Here’s why the Ravens have a top 5 backfield in the NFL

The Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. Their success may continue with Derrick Henry & Justice Hill.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game during the 2023-24 season so it’s logical to assume their success will continue with the signing of running back Derrick Henry.

Earlier this summer, Bleacher Report endorsed the Ravens’ rushing attack, giving accolades not only to Henry, but running back Justice Hill also.

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It’s hard enough for defenses to account for the scrambling ability of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, Jackson will finally be accompanied by a top running back (Henry) who can handle a volume of 23 plus carries per game. With 280 carries last season, no running back in the NFL had more rushing attempts than Henry in 2023.

Hill is expected to shine as the supporting cast to Henry but Hill’s 84 rush attempts last season rendered an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. Basically, the Ravens’ rushing attack has become a three-headed monster that will be nearly impossible to contain, especially if their play-action pass game is exceptional in 2024.

With training camp just weeks away, the Ravens’ running back room will prepare for endless hours of study with running back coach Willie Taggert who after two decades of coaching professionally, will enjoy the most talent he’s ever had.

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Patrick Queen better be ready to tackle Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen better be prepared for a head-on collision with Baltimore Ravens HB Derrick Henry this season.

After the sarcasm and slights in the media, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen better be prepared for a head-on collision with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.

Sure, Queen might not like seafood, but he definitely won’t like the task of having to chase MVP quarterback  Lamar Jackson and Henry around for 60 minutes. To add insult to injury, Queen will additionally have to guard speed running back Justice Hill or match up versus arguably the best TE Duo in the NFL on passing downs.


Perhaps Queen isn’t processing the fact that the Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. This may greatly compromise the time of possession luxury previously afforded to him. With the QB situation not yet settled in Pittsburgh, Queen may be spending more snaps on the field gasping for air instead of on the sideline enjoying comfortable leads. 

Ultimately, whatever Queen delights in nutritionally, or atmospherically, he better be prepared to deal with the very physical Henry this upcoming season.

Lamar Jackson praises rookie Rasheen Ali, rest of Ravens running back group

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson praised rookie running back Rasheen Ali alongside the rest of the team’s running backs

Lamar Jackson praises rookie Rasheen Ali, the rest of the Ravens running back group.

The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their running back group during the 2024 offseason. They signed former Tennessee Titans rusher Derrick Henry, but that’s not their only move.

The team selected Marshall running back Rasheen Ali in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, hoping he would be an impact player. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was asked about Ali and praised him alongside the rest of the team’s running backs.

“Oh, [Rasheen Ali] looks smooth, man. He’s pretty fast from what I’ve seen on the field. But, it’s not just him. We’ve got Justice [Hill], [and] we’ve got ‘O’ [Owen Wright] doing their thing. The backs are looking good.”

Jackson has often sung the praises of Henry and running back Keaton Mitchell. However, the quarterback seems confident in all of Baltimore’s rushers, with another big year hopefully in store for the group.

Ravens RB Justice Hill is still a vital component for offensive coordinator Todd Monken

The Baltimore Ravens have Derrick Henry but hat doesn’t mean Justice Hill won’t be a vital component to the offense this season.

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill produced four touchdowns under offensive coordinator Todd Monken last season. How will Monken deploy Hill with all-pro Derrick Henry now on the roster this season?

Monken will likely defer to quarterback Lamar Jackson when Henry isn’t getting his expected high-volume carries. However, that doesn’t mean Hill won’t be a vital component to the Ravens on offense.

Hill can be used deceptively in 21 personnel, operating as a pass catcher on short routes and screenplays. Moreover, Hill may be the best option for the Ravens on third down, especially in obvious passing situations.

Too fast for most opposing defensive linebackers, Hill will only improve by getting reps in training camp behind Henry. He’ll also be sharpened by lining up versus all-pro linebacker Roquan Smith.

Having played under numerous offensive coordinators, Hill will get a 2nd straight season with Monken, a coach well aware of his attributes. At age 26, Hill understands his role and is enthusiastic about a chance to get back to it this fall.

Projecting the Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

Projecting the Baltimore Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

The Ravens are still in the crux of a potential Super Bowl window.

Still, after changing the offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions, the team will look drastically different on offense. Baltimore seemed to win the first wave of the free agency period after getting Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million. The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

All wasn’t perfect, as the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere.

Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

We’re looking at an updated depth chart with the mandatory minicamp completed.

Starter — Lamar Jackson
2nd–Josh Johnson
3rd-Devin Leary

4th–Emory Jones

Tyler Huntley moved on in free agency, and Baltimore brought back Josh Johnson, while Malik Cunningham will continue to develop at the wide receiver position. Devin Leary was selected late in the draft and looks to be the backup for the future. Emory Jones offers potential as a developmental quarterback.

Starter-Derrick Henry
2nd-Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell

3rd-Rasheen Ali
4th–Owen Wright

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are replaced by the legendary Derrick ‘King’ Henry. One of the biggest signings of the early free agency period, Henry gives Baltimore a star at the position.

Starter–Patrick Ricard

Starter–Nelson Agholor
2nd–Sean Ryan

Agholor re-signed with Baltimore on a 1-year deal prior to the start of free agency.

Starter–Rashod Bateman
2nd–DeVontez Walker/Tylan Wallace

Starter–Zay Flowers

2nd–Deonte Harty

Starter–Mark Andrews
2nd-Isaiah Likely
3rd–Charlie Kolar
4th–Scotty Washington

Starter–Ronnie Stanley

2nd–Patrick Mekari

Stanley will return at left tackle after restructuring his contract.

Starter–Sala Aumavae-Laulu/Josh Jones
2nd–Tykeem Doss
3rd–Tashawn Manning

With John Simpson signing with the Jets, Aumavae-Laulu could get the first shot at the starting left guard role.

Starter–Tyler Linderbaum

2nd–Nick Samac

Starter–Andrew Voorhees
2nd–Ben Cleveland

Voorhees missed the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL but could start the season at right guard in place of a departed Kevin Zeitler.

Starter–Roger Rosengarten
2nd–Daniel Faalele

Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Baltimore could roll with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten or Faalele.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta thinks RB Rasheen Ali can contribute right away

The Baltimore Ravens added another running back to their offense by selecting Marshall’ Rasheen Ali with the No. 165 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Ravens made a splash in free agency by signing veteran running back …

The Baltimore Ravens added another running back to their offense by selecting Marshall’ Rasheen Ali with the No. 165 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Ravens made a splash in free agency by signing veteran running back Derrick Henry to take over as the team’s bell-cow runner, but Ali will have a chance to earn a role behind him.

Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta was asked if he felt that Ali could contribute right away, similar to 2023 undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell, who had a substantial impact on the field last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

“Yes, I think that’s right. [Rasheen Ali]’s an explosive guy. I think he runs hard. He finishes his runs. He catches the ball well; he can run routes; he’s a good pass protector. Like I said, at the Senior Bowl, he was a guy that I noticed very quickly. He got hurt, but during the practice week, he was very explosive, and I think we all took note. We had him visit a few weeks ago. He’s an interesting kid. He’s got a great background – other than the fact that he’s from Cleveland, of course – but he’s got a great background, and I think he will be a good player for us. ”

Mitchell will likely take some time to recover from the late-season injury, giving Ali a chance to earn reps alongside Henry and Justice Hill in the Ravens’ backfield.

Every move the Ravens have made so far this offseason

With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every move the Baltimore Ravens have made this off-season

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. 

Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re reviewing every move Baltimore made this off-season.

15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2024 after first wave of NFL free agency

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings, we’re releasing the Ravens 15 biggest salary cap hits according to Over The Cap. 

Change is always good for the soul, and after a stunning loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic reconstruction that could pay off with championship dividends.

Changes hit the defensive coaching staff as Mike Macdonald accepted the Seahawks head coaching job, Anthony Weaver became the defensive coordinator in Miami, and Zach Orr was promoted from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings of cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, linebacker Chris Board, and offensive guard Josh Jones, we’re releasing the 15 most significant salary cap hits according to Over The Cap.

Where do the Ravens rank in spending at each position after first wave of free agency?

We’re looking at where the Baltimore Ravens rank in positional spending after the first wave of NFL free agency

The 2024 salary cap is set at $255.4 million.

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Eric DeCosta started the off-season with urgency, signing Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

The Ravens have $13,884,766 in available cap space, and they’re paying out over $113 million on the offensive side of the football.

With the second wave of free agency set to begin, we’re examining Baltimore’s positional spending ranking.

All figures are via OverTheCap.com and official NFLPA records.

Updated status of every Ravens free agent after first wave of free agency

We’re taking an updated look at where the Baltimore Ravens 26 free agents have landed after the first wave of NFL free agency

The offseason is in full swing, particularly for the Baltimore Ravens, who have made one gigantic move, agreeing to a two-year deal with running back Derrick Henry.

The Ravens will utilize draft picks and the second wave of free agency to retool after losing eight players in the first week.

Baltimore has had good moments so far, and we’re taking an updated look at the status of every initial 2024 free agent through the first wave of signings.