Baltimore Beatdown
In this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey, we asked you which Raven would have the biggest bounce-back season in 2026.
You decisively chose Roquan Smith, who led the pack with a 46% of the vote. Despite reaching his sixth career Pro Bowl last year, he has admitted that his play was not up to par. But a better defensive line in front of him and a refreshed scheme via new head coach Jesse Minter – who pulled solid play out of relatively unheralded linebackers in Los Angeles – could give Smith a major boost.
Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman came in second and third place, respectively. It is hard to imagine them putting up worse numbers than they did last season. Declan Doyle’s new offense and a better offensive line will offer ways for both pass-catchers to make a bigger impact.
Marlon Humphrey coming in last is somewhat interesting. He struggled in 2025 no matter what his role was, but he was excellent in 2024. The cornerback position seems to have sudden regression more often than others, but Minter oversaw some of Humphrey’s best seasons when he was the Ravens’ secondary, including a first-team All-Pro nod in 2019.
Other candidates including Nnamdi Madubuike, who is more a candidate for a comeback than a bounce-back. He was incredibly effective before going down last year, so he does not necessarily need to improve his play. He just needs to get back on the field.
None of these players are serious candidates for any end of season awards, but they are listed in some early odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook). Smith is +12500 for Defensive Player of the Year, Andrews is +40000 for Offensive Player of the Year, and Humphrey is +50000 for DPOY. Bateman is not listed at all.
