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Five Camp Questions: How Will Todd Monken Maximize Ravens' Offensive Arsenal?

WR DeAndre Hopkins
WR DeAndre Hopkins

As training camp nears, we'll look at five areas of focus for the Ravens. First up is finding the best combinations of offensive weaponry:

The Ravens have arguably their best offensive arsenal in franchise history, led by Lamar Jackson and orchestrated by Todd Monken.

Ageless Derrick Henry and Justice Hill man the backfield. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins are arguably the best wide receiver trio the Ravens have ever had. Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar return as perhaps the NFL's best tight end trio.

Baltimore's offense ranked No. 1 in the league last year in yardage per game (424.9) and third in points (30.5), so there isn't a lot of room for growth. But to stay on top and get even better, an offense has to evolve and stay fresh every offseason.

How will Monken maximize this year's weapons?

Will the Ravens double down on "12" personnel?

The Ravens leaned heavily on their use of "12" personnel last year (one running back, two tight ends), using it the second-most times of any team in the past 20 years.

They did so because it was so effective, posting an expected points added (EPA) of +96.52, which was by far the best margin of any offense during the same time span.

The Ravens have the same tight ends returning, as well as fullback Patrick Ricard. They can just as easily run the ball out of "12" personnel as they can throw it, making it especially difficult for defenses to handle.

Will the Ravens use more three wide receiver sets?

Though "11" personnel (one running back, three wide receivers) was the most commonly used package in the NFL in 2024, the Ravens used it at the lowest clip (30.1%) in the league last season, per Sports Info Solutions.

Will that change after Baltimore added Hopkins to the offensive weaponry this season? Hopkins diversifies the wide receiver room's skillset as a contested-catch maven. He could open up more sideline back-shoulder throws that are very difficult for cornerbacks to defend, giving Jackson another trusted target outside the hash marks.

Does using Hopkins take Flowers or Bateman – one of the league's most talented duos – off the field? Or will Monken lean more into "11" personnel?

How do the Ravens incorporate other young talents?

Beyond the projected starters, the Ravens have a number of intriguing offensive weapons that Monken could weave into the offensive tapestry.

Running back Keaton Mitchell is at or near the top of that list, as he's fully recovered from the major knee injury suffered his rookie year. Mitchell has looked as fast as ever during summer practices thus far.

Henry is a workhorse runner who looks ready for another heavy load after posting the second-most carries (325) in the league last year. Hill was a dynamo as a receiver (42 receptions), particularly on third down. It will be interesting to see how Monken can find touches (and how many) for Mitchell.

Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker was another standout during organized team activities and minicamp. Yet behind the aforementioned wide receiver trio, it could be tough to find snaps to utilize his speed.

Three members of the 2025 draft class, an undrafted rookie, and a veteran wide receiver were among the Ravens' standouts during OTAs.

Clifton-Brown
Clifton Brown

BaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer

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