The Baltimore Ravens are always trying to take that step into the Super Bowl. What questions emerge from their offseason moves?
Is DeAndre Hopkins just another old veteran with the Ravens?
Face it, the Baltimore Ravens always do this. Dez Bryant, DeSean Jackson, Sammy Watkins, Odell Beckham. Yes, they hit on Anquan Boldin and Steve Smith, but in a lot of cases, you probably forgot those players even had a stint on the Ravens. Hopkins has a chance to avoid being the latest case, but after a bad season in 2024, he hardly looks like a threat to push Rashad Bateman as the number two. What does he have left, and is Bateman and Zay Flowers enough?
Can Emory Jones start at left guard?
The Ravens have Andrew Vorhees slotted in at left guard, and while he started three games last year, he has hardly proven worthy of the job. The Ravens drafted Emory Jones in round three, and while he was a right tackle, his feet and strength say he would do best at guard in the NFL. With Jones and Daniel Faalele as the guards, the Ravens would have two massive forces, with Tyler Linderbaum being an undersized center. It is a good fit. Does he win the job?
Could Teddye Buchanon start as a rookie?
Trenton Simpson struggled last year and was losing time to Malik Harrison by the end of the season. The Ravens cannot go into the year trusting he can take a step in year three, but the best option to start for them is the round four pick from California. It may not be on day one, but Buchanan has traits that could flash next to Roquan Smith. Is this real competition for Simpson?
How will Malachi Starks fit into the defense?
Malachi Starks has played all over the Georgia defense. Between Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Ar’Darius Washington, and Starks, the Ravens have four players who are highly experienced in the slot. Still, Starks struggled when he was closer to the line and would be best as a free safety who replaces Marcus Williams in centerfield. This allows Hamilton to stay in the box, which should bring out the best in him.
They can have Hamilton in the slot with Washington in the box or vice versa, they can push Humphrey into the slot, Hamilton as a strong safety, and then bring Chidobe Awuzie or TJ Tampa on the outside. How much do they mix this up, and who plays the most slot?
Can the Ravens find depth edge rusher help?
The Ravens like what they have in Odafe Oweh, but they need a long-term option across from him. They drafted David Ojabo. Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, and now Mike Green in four straight years and they still are projected to start veteran Kyle Van Noy. Can anyone else step up, and can Green show himself as a rookie?
