As Ravens training camp approaches, we'll look at six of the top position group competitions: wide receiver, offensive line, outside linebacker, cornerback, safety, and kicker.
In the Hunt
- Beau Brade
- Kyle Hamilton
- Sanoussi Kane
- Malaki Starks
- Ar'Darius Washington (injured)
- Desmond Igbinosun (undrafted rookie)
- Keondre Jackson (undrafted rookie)
Projected Starters
Hamilton's ability to impact the game from numerous positions is a key component in Baltimore's defense. He's a unique talent who has quickly ascended to All-Pro status. Starks is a mature first-round pick who will be an immediate starter and is expected to make plays and avoid mistakes, allowing Hamilton to roam more frequently than last season.
Best Battle
Kane and Brade are vying for the No. 3 safety role after Washington suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury that will keep him sidelined well into the regular season. The competition between Kane and Brade could last all summer, but Kane may have the edge heading into camp.
"I think he's had a really good offseason," Head Coach John Harbaugh said during minicamp. "The OTAs have been really good, and he's gotten better every day."
As rookies last season, Kane and Brade earned their way onto special teams after Kane was a seventh-round pick and Brade went undrafted out of Maryland. This summer presents a golden opportunity for them to take their young careers to another level.
Under the Radar
Only four safeties have been drafted in the first round since 2022, and the Ravens have selected two of them. Hamilton was the 14th overall pick in 2022, while Starks was taken with at No. 27 in April.
The decision to take Hamilton paid off handsomely, and Starks has already made a strong impression.
"He's super eager to learn, and he's very mature for his age," Hamilton said of Starks. "I can tell he is a great dude, a great football player, and I'm excited for you all to see it on display this season. He's going to do very well with the opportunity, and he's going to have a great career."
