As training camp nears, we'll look at five areas of focus for the Ravens. Today's spotlight is on the special teams units:
The Ravens special teams will have a decidedly different look in 2025.
There will be a new kicker for the first time since 2012 after the release of Justin Tucker. The two players who led Baltimore in special teams snaps last season departed in free agency – Chris Board (New York Giants) and Malik Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Baltimore didn't meet its usual standard of superb special teams play in 2024. The Ravens were the only team to surrender two successful onside kicks, and their longest punt return was 22 yards. The Ravens were tied for 20th in kickoff returns (27.0 yards) and didn't score a touchdown.
Tucker has the worst season of his career. Punter Jordan Stout has one of the NFL's strongest legs, but he'll be seeking more consistency in 2025. Stout ranked 20th in net punt average (41.2 yards) in 2024, 26th in yards per punt (46.4), and 28th in touchback percentage (10.9).
Entering camp, some important special teams questions to answer include:
Who will win the kicker competition between Tyler Loop and John Hoyland?
The Loop-Hoyland competition will be training camp's most closely watched position battle. Loop is the first kicker drafted in franchise history (sixth round), but he's being challenged by Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming.
Both kickers have strong legs, but who will perform more accurately in pressure situations? That's something the coaching staff wants to determine.
"I don't think you're ever going to really know," Harbaugh said after rookie minicamp. "Everything guys do in their first year is like a new day. So, if it's a kicker, every kick is going to be the first time he's done it over the course of his rookie season. So, it's always going to be a little bit of – certainly going to be an unknown. Whenever you go with the rookie kicker, that would be an unknown."
Will LaJohntay Wester win the punt returner job?
Wester, a sixth-round receiver from Colorado, was a dangerous punt returner in college and will be given an opportunity to win the job. The Ravens also re-signed wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who has made big plays over his career as a returner.
During practices and preseason games, Wester needs to display sure hands and good decision-making on returns. Several times last season, Baltimore lost field position in crucial moments when punts were not fielded and rolled toward the Ravens' goal line.
Running back Keaton Mitchell enters camp as the favorite to be Baltimore's primary kickoff returner. Mitchell is healthy again after a major knee injury in 2023, and returning kickoffs would give him opportunities to utilize his speed in the open field.
Can special teams newcomers help the Ravens make splash plays?
Veteran special teams standout Jake Hummel, an under-the-radar free-agent signing by Baltimore, is expected to play an important role. Hummel had eight special teams tackles for the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 and blocked a punt that led to a touchdown.
Hummel will add inside linebacker depth along with Teddye Buchanan, a rookie fourth-round pick. Buchanan played special teams in college and will compete for defensive snaps. Meanwhile, rookie corners Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam could help secure a roster spot by excelling on special teams.
"For me, special teams is going to be a priority," Buchanan said after being drafted. "I'm super excited in that regard."
