Pundits Say Contributions of Rashod Bateman, Travis Jones Should Not be Overlooked
The Ravens have a roster loaded with Pro Bowlers, but they also have less-heralded players who are significant contributors.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman and defensive tackle Travis Jones are prime examples of talented players who fly under the radar outside of Baltimore.
NFL.com’s Tom Blair named Bateman the Ravens' most "underappreciated" player.
"In Baltimore, wideouts tend to play second, third and fourth fiddle to running backs, tight ends and, duh, Lamar Jackson. If you're a secondary receiver, like Bateman, well, you're gonna have to search the back room for fiddle No. 5," Blair wrote. "Bateman was drafted with a first-round pick (No. 27 overall) in 2021 but spent most of his early career on the fringes of the offensive picture, thanks in large part to injuries that cost him big chunks of Years 1 and 2. So his elevation to productive WR2 in 2024 (he posted 45 catches, 756 receiving yards and nine receiving TDs, all personal highs) counts as a true breakout.
"He also tallied 35 receiving first downs, marking the first time in Jackson's career that more than two Baltimore pass-catchers posted 30 or more (Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews were the others). It is probably not a coincidence that Jackson hit new heights as a passer in 2024, performing so well that it felt like an upset when he didn't win a second consecutive MVP. The signing of DeAndre Hopkins might suppress Bateman's numbers a bit in 2025; then again, the addition of a more famous name to the position group chart only solidifies Bateman's spot here."
As for Jones, he was labeled the Ravens' best-kept secret by Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder.
"While Jones hasn't put up many eye-popping box score statistics over the last three seasons, he does a lot of the grunt work in the trenches," Holder wrote. "Last year, he posted a 73.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and had 30 total pressures during the regular season.
"Especially with Michael Pierce retiring this offseason, expect Jones to stand out more on the Ravens' defense this fall."
Another Area in Which Jackson Excelled as a Passer Last Season
It was noted in Late for Work last week that analytics showed Jackson was historically good when throwing under pressure last season. The two-time MVP also was stellar from a clean pocket.
Jackson led the league in catchable ball percentage and off-target percentage on throws of 10-19 air yards without pressure last season, according to Fantasy Points Data. Jackson was No. 4 in highly-accurate throw percentage on such passes.
It's just more evidence of how much Jackson has grown as a passer.
Malaki Starks Named Ravens' Most Impactful Offseason Acquisition
The Ravens' selection of first-round safety Malaki Starks continues to receive praise from pundits.
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman named Starks the Ravens' most impactful offseason acquisition.
"Starks was already ticketed for a significant role in Baltimore, but Ar'Darius Washington's recent injury makes him an even more crucial part of the team's defense," Wasserman wrote.
Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick said there may not have been a better fit in the first round than the Ravens and Starks.
"[Starks'] versatility and intelligence on the back end elevate those around him and open the door to creativity for Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr," Flick wrote. "Starks can play single-high, split field and nickel corner, and his athleticism, instincts and competitiveness enable him to do each at a high level. He should be an early difference-maker for Baltimore's defense."
Has the AFC North Lost Luster?
The AFC North has earned a reputation as arguably the league's toughest division, but PFF’s Trevor Sikkema believes it's trending down.
Sikkema ranked the eight divisions by overall strength, and the AFC North was No. 4.
"The AFC North remains a competitive division, but it's no longer the juggernaut it was just a few years ago," Sikkema wrote. "The Ravens have claimed back-to-back division titles and are firmly in their Super Bowl window heading into 2025. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins all returning, should again field one of the league's most dangerous offenses. However, their defense regressed in 2024, ranking 20th in EPA per play. Getting Trey Hendrickson back on the field and in the fold could be key — if the defense can hold up, Burrow is more than capable of carrying them to a playoff berth.
"In Pittsburgh, it's nearly sacrilegious to predict a losing season, but despite having one of the league's best defensive lines, there's little to get excited about offensively. The team still hasn't locked in Aaron Rodgers, and even if they do, it's questionable how well he fits Arthur Smith's scheme. If not Rodgers, rookie Will Howard could end up being the guy — a major gamble in a competitive division. As for the Browns, their quarterback situation is a full-blown mystery, with four players reportedly in contention for the starting job. Kevin Stefanski has two Coach of the Year awards, but the team's win total projection (4.5) tells the story."
The NFC North (Lions, Vikings, Packers Bears) took the No. 1 spot in the rankings, followed by the AFC West (Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders) and NFC West (Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, 49ers).
