The Baltimore Ravens significantly bolstered their roster this offseason through free agency and the draft. While further acquisitions remain a possibility, the core of their team is largely established as organized team activities (OTAs) progress and training camp approaches.
As is customary, numerous spirited contests for roster spots and positional roles are anticipated. Let’s delve into some of the most fiercely contested battles and the players vying for them.
**No. 3 Running Back**
*Candidates: Rasheed Ali, Adam Randall (R)*
Following Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, Rasheed Ali is expected to fill the No. 3 running back role, moving up the depth chart after Keaton Mitchell’s exit. However, rookie fifth-round pick Adam Randall poses a significant challenge to Ali for this spot. Randall, reportedly a personal draft selection by team owner Steve Bisciotti, is an intriguing late-round prospect. A converted wide receiver, Randall possesses natural receiving prowess, yet his physical build—standing at 6-foot-3 and over 230 pounds—is more akin to Henry.
Ali secured a roster spot last offseason through strong preseason performances and by establishing himself as a special teams returner. He scored a receiving touchdown during the regular season, accumulating just under 100 total scrimmage yards. If Randall’s pass-catching abilities translate immediately and he proves adept at pass blocking, his playing time could increase. In an ideal scenario for the Clemson product, Randall not only surpasses Ali but also takes snaps from Hill, potentially replicating some of Mitchell’s big-play capabilities.
**Starting and Backup Center**
*Candidates: Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, Nick Dawkins (R)*
One of the most high-stakes roster competitions for the Ravens is at center, encompassing both the starting role and the key backup position. While veteran Danny Pinter might be an early favorite, the Week 1 starter is largely undecided. Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn were signed as low-profile free agents this offseason, with Nick Dawkins joining as an undrafted free agent. Corey Bullock is the only returning player from this group.
Gwyn is an interesting candidate due to his connection with new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, under whom he previously played in Atlanta. However, Gwyn, a 2023 seventh-round pick, has only 19 appearances with no starts, tallying 11 offensive snaps compared to 76 on special teams. Bullock earned a roster spot last summer as the primary backup center behind Tyler Linderbaum. He displayed high-level play in training camp and preseason. If he can maintain this performance and show growth in the coming months, Bullock has a clear path to the starting job.
Undrafted free agent Nick Dawkins, who played alongside Olaivavega Ioane at Penn State, is the biggest wildcard. Despite not being drafted, Dawkins performed well in college, and his existing chemistry with Ioane could be an asset. There’s also a strong possibility that the eventual starting center is not currently on the roster, as the Ravens might still acquire a more experienced veteran via trade or signing.
**No. 3 Wide Receiver**
*Candidates: Devontez Walker, Jakobi Lane (R), Elijah Sarratt (R), LaJohntay Wester*
While veteran wide receivers, including Deandre Hopkins who had a productive tenure in Baltimore last season, remain available, the Ravens, having recently drafted two wide receivers in the middle rounds, appear inclined to develop their current young talent rather than make another signing. This suggests the No. 3 wide receiver, behind starters Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, will emerge from this internal group of candidates.
Walker is currently the frontrunner and a potential breakout player. The 2024 fourth-round pick has made an impact in limited action over two seasons, averaging 22.4 yards per reception with four touchdowns on just 11 targets. However, the Ravens haven’t yet made Walker a primary pass-catcher and clearly felt the need to draft additional competition. The mid-round picks, Lane and Sarratt, both have an opportunity to surpass Walker on the depth chart and earn offensive snaps.
Lane and Sarratt are both large, possession-oriented wideouts who excel at contested catches. At a minimum, they should provide red zone threats early on. While both have considerable room for improvement, the same can be said for Walker. The Ravens require someone to step up and become a reliable third option; a bonus would be if both rookies and Walker can all contribute significantly to the passing game.
Wester, a rising sophomore, primarily functioned as a return specialist last season. For him to climb the depth chart, he would need to deliver an exceptional summer performance or benefit from injuries, though he possesses intriguing traits as a speedy slot receiver.
**Backup Cornerbacks**
*Candidates: Chandler Rivers (R), Bilhal Kone, Robert Longerbeam, Keyon Martin*
Returning for the Ravens are the starting cornerback trio of Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie. T.J. Tampa is expected to be the No. 4 corner, serving as a pure outside coverage player. Beyond this group, a contingent of young defensive backs will compete for an estimated 2-3 open roster spots.
Chandler Rivers, a fifth-round draft pick from Duke, is a promising rookie. Despite playing well outside in college, his 5-foot-9 stature projects him as an NFL nickelback. This will likely put him in direct competition with Keyon Martin, who made the Ravens’ roster as an undrafted rookie slot cornerback last year. Martin played 143 defensive snaps, recording a pass breakup, a sack, and 23 tackles.
Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, both late-round selections last year, suffered season-ending injuries before September. Consequently, they are essentially entering their rookie seasons. Given Martin’s incumbent status and Rivers being drafted a year after them, there might not be room for both Kone and Longerbeam on the team.
**Backup Defensive Linemen**
*Candidates: Broderick Washington Jr., Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny (R), C.J. Okoye*
After signing Calais Campbell post-draft, the Ravens’ projected starting defensive line comprises Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Campbell. The term “projected” is crucial given Madubuike’s uncertain health status, which might affect his ability to start the season with a full workload. This uncertainty heightens the importance of the backup defensive line positions. If Madubuike is healthy for Week 1, one of these bubble-level defensive linemen might be squeezed out. However, if he starts the season on injured reserve or PUP, their chances of making the 53-man roster improve.
Washington has been a regular rotational player since 2021, starting 22 games, but he played only 102 defensive snaps in 2025 before an Achilles injury ended his season. Washington could be a salary cap casualty, potentially creating an opportunity for Benny, who offers strong run defense and is on a rookie contract. Peebles, a late-round pick last year, still shows potential as an impact pass-rusher despite limited playing time in his rookie campaign. Peebles might thrive in the team’s new defensive system this year with increased snap opportunities.
Okoye played 13 games for the Ravens last season amidst defensive line injuries. He’s a top-tier athlete with an impressive physical profile at 6-foot-6, 370 pounds. If Madubuike is healthy or the Ravens decide to keep Washington, they will likely only be able to roster two of these three younger players, leading to a difficult decision between differing skill sets and specializations.
