The Baltimore Ravens came into this offseason needing to revamp their offense. For yet another year, Baltimore was looking at a new identity on offense and a need for talent to make it happen. However, this year the Ravens had a little more money than usual, largely thanks to another big increase in the salary cap and by shedding quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract in a trade to the Denver Broncos.
With the first wave of free agency finished and the 2019 NFL draft coming up, where do the Ravens actually stand right now on offense? Let’s take a look at how Baltimore’s offensive depth chart stacks up right now.
Quarterback:
Lamar Jackson, Robert Griffin III
As mentioned above, the Ravens traded Flacco to the Broncos in exchange to a fourth-round selection. While he holds a decent amount of dead money on the 2019 salary cap, there were good savings by shedding Flacco’s contract.
With Lamar Jackson being handed the reins to the offense last season, he’s the unquestioned starter in 2019. To help him develop and give Baltimore a capable option in case of injury, the Ravens re-signed Robert Griffin III to a two-year deal this offseason.
Offensive line:
Ronnie Stanley, James Hurst, Matt Skura, Marshal Yanda, Orlando Brown Jr.., Alex Lewis, Bradley Bozeman, Jermaine Eluemunor, Greg Senat, Randin Crecelius, Steven Moore, Kofi Amichia
The offensive line hasn’t changed at all this offseason. Baltimore neither gained nor lost any player in free agency, keeping what was a pretty solid front together for next season.
There are still questions at center and left guard in 2019. James Hurst is likely penciled in as the starting left guard, something he did well in 2017 but once again struggled with in 2018. Behind him is Alex Lewis, who has just been so consistently injured that he’s an unreliable option as a starter.
There are also long-term questions surrounding Marshal Yanda. While the Ravens expect Yanda to play this season, he’s been quiet on that front so far. Even if Yanda does play this season, it’s the final year of his contract and he’s near the end of his career. Baltimore will have to find a reliable option to develop behind him.
Tight end:
Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst
The Ravens made a smart move by re-signing Nick Boyle this offseason. He’s one of the better blocking tight ends in the league on an offense that runs the ball quite a bit. Boyle is an underrated receiver as well.
Of course, 2018 draft picks Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst remain on the roster. Mark Andrews had a big season and clearly developed a good connection with Jackson by the end of the season.
Given Hurst’s injury last season and very limited production, I have him in third behind Andrews for right now. Though, he’ll be given every chance to take the starting role in training camp and preseason.
Running back:
Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, Kenneth Dixon, De’Lance Turner, Tyler Ervin
Baltimore signed former New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram as their only offensive move of free agency thus far. A productive veteran, Ingram should get a chance to shoulder most of the load for the Ravens.
But I’m not counting out Gus Edwards or Kenneth Dixon from rotating in on certain packages and to help keep Ingram healthy and fresh. Given how well Edwards and Dixon played late last season, both should be given a chance to compete for the starting job, though all three will likely factor into the rotation.
I don’t have Ricard on this depth chart because Baltimore just stopped using him completely following Week 11.
Wide receiver:
Willie Snead, Chris Moore, Jordan Lasley, Jaleel Scott, Quincy Adeboyejo
This is the absolute weakest unit on the team, without question. The Ravens kept six wide receivers on the 53-man roster last season, which means Baltimore doesn’t even have enough players to fill out the depth chart right now. Even worse is only two of the five wide receivers have ever caught a regular-season pass.
The Ravens are almost assuredly going to be grabbing at least one player in the 2019 NFL draft. I also wouldn’t be shocked if there were some free-agent additions made after the draft to put a little more competition on this group in training camp and the preseason.
