Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens

As NFL analysts and roster evaluators dive into midseason assessments, one consensus emerges: the Baltimore Ravens’ 2024 roster boasts a rare blend of elite talent, depth, and positional balance that positions the team as a top AFC contender. Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two stars, the Ravens’ strength lies in multiple interconnected units—from a dynamic offensive backfield to a stifling defense and reliable special teams—each contributing to a cohesive, hard-to-beat whole. Roster reviews from outlets like Pro Football Focus (PFF), ESPN, and The Athletic consistently highlight these strengths, noting that the Ravens have addressed past weaknesses (like wide receiver depth and offensive line consistency) while doubling down on their historic strengths (physical defense, rushing dominance). Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the key positional groups earning praise, the players driving their success, and how these strengths translate to wins on Sundays.

Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens begins with the team’s most explosive unit: the offensive backfield, featuring a tandem of Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell that has redefined the Ravens’ rushing attack. Henry, the 6’3”, 247-pound veteran, has once again proven why he’s one of the NFL’s most dominant power runners—rushing for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns through 14 games, with a league-leading 4.8 yards after contact per carry. Mitchell, the 5’8”, 179-pound undrafted rookie, complements Henry perfectly with his 4.37-second 40-yard dash speed, averaging 7.2 yards per carry and providing a home-run threat that stretches defenses thin. PFF’s roster review calls this duo “the best running back tandem in the NFL,” noting that their contrasting styles force defenses to prepare for both power and speed—a nearly impossible balance. In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the pair combined for 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns, controlling the clock for 35 minutes and limiting the Steelers’ offense to just six possessions. “Henry and Mitchell don’t just run the ball—they control the game,” said ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Defenses can’t focus on stopping one without getting burned by the other, and that’s a luxury no other team has.”

Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens shifts to the defensive side of the ball, where the Ravens’ linebacker corps—led by Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen—has emerged as a dominant force. Smith, acquired via trade in 2023, has solidified his status as a top-five linebacker in the NFL, recording 142 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups through 14 games. His ability to read plays, cover tight ends in space, and stop runners at the line of scrimmage has made him the “quarterback of the defense,” according to Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Queen, a former first-round pick, has enjoyed a career resurgence alongside Smith, tallying 110 tackles and 4 sacks while improving his run defense and pass-rushing consistency. The Athletic’s roster review highlights the duo’s “telepathic chemistry,” noting that they’ve combined to shut down opposing running backs (the Ravens rank 4th in rushing yards allowed per game) and disrupt passing plays in the middle of the field. In a Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith and Queen combined for 22 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter interception that sealed the victory. “Smith and Queen are the reason this defense works,” said PFF’s Sam Monson. “They cover gaps, make tackles, and create turnovers—everything you want from your starting linebackers.”

Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens delves into the team’s special teams unit, which has been a quiet but consistent strength all season. Kicker Justin Tucker, the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, has continued his historic accuracy—converting 92% of his field goal attempts (23 of 25) and all 34 of his extra point tries. His ability to make long-range kicks (he’s 4 for 4 on field goals of 50+ yards) has turned close games into wins, including a 52-yard game-winner in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks. Punter Jordan Stout has also been impressive, averaging 48.5 yards per punt with a 42-yard net average, and placing 45% of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Ravens’ kickoff and punt coverage units rank in the top 10 in the NFL, allowing just 18.2 yards per kickoff return and 6.1 yards per punt return. For the Baltimore Ravens, special teams isn’t an afterthought—it’s a third phase of the game where they consistently outperform opponents. “Tucker and Stout give us a leg up in every game,” said Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton. “Whether it’s a game-winning field goal or a punt that pins the opponent deep, our special teams unit finds ways to impact the scoreboard—and that’s a huge strength.”

Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens explores the team’s offensive line, a unit that has gone from a weakness in 2023 to a strength in 2024. Led by left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who has stayed healthy for the first time in three seasons, the line has allowed just 21 sacks through 14 games (tied for 5th fewest in the NFL) and paved the way for the Ravens’ rushing attack (which ranks 3rd in the league with 158.3 yards per game). Stanley, a former Pro Bowler, has been a force in pass protection, allowing just 1 sack and 4 pressures all season. Right guard Kevin Zeitler, a 12-year veteran, has provided consistency in the run game, while center Tyler Linderbaum—now in his third season—has become a leader in calling blocking schemes. The Ravens’ line depth has also been praised in roster reviews, with backups like Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele stepping in seamlessly when injuries occur. For the Baltimore Ravens, a strong offensive line has been the foundation of their success, allowing Lamar Jackson to stay upright in the pocket and Henry and Mitchell to find running lanes. “Our offensive line is the unsung hero of this team,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “Without their work, our running backs can’t run and Lamar can’t pass—they’re the reason our offense is so effective.”

Roster Reviews Spotlight Strengths of the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with how these interconnected strengths have positioned the Ravens for a deep playoff run. Unlike teams with one-dimensional attacks or leaky defenses, the Ravens can win in multiple ways: by running the ball with Henry and Mitchell, by stopping the run with Smith and Queen, by making clutch kicks with Tucker, or by protecting Jackson with their offensive line. This versatility makes them a tough matchup for any team in the AFC, as opponents can’t focus on stopping just one aspect of their game. Roster reviews consistently note that the Ravens’ roster is “built for the playoffs”—deep, physical, and capable of winning in low-scoring, grind-it-out games or high-scoring shootouts. For the Baltimore Ravens, the strengths highlighted in these reviews aren’t just statistics—they’re a reflection of the franchise’s commitment to building a balanced, competitive team that can contend for championships year after year. “We’ve worked hard to address our weaknesses and build on our strengths,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “This roster is deep, talented, and hungry—and we believe it has what it takes to bring a Super Bowl title back to Baltimore.” As the playoffs approach, the Ravens’ roster strengths will be put to the test—and all signs point to them rising to the occasion.