What Can Ravens Expect When They Face Todd Monken's Browns?
When Todd Monken was hired as the Ravens' offensive coordinator in 2023, his mission was to evolve the Lamar Jackson-led offense and take it to another level.
The Ravens had one of the most explosive offenses in the league during Monken's first two seasons, Jackson won his second MVP award, and had the best season of his career in 2024.
Monken has a much different task as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who had the 31st-ranked offense this season and have an unsettled quarterback situation.
The Browns' quarterback room consists of veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders started the final seven games this season.
What can the Ravens expect when they face Monken's Browns?
Champ Bailey, a former teammate of fellow Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders (Shedeur's father), believes Shedeur should be the starter and can flourish under Monken.
"The guy's obviously an offensive genius," Bailey said on the "Up & Adams" show. "I want to see what he does with a true pocket passer like Shedeur Sanders. As long as they get together and start going over what it means to play in his system, I see great things for Shedeur."
In addition to revamping the Browns' offense, Monken will also be counted on to change the culture of a franchise that has had a losing record in 23 of 27 seasons in its current iteration.
"Monken brings the intense, no-nonsense disposition that can create a culture shift in an organization that desperately needs it," ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi wrote.
ESPN’s Ben Solak gave the hiring of Monken – who turns 60 next week and is one of the oldest first-time lead coaches in NFL history – a "B" grade.
"[Monken's offensive] acumen, as well as in-depth knowledge of the AFC North, can't be discounted, even if it might feel like an uninspiring hire to many who anticipated a younger coach to reinvigorate the franchise," Solak wrote.
Monken will inherit a stout defense led by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, but it's unclear if Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was a finalist for the Browns' head coach job, will return.
Schwartz interviewed for the Ravens' head coach position before Jesse Minter was hired.
Los Angeles Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, who also interviewed for the Ravens' head coach opening, was the other finalist in Cleveland. Scheelhaase is reportedly expected to remain with the Rams.
Jackson Is Outside Top 15 in Top 100 Player Projection for 2026
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano is counting down his projection of the top 100 players for 2026 and has revealed all but the top 10.
Four Ravens made the list. Manzano's placement of Jackson at No. 16 stuck out.
"Jackson had a rough 2025, which helps explain this low ranking for the two-time MVP," Manzano wrote. "It's also fair to wonder whether this is the beginning of a decline for a 29-year-old quarterback who relies heavily on his athleticism. The Ravens' offense struggled to operate with Jackson not showing a willingness to run after a hamstring injury early in the season. In 13 games, Jackson completed 63.6% of his passes for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and a single-season career low of 349 rushing yards."
Safety Kyle Hamilton (No. 13), center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 41), and running back Derrick Henry (No. 67) were also ranked.
Pundit Says Ravens Should Pursue Steelers Free Agent
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker identified one free agent each team should pursue this offseason. For the Ravens, it's Pittsburgh Steelers veteran guard Isaac Seumalo.
Seumalo, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, has experience at both guard spots.
"The Ravens desperately need help at guard after owning the 26th-ranked grade at the position this year," Locker wrote. "Seumalo enjoyed a terrific season for the Steelers with a 73.3 overall PFF grade. The former Eagle especially shined in pass protection, permitting just 20 pressures with a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade. The 32-year-old would offer an instant upgrade over either Daniel Faalele or Andrew Vorhees."
Three Ravens Poised to Make a Leap Next Season
It was noted in Wednesday’s Late for Work that safety Malaki Starks was named the Ravens' top breakout candidate by PFF.
Ravens Wire’s Glenn Erby named several other Ravens players who are poised to make a leap next season. Here's a look at three, along with Erby's comments:
OLB Mike Green
"Green got off to a slow start, but eventually found his footing down the stretch. Overall, Green played 713 snaps, finishing with a 46.3 grade from PFF, 3.5 sacks, 19 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits. With Minter entering the process, Green's production should jump tremendously."
RT Roger Rosengarten
"Last season, Rosengarten earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team, alongside No. 5-overall pick Joe Alt of the Los Angeles Chargers. … Rosengarten took over as the Ravens' starting right tackle in Week 4 [in 2024] and finished ranked No. 39 at his position by Pro Football Focus (PFF). He had four sacks allowed in 488 pass blocking snaps. This season, Rosengarten's 76.4 grade was 26th in the NFL, as he logged 1,014 snaps with three sacks allowed."
WR Devontez Walker
"A highlight reel when he's in the lineup, Walker had six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns on eight targets in 12 regular-season games for the Ravens in 2025. … Walker has seven catches on 11 career targets, for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Five of his seven catches have gone for over 20 yards. Dating back to his rookie season, Walker's first three catches all went for touchdowns. Walker may never be the second or third option, but the next offensive coordinator has to figure out more snaps in key situations for the pass catcher."
