Roquan Smith has been a first-team All-Pro at inside linebacker the past three seasons and the Ravens have made three straight playoff appearances.
Baltimore had the NFL's best defense down the stretch last season and the No. 1 defense in the league in 2023.
Smith knows a quality defense when he sees it, and he thinks Baltimore's 2025 defense can have a memorable season, using multiple looks that are all effective.
"I'm sure there's going to be a lot of different combinations, whether that's linebackers, safeties, D-ends or D-tackles," Smith said. "This is probably the most talented defense I've been on. I'm excited about the opportunity to get out there with these guys and go to work."
Smith has reported to training camp in tip-top shape, and as a locker room leader, he's putting emphasis on bringing focus and effort to every practice. The Ravens have the personnel, but Smith wants to see how they perform together.
"On paper doesn't mean much; it's all about what you do on the field," Smith said. "Today was a great start for us. We've got a loaded secondary, but it's not about paper, it's about what you do out on the field. Those guys know that as well. We're excited about the opportunity to keep getting better."
Jake Hummel Sidelined With Hand Injury
The Ravens were almost at full strength for the first training camp practice, however inside linebacker Jake Hummel was sidelined by a non-football cut on his hand.
Head Coach John Harbaugh estimated that Hummel should be back in about a week.
The only other players who were absent Wednesday were safety Ar'Darius Washington (Achilles/Physically Unable to Perform) and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (Non-Football Injury/Shoulder).
Derrick Henry: Keaton Mitchell Is Back to 'Supersonic'
The Ravens had a premier running back duo in Derrick Henry and Justice Hill last season, but the reemergence of Keaton Mitchell could make it an even more dangerous trio in 2025.
Mitchell was a standout in OTAs and minicamp. Sporting brightly colored cleats at the start of training camp, he looked just as (if not more) explosive. He ripped off what would have been a long carry up the middle and dusted the defense to get open on what would have been a long touchdown had he not dropped it.
"He's flying around. He's back the old Keaton – being fast, being 'Supersonic,'" Henry said. "Happy to see him get his feet back under himself and be healthy, and he's going to help us a lot this year."
Mitchell only had 15 carries in five games last season as he worked his way back from the knee injury that robbed him and the Ravens of the end of his dynamic rookie season, when he led all running backs with 8.4 yards per carry.
While Henry will continue to be the Ravens' bell-cow runner and Hill will play a pivotal role as a receiver and blocker, Baltimore could look to get Mitchell more carries if he keeps it up in practice.
Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan Have Been Hitting the Weights
Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan are competing for playing time at inside linebacker next to Smith, and he's impressed with their approach.
Smith sounded a little envious when he described the chiseled physiques of his younger linebackers.
"Those boys are yoked up. I never looked like that," Smith said. "Whatever plan they're on, I probably need to look into it."
Simpson began the 2024 season as a starter but saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed. He looks determined to get that playing time back. Simpson and Smith spent quality time together during the offseason, and the veteran linebacker gave Simpson a ringing endorsement regarding his character.
"He's the type of guy you'd want to marry your sister," Smith said. "Last year was like a rookie year for him, because he didn't play [the year before] with [Patrick Queen] being here. The step he's going to take this upcoming season, I'm very excited to see it, and I'm excited for him to show everyone as well. He's got a lot of potential."
Buchanan is a rookie fourth-round pick who doesn't seem overwhelmed by transitioning to the NFL from Cal. Smith noticed how quickly Buchanan has absorbed Baltimore's defensive system.
"He's well advanced for a rookie," Smith said. "The way he processed things throughout the springtime, the way things clicked for him mentally. I think he's going to be a really good player in this league."
