Predicting Ravens' starting lineups for Week 1 after first wave of free agency - Sport News

Predicting Ravens’ starting lineups for Week 1 after first wave of free agency

The Ravens’ roster underwent significant changes during the early part of the NFL off-season and the first wave of free agency.

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 an early prediction of the starting lineups for Week 1.

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball to score a touchdown against Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) and defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) during the fourth quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson won his second MVP award in 2023 and should be even more dominant in his second year in Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken’s system.

Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC running back Derrick Henry (22) of the Tennessee Titans before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s rushing ‘King’ has brought his talents to Baltimore, as Derrick Henry will be the lead back in Baltimore.

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) runs after a catch in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Henry’s arrival in Baltimore is a plus for Ricard, who’ll maintain his role as the lead blocking back for the NFL’s most powerful running back of the past decade.

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Flowers had 77 catches for 858 yards and 5 touchdowns in his rookie season, and he’ll look to be even more productive with Derrick Henry arriving.

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

After three NFL seasons, Bateman has produced just four touchdown receptions in 35 games played.

Bateman started 12 of 16 games last season, logging 32 catches for 367 yards and one touchdown on 56 targets.

This will be his final chance to prove he’s an NFL-caliber starting wide receiver.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Andrews will look to return to his Pro Bowl status after logging 45 catches for 544 yards and six touchdowns in an injury-shortened season.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown with Ronnie Stanley #79 during the second quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Stanley will return at left tackle after reworking his contract.

Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari (65) pictured during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

John Simpson took his talents to the New York Jets, and the versatile Patrick Mekari will get the first shot at left guard.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Tyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens prepares to snap the ball during the first half in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Linderbaum has blossomed into a star at the center position.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Ben Cleveland #66 after a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Baltimore could look to draft an offensive guard, but the veteran Ben Cleveland gets the first opportunity.

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Daniel Faalele (77) takes to the field before an preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

With Morgan Moses getting traded to the New York Jets, Faalele gets his shot at being a full-time starter.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 22: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions loses the ball as he is sacked by Justin Madubuike #92 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

After signing a $98 million deal, Madubuike returns to anchor the Ravens defensive front.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Michael Pierce will start alongside Madubuike after signing his own two-year contract extension.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Odafe Oweh #99 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Oweh missed four games with an ankle injury earlier in the year, but finished the year with five sacks, and we’ll have the opportunity to mirror Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen in 2024.

Sep 17, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) is tackled after a catch by Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) and Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo (90) in the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports

Ojabo has played in just five total games over his first two NFL seasons. 2023 fourth-rounder Tavius Robinson could push for this role.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: Roquan Smith #0 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts as he leads a huddle prior to an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Smith is an All-Pro after posting 158 tackles.

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson (30) takes the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Simpson has an opportunity to emerge as a defensive standout for the Ravens after the departure of Patrick Queen to Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the second quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

A pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during the first quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Stephens had 71 tackles and two interceptions in his first season as a full-time starter.

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (11) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Maulet played in 14 games and logged 37 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and five passes defended.

The 30-year-old Maulet will compete with Ar’Darius Washington for the slot cornerback role.

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams (32) reacts after a play against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Williams had 55 tackles and one interception in an injury-plagued 2023 season.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens intercepts a pass intended for Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

A Swiss army Knife, Hamilton has developed into an All-Pro after a season in which he registered 10 tackles for loss, 13 pass deflections, three sacks and four picks.

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