Tyler Linderbaum Tabbed As a Future All-Pro
Center Tyler Linderbaum has been everything the Ravens expected when they drafted him in the first round in 2022.
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards believes Linderbaum, a two-time Pro Bowler, is still ascending. Edwards predicted a future All-Pro at every position, and Linderbaum was his choice at center.
"Tyler Linderbaum has just a 2.5% beaten rate in 54 games, according to TruMedia," Edwards wrote. "The outlet has credited him with just four sacks allowed in three seasons."
Edwards noted that Linderbaum, 25, is already a leader on an offensive line that has undergone changes in the starting lineup this offseason and last.
"After the loss of veterans Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler, Linderbaum grew into his own and became a captain of an improved Ravens offensive line," Edwards wrote.
Kyle Hamilton Voted NFL's Best Safety by AP Writers
Kyle Hamilton, who the Ravens took 11 picks before they selected Linderbaum, is already a two–time All-Pro, and the growing sentiment is that he is the best safety in the league.
Hamilton was ranked No. 1 at his position in voting by a panel of eight Associated Press football writers.
"Kyle Hamilton has quickly proved that he can be a jack of all trades on Baltimore's stellar defense, thriving in the slot, the box or as a deep safety," AP’s Josh Dubow wrote. "But it was the decision to move Hamilton to free safety midway through last season that helped eliminate the big plays and boost the Ravens' defense.
"Hamilton has been the most important piece on Baltimore's defense thanks in large part to his versatility. He has the ability to stop the run, excel against the pass and rush the quarterback and was voted a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-teamer last season. Hamilton played the majority of his snaps starting in Week 11 last season as a free safety and the Ravens went from allowing 4.7 pass plays of at least 20 yards per game to 1.6 after the switch."
As noted in Late for Work last week, Hamilton was voted the NFL's top safety in an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts. Pro Football Focus also ranked Hamilton at No. 1.
Linderbaum is entering the final year of his rookie contract, while Hamilton is under contract through the 2026 season. General Manager Eric DeCosta has said the Ravens intend to sign both to extensions.
Marlon Humphrey Snubbed From ESPN's Top 10 Cornerback Rankings
Despite being named to his fourth Pro Bowl last season and finishing third in the league with a career-high six interceptions, Marlon Humphrey did not make the top 10 cornerback rankings in ESPN’s survey of NFL insiders.
Humphrey was the first player named on the honorable mention list.
"He's best in the slot at this stage, but he's such a natural in there, very disruptive and can get the ball, physical," an NFL coordinator said.
Two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander, who signed with the Ravens last month, and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins also received votes.
Ravens' Offensive Skill Position Group Just Outside Top Three in Bleacher Report Rankings
The Ravens offense ranked first in yards and third in points last season and is loaded with playmakers, but its skill position group did not crack the top three in Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon’s top 10 rankings.
The group, featuring quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, wide receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, came in at No. 4.
"What makes them great: Perennial MVP candidate Jackson, superstar Henry in the offensive backfield, and a deep group of pass-catchers with varying degrees of experience," Gagnon wrote.
Gagnon noted that there is room for growth for several of the offense's younger players.
"Flowers and Likely are both still on rookie contracts and have flashed enough to make people notice, while a 25-year-old Bateman is coming off a breakout season with 756 yards and nine touchdowns," Gagnon wrote.
The Philadelphia Eagles were ranked No. 1, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions.
