The Ravens open training camp with a familiar mix of sky‑high expectations and unfinished business, stepping back onto the field knowing their window to chase a championship is wide open but hardly guaranteed. With Lamar Jackson healthy, a retooled supporting cast around him, and a defense looking to reload after key departures, Baltimore enters the summer balancing optimism with urgency as they begin shaping the roster that will carry them into another title push.
Wide Receiver Competition
The wide receiver group is one of the most competitive units on the roster. Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and Devontez Walker enter camp as the projected starters, but the battle behind them is wide open. Elijah Sarratt, Ja’Kobi Lane, LaJohntay Wester, and Dayton Wade will compete for the remaining spots. Each player brings a distinct skill set, and the coaching staff intends to rotate them heavily during the first two weeks of camp.
Lane’s size and catch radius make him a natural possession receiver, while Saratt’s smooth route running gives him an advantage in the intermediate game. Wester’s quickness and return ability provide versatility, and Wade’s explosiveness after the catch makes him a candidate for gadget packages. The Ravens want to determine which receivers can consistently separate against NFL coverage and build timing with Lamar Jackson.
Running Back Rotation
The addition of Derrick Henry gives Baltimore a powerful centerpiece in the backfield. Henry’s workload will be monitored early in camp, but his presence immediately reshapes the offense. Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali will compete for complementary roles, with Ali’s vision and burst making him a strong candidate for early touches. Adam Randall will battle for practice‑squad consideration, but the top three spots appear secure.
Tight End Depth
Mark Andrews returns healthy and remains the focal point of the tight end room. Durham Smythe provides veteran stability behind him, but Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas will compete for the TE3 role. Hibner’s athleticism gives him an edge in space, while Cuevas offers reliable blocking.
Guard Competition
The left guard position features one of the most important battles of camp. First‑round rookie Olaivavega Ioane enters as the favorite due to his power and athletic traits, but Andrew Vorhees provides legitimate competition. Vorhees is a polished technician with strong leverage, and his experience gives him a chance to win the job if Ioane struggles with NFL pass‑rush speed. This will pair with veteran John Simpson, who returns and is the projected starter at right guard.
New Defensive Identity Under Anthony Weaver
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver returns to Baltimore with a reputation for hybrid fronts, disguised pressures, and aggressive play‑calling. Weaver intends to build a defense that dictates terms rather than reacts.
He emphasized this philosophy early in camp, stating, “We’re going to dictate terms. Our defense won’t wait; we’ll attack.”
Edge Rusher Depth and Competition
The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to anchor the pass rush, giving them a premier edge presence opposite Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac. Isaac is a breakout candidate due to his bend and relentless motor. Behind the top three, Zion Young, Mike Green, and Kaimon Rucker will compete for rotational roles. This group is one of the deepest on the roster, and Weaver plans to rotate heavily to identify which players can generate consistent pressure.
Interior Defensive Line Rotation
Nnamdi Madubuike remains the centerpiece of the defensive line. Calais Campbell returns as a veteran stabilizer, while Broderick Washington Jr. and Aeneas Peebles will battle for snaps. Travis Jones anchors the nose tackle position and provides essential run‑stopping ability. The Ravens intend to use a deep rotation to keep their interior defenders fresh throughout camp.
Linebacker Roles
Roquan Smith continues to serve as the emotional and tactical leader of the defense. The battle for the LB2 role will be contested between Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, and Jay Higgins IV. Simpson’s athleticism gives him an advantage, but Buchanan’s instincts and physicality make this a close competition.
Cornerback Depth Chart
The Ravens boast one of the league’s most exciting young cornerback groups. Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa headline the outside corner positions, while Chidobe Awuzie provides veteran leadership. Marlon Humphrey transitions to the nickel role, giving Baltimore a versatile chess piece who can match up with slot receivers or blitz off the edge. Chandler Rivers, Bilhal Kone, and Marquise Robinson will compete for depth roles.
Safety Duo
Kyle Hamilton remains the most versatile defender on the roster. First‑round rookie Malaki Starks is expected to start next to him, forming a dynamic safety duo with range and physicality. Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson, and K’Von Wallace will compete for backup roles.
Weaver praised the pairing, stating, “Hamilton and Starks give us range and physicality. They’re going to unlock a lot schematically.”
Projected 53‑Man Roster– Offense
- QB: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
- RB: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali
- WR: Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt, LaJohntay Wester
- TE: Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Matt Hibner
- OL: Ronnie Stanley, Olaivavega Ioane, Ethan Pocic, John Simpson, Roger Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Emery Jones Jr.
Projected 53‑Man Roster– Defense
- DL: Nnamdi Madubuike, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr., Travis Jones, Aeneas Peebles
- Edge: Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, Zion Young
- LB: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV
- CB: Nate Wiggins, T.J. Tampa, Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey, Chandler Rivers
- S: Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins
Projected 53‑Man Roster– Special Teams
- K: Tyler Loop
- P: Ryan Eckley
- LS: Nick Moore
- KR/PR: LaJohntay Wester
Quotes From Offseason
Head Coach Jesse Minter said, “Competition is the foundation of this team. Nobody is safe.”
Lamar Jackson added, “We’re deeper than we’ve ever been. That’s exciting.”
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver emphasized, “This defense is built to attack. We’re going to be fun to watch.”
2026 Ravens Training Camp Dates
- Players report: July 23, 2026
- First practice: July 24
- Open practices: July 27, August 2, August 10
- Joint practice vs. Eagles: August 14
- Preseason Week 1: August 17
- Camp concludes: August 21
