The Baltimore Ravens wrapped up their 2019 NFL draft with three defensive players selected. With some additions in free agency and now the draft, Baltimore’s defensive depth chart looks a little different than last year.
To help clarify what’s going on, I’ve projected the defensive depth chart. If you want to see how the offense has changed, I’ve mocked up the offensive depth chart as well.
*Note: This doesn’t include any UDFAs following the draft.
Defensive tackle
Willie Henry, Patrick Ricard
The Ravens move their defensive linemen all over the place, so the specific position is a bit of a misnomer here. Still, going off what Baltimore’s depth chart looked like last year, they had it segregated.
After getting a second-round tender this offseason, Henry will be the starter in 2019. Behind him is Ricard, who pulls double duty on offense and defense.
Nose tackle
Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce, Daylon Mack
Williams is the cemented-in starter here, though we do see a rotation to help keep everyone fresh and healthy. That means Michael Pierce and Daylon Mack will make appearances depending on exactly what Baltimore is doing defensively on that play.
Defensive end
Chris Wormley, Zach Sieler
After letting Brent Urban go in free agency, the Ravens seemingly were happy with the combination of Wormley and Sieler taking the job. While this could end up being a competition, Wormley got the most snaps out of the two last year and should be penciled in as the starter unless Sieler can make a case to take the job.
Outside linebacker
Matthew Judon, Jaylon Ferguson, Tim Williams, Tyus Bowser
With how thin this group is even after the 2019 NFL draft, third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson should be in line to start. Though the hope is Williams and/or Bowser will step up their game this offseason, they haven’t done it yet and I believe patience is wearing thin.
Instead, the athletic and capable Ferguson gets the starting nod opposite Judon. However, like most defensive positions, there will be a rotation depending on what defensive call the Ravens make on any given play.
Inside linebacker
Patrick Onwuasor, Kenny Young, Chris Board, Alvin Jones, Matthew Thomas, Eljuan Price
While the Ravens officially have six inside linebackers in total, this still remains their most shallow position. Beyond Onwuasor and Young, the rest are deep depth. Only Board played any snaps last season (14 defensive snaps — 1.35%).
Though Baltimore likely feels confidence in Onwuasor and Young taking over the starting job, there’s a need for a veteran addition in free agency to rotate in and be primary depth in case of an injury.
Cornerback
Marlon Humphrey, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr, Tavon Young, Anthony Averett, Iman Marshall, Maurice Canady, Cyrus Jones, Justin Bethel, Bennett Jackson, Robertson Daniel
There’s no question cornerback is the deepest position group on the Ravens’ entire roster. With the combination of Humphrey, Smith and Carr, Baltimore effectively has three starting cornerbacks available. But Young, Averett and now Marshall make up good depth and should see the field plenty as they rotate in and out of certain packages.
After that group, it’s largely special teams needs and depth.
Strong safety
Tony Jefferson, Anthony Levine, DeShon Elliott
Jefferson is locked in as a starter, especially with a true free safety opposite him. But Levine will get plenty of playing time as a linebacker/defensive back hybrid the Ravens love using in various defensive packages. Elliott should see some playing time this year as well after missing last season on injured reserve.
Free safety
Earl Thomas, Chuck Clark
Thomas’ signing was so great, in part, because he’s a true free safety. That will allow the strong safety and cornerbacks play a little more to their position strengths and be more aggressive than Baltimore has allowed them to be in the past.
However, the Ravens don’t really have an answer behind him. While Clark was labeled as a free safety on last year’s depth chart, he’s more fitting of a strong safety role with the ability to cover well enough.
Baltimore Ravens defensive depth chart:
| Position | 1st string | 2nd string | 3rd string | 4th string |
| DT | Willie Henry | Patrick Ricard | ||
| NT | Brandon Williams | Michael Pierce | Daylon Mack | |
| DE | Chris Wormley | Zach Sieler | ||
| OLB | Matthew Judon | Tim Williams | ||
| MLB | Patrick Onwuasor | Alvin Jones | ||
| WLB | Kenny Young | Chris Board | Matthew Thomas | Eljuan Price |
| OLB | Jaylon Ferguson | Tyus Bowser | ||
| CB | Jimmy Smith | Brandon Carr | Anthony Averett | Maurice Canady Bennett Jackson Robertson Daniel |
| SS | Tony Jefferson | Anthony Levine | DeShon Elliott | |
| FS | Earl Thomas | Chuck Clark | ||
| CB | Marlon Humphrey | Tavon Young | Iman Marshall | Justin Bethel Cyrus Jones |
