Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens have been ranked No. 5 in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings. The team's safety position is cited as a key factor in this ranking.
What gives the Ravens an edge?
The Ravens' safety group, led by Kyle Hamilton, is considered one of the strongest in the NFL. Hamilton, just 25 years old, led all safeties in pass rush attempts last season.
The safety group's depth
The team also has Malaki Starks, who handled his rookie season well, and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins, who joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025.
The Ravens' offensive line, however, is a different story. The interior line is considered the roster's weakest spot, with Tyler Linderbaum's move to the Las Vegas Raiders leaving Danny Pinter as the projected starting center.
Questions in the passing game
Beyond Zay Flowers, the Ravens' passing game carries some questions. Rashod Bateman remains the expected No. 2 receiver, but ESPN believes one young wideout could give the offense another level.
The Ravens' depth may be tested once again before the season is over, with defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. potentially becoming an important piece if Nnamdi Madubuike's neck injury lingers.
Looking ahead to the season
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Ravens will look to build on their strong safety group and address their weaknesses on the offensive line and in the passing game. With Lamar Jackson at the helm, the team is poised to make a run in the competitive NFL landscape.