Baltimore Beatdown
The Ravens have a stacked roster in 2025. That means there aren’t many spots available to be won, whether it be to start or on the roster altogether.
The first weeks of training camp are over and now the first preseason game is upon us. This is where fans may start to see the roster and position battles play out. Let’s go over some of the top battles to keep an eye out for in the first game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The top of the safety depth chart is set. NFL star Kyle Hamilton headlines the group with first-round rookie Malaki Starks beside him. But with Baltimore’s defense, the third safety spot remains important. Ar’Darius Washington is down with an Achilles injury and isn’t expected back until November at the earliest. That leaves second-year players, sixth-rounder Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade as the top options.
Both players had an excellent camp and thus far. The Ravens haven’t brought in a veteran safety like many expected when Washington’s injury was announced. Head Coach John Harbaugh has spoken glowingly about both safeties during camp. While reality suggests they will both share snaps as the third option, I can guarantee the staff and those two guys will see it as a competition, and they want that first chance to come in Week One.
Outside of those two battling for the third spot, keep an eye on safety Reuben Lowery as well. Lowery has caught eyes since rookie minicamp and OTAs, consistently making plays on the ball. It’s not uncommon for the Ravens to hold five safeties, and Lowery could force the Ravens’ hand and make them hold onto him for the future.
Roquan Smith is fully entrenched as the top backer on this team and a cemented leader of this defense. But his running mate is hardly settled. Just like last year, Trenton Simpson is the betting favorite to start alongside him. But also like last year, it’s not certain and could change midseason even if he does win it. Fourth-round rookie Teddy Buchanan has received a lot of praise this training camp for how far along and advanced he is for a rookie. He was especially proficient in pass coverage in college. Jake Hummel is heading into his fourth season and could take snaps from Simpson as well.
I’m not sure if preseason games will change much on the depth chart. Simpson will likely start the season as Smith’s running mate and be given the chance to show his growth in year three. Simpson is a massive breakout candidate after spending all offseason with Smith. But be on the lookout for Buchanan and Hummel to try and impress during the preseason.
This may not be much of a competition, but Harbaugh has talked about both Vorhees and Cleveland this training camp. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has said it’s been a great battle...
