The Baltimore Ravens nearly have their 90-man roster set up. With the addition of UDFAs, some free-agent help, and a 10-man 2020 NFL Draft class, the Ravens’ roster is pretty close to the final version we’ll see in training camp. As Baltimore begins preparing for on-field work, the front office will take a close look at their depth chart to find any potential holes still remaining and identify some of their more important roster battles.
On defense, the Ravens are returning most of their starters but have completely revamped their defensive line and inside linebacker corps this offseason. It’s a strategy that looks to stop their biggest flaw from last season while continuing to build towards the future. However, those changes mean more battles and new faces on Baltimore’s defensive depth chart.
Just as I did for the offense, we’re taking a look at the defense with the roster of players currently signed. Also, the Ravens tend to move players around into different roles depending on what packages they’re running, so this is ultimately an oversimplification of Baltimore’s defense and the jobs within.
Here’s how the Ravens’ depth chart on defense is shaping up right now:
Defensive tackle:
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Derek Wolfe | Justin Madubuike | Broderick Washington Jr. |
Though the Ravens label this position as “defensive tackle” it’s really more of a defensive end in a 3-4 front. However, Baltimore tends to play their in-betweeners here . . . those guys that can rush the quarterback but offer more as a run defender.
Wolfe was signed to be that guy for the Ravens. He’s a complimentary piece on the defensive line that is solid against the run and has been able to get pressure on the quarterback as well, though that’s not exactly his strong suit. The same goes for Madubuike and Washington, though with both being rookies, they’re going to be relegated to backup roles initially and be groomed to replace Wolfe as early as next season.