice but to find playing time for the speedy back. Mitchell burst onto the scene as an undrafted rookie in 2023, putting defenses on notice for his blazing speed and homerun ability from the backfield.

.@_KeatonMitchell picking up where he left off

Tune in on FOX pic.twitter.com/8QaaVoimv3

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023​

Mitchell’s exciting rookie season was cut short after he suffered a torn ACL against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. While Mitchell eventually returned to the field in 2024 for Baltimore, he was clearly not the same player. Now, with another year removed from the devastating injury, Mitchell could remind everyone what he is capable of this season. Sprinkling Mitchell into the game plan after defenses are already worn down from having to tackle Henry all game could be a recipe for success for the Ravens.

Which Ravens player do you think could have a bigger role on offense in 2025? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...offense-in-2025-keaton-mitchell-derrick-henry

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

What is the Ravens’ weakest position group?

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The Baltimore Ravens have one of the league’s strongest all-around rosters with few glaring holes. However, no team can ever be completely perfect without flaws, and the Ravens are no exception. While the Ravens possess high-level talent on both sides of the ball, there are some areas that profile as potential weaknesses and concerns for the 2025 season.

Today’s Question of the Day is: ​

What is the Ravens’ weakest position group?

My answer: Offensive Guard

The Ravens have been shuffling through starting offensive guard combinations for the past several seasons, or at least so it feels. Last year, they began the season trotting out Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele, both first-time starters. Vorhees was quickly replaced by veteran Patrick Mekari after suffering an injury, and the latter went on to start for the remainder of the year.

Mekari departed the team in free agency, leaving another void for the taking at left guard. Vorhees is the early favorite to reclaim the starting role, as is Faalele on the opposite side at right guard. The Ravens did not make a splash move this offseason at the position aside from re-signing Ben Cleveland and drafting two LSU offensive lineman — Emery Jones Jr. and Garrett Delinger.

While both Vorhees and Faalele are young with room to grow, they’ve yet to establish themselves as quality high-level starters. Vorhees has very limited starting nfl experience and Faalele had an up-and-down, inconsistent 2024 season.

Fortunately, the Ravens’ offensive scheme and infrastructure, as well as the star abilities of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, help mitigate deficiencies and any cracks in the lineup. Still, though, On the Ravens’ offensive line as a whole, the two guard spots are the clear weaker points.

For the Ravens to reach their ultimate ceiling and hold up against some of the league’s better defensive line fronts, they can’t afford to have below-average play from their starting guards. So, the development and growth of Vorhees and Faalele, should they in fact win the starting roles, will be a key storyline this season.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...e-offensive-guard-line-daniel-faalele-vorhees

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ravens sign rookie Mike Green; 2025 draft class all signed

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The Baltimore Ravens have signed second-round rookie Mike Green, and with him, their 2025 NFL Draft class

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Thursday they’ve signed 2025 second-round draft pick, outside linebacker Mike Green.

Green was the final draft selection by the Ravens to sign his deal, and a part of the large swath of second-round selections to sign. On July 16, San Francisco 49ers’ Alfred Collins was just the second of 32 second-round selections to sign their contract.

The reason for such a high volume of unsigned second-round selections is due to “offset” language. While most contracts are secure in what they are and are not guaranteeing, there is room for second-round selections with the amount of money guaranteed. This has led to holdouts and players remaining unsigned.

CBS Sports’ Joel Corry reported New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is “insisting on a fully guaranteed contract.”

As training camp approaches — or in the case of the Los Angeles Chargers which has begun — deals are now being completed by both sides. As of this publishing, the total amount of unsigned second-round picks is now down to 24.

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Along with the announcement of signing Green, the Ravens also announced they’ve placed safety Ar’Darius Washington on the active/physically unable to perform list. He is reportedly aiming for a return this season around November.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...rookie-mike-green-2025-draft-class-all-signed

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Baltimore Ravens All Quarter Century Team: Offensive Guard No. 1

Marshal Yanda is likely to be the runaway favorite, but which other player will end up joining him on the Ravens Quarter Century Team?

A franchise can’t be known for having a tradition of strong running backs over the years without having a number of standout offensive linemen to go with them. The Ravens have been blessed with some pretty good talent up front this century.

In fact, it’s why we are skipping offensive tackles and heading to offensive guards. Jonathan Ogden and Ronnie Stanley are far-and-away the best tackles this century for Baltimore so there’s just no point in slogging through those polls. So here we are with offensive guards.

One could also argue we already know the first guard who will be selected to the Quarter Century Team, but since we don’t know both, we might as well still put it to a vote.

Let’s get to it! Go ahead and jump into the poll!

Marshal Yanda (2007-2019)​

Yanda was drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He started 12 games as a rookie and played a consistent role for the Ravens through his first four seasons. In 2011, Yanda broke out and earned both his first Pro Bowl nod and a Second-Team All-Pro honor.

From there, Yanda was as consistent as they come for an NFL guard, starting the majority of games through the remainder of his career while dealing with some sporadic injury luck. However, when he was one the field, there weren’t many better. By the time of his retirement, Yanda had helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, earned two First-Team All-Pro honors (2014-2015), four more second-team honors (2012, 2016-2018), and seven more trips to the Pro Bowl (2012-2016, 2018-2019).

Following his career, Yanda was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor.

Kelechi Osemele (2012-2015)​

Osemele was selected in the second round out of Iowa State in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played four strong seasons with the Ravens, starting every game he played in from 2012-2016 (51).

As a rookie, he started all 16 games at right tackle before switching to left guard for the team’s playoff run. There, he helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers.

Ben Grubbs (2007-2011)​

Grubbs was the Ravens’ first-round pick back in 2007. He played five strong seasons for Baltimore, starting 70 of his 74 games played. In 2011, his final year with the team, he earned the first of two career Pro Bowl honors despite playing just 10 games that season.

As a rookie, Grubbs started 12 of 16 regular season games and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Edwin Mulitalo (2000-2006)​

Mulitalo was a fourth-round pick of the Ravens out of the University of Arizona in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played eight strong seasons in Baltimore, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXV during the 2000 season after starting all 16 regular season games at left guard. Mulitalo never earned a Pro Bowl nod or was named an All-Pro, but he did start 102 games over an eight-year career with the Ravens as one of the most consistent players on the team during that span.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...team-marshal-yanda-kelechi-osemele-ben-grubbs

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Which new Ravens addition will make the biggest impact in 2025?

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The Baltimore Ravens had a busy and productive offseason period to-date, adding an infusion of talent to their roster. The Ravens made a number of notable additions through the draft and free agency to supplement their roster in key spots and replace departed players.

Between some big-name veterans and high-profile rookie prospects, the Ravens could see several newcomers pay dividends this coming season. As for which new player will make the biggest impact in 2025, the question is difficult given there’s multiple viable candidates.

Today’s Question of the Day is: ​

Which new Ravens addition will make the biggest impact in 2025?

My answer: S Malaki Starks

Had returning starting safety Ar’Darius Washington not suffered a torn achilles injury earlier this year, Starks likely would not have stepped into an every-down role right away. However, with Washington sidelined for possibly the entire 2025 season, the Ravens will need Starks to take on full-time snaps from the get-go in the secondary.

Given his pro-ready profile and projected significant playing time, a standout rookie season could be awaiting the No. 27 overall pick. Starks brings in a solid all-around skill set with him to the NFL and should be a seamless fit alongside Kyle Hamilton as a safety tandem.

The Ravens should similarly receive positive contributions from other newcomers as well, such as veterans Jaire Alexander and Deandre Hopkins, second-round pick Mike Green, and more. However, Starks is likely to have the most fruitful role out of the bunch. While some level of rookie growing pains are inevitable, the former Georgia product has a strong infrastructure around him and should only improve as the year progresses.

Do you agree that Starks will have the biggest impact of any new Raven in 2025? Chime in with your thoughts below and discuss!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...iggest-impact-in-2025-baltimore-malaki-starks

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Marlon Humphrey left off ESPN’s Top 10 cornerbacks ranking

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The Baltimore Ravens have been well-recognized in ESPN’s series of Top 10 players at each position, as determined by rankings from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Players like Lamar Jackson, Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Mark Andrews, and more have all earned spots on the lists for their respective positions.

However, in the most recent position group ranking released for cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey was surprisingly left on the outside looking in of the Top 10. Humphrey was the second honorable mention listed behind Jalen Ramsey, and both players failed to usurp Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks, who earned the final No. 10 spot.

ESPN quoted an anonymous NFL coordinator coach saying that Humphrey is, “best in the slot at this stage, but he’s such a natural in there, very disruptive and can get the ball, physical.”

While the cornerback position in today’s NFL is loaded with high-end talent, Humphrey’s omission from the Top 10 comes as a surprise given his performance in 2024. The eight-year veteran had one of his best seasons to-date with 67 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 15 passes defended.

Humphrey’s six interceptions ranked tied for No. 3 in the league, and he ranked No. 9 in passes defended, as well. Stuffing the stat sheet and playing elite coverage earned Humphrey first-team All-Pro status for the second time in his career, while also leading to his fourth career Pro Bowl selection.

Regardless of his ranking on this list, Humphrey is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks and is an all-important, driving force for the Ravens’ defense. He will again play a significant role as the No. 1 cornerback for the Ravens in 2025 alongside an uber-talented secondary now featuring Jaire Alexander and Malaki Starks.

You can view the full Top 10 cornerbacks list from ESPN here.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...s-top-10-cornerbacks-ranking-baltimore-ravens

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Reacts Results: Ravens fans expect Derrick Henry to lead the team in touchdowns again

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Results from Baltimore Beatdown’s poll from last week.

Results from SB Nation Reacts polls are sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of SB Nation and Baltimore Beatdown.

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Last week, Baltimore Beatdown polled Baltimore Ravens fans on who they believe will lead the team in touchdowns in the 2025 season. In an outright super-majority win, running back Derrick Henry is the people’s choice.

It’s no surprise here as Henry was tied for second-most touchdowns in the NFL last season (18) and second-most on the roster was Mark Andrews with 11.

While it feels Henry is inevitable to lead the team once more, I’m sticking with my bold (and maybe a bit wishful) prediction in seeing Rashod Bateman lead the team, and I’ll point back to last week’s commentary on why.

Bateman finished last season on a heater. From Week 14 to the Ravens’ Divisional Round loss to the Bills, Bateman scored six touchdowns in six games. I see that trend continuing as he hits double-digit touchdowns in 2025.

Will that be enough to unseat Henry from his touchdown throne? Maybe not. But if Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell burst through for a few and the tight ends (or Bateman) poach a handful from Henry in the red zone, it could become a close enough race for Bateman to win.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ck-henry-to-lead-the-team-in-touchdowns-again