Training camp questions aren’t just reserved for NFL teams enduring a coaching change. Even aspiring Super Bowl contenders like the Baltimore Ravens have a list of question marks.
We break down the five most pressing ones before last year’s AFC runners-up report to camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Unanswered Questions Ahead of Baltimore Ravens Training Camp
The Ravens have emerged as one of the more aggressive offseason decision-makers in the last two years, from signing Lamar Jackson to a blockbuster extension before his Most Valuable Player run in ’23 to surrounding him with past veteran Pro Bowl talent.
Jackson has his own questions, but we’re leading off with one significant offensive move that’ll be much watched starting in camp.
How Much Will They Use Derrick Henry?
“King Henry” has joined two-time NFL MVP Jackson in Baltimore’s backfield. The decorated Derrick Henry brings a résumé of two NFL rushing titles, four Pro Bowl nods, 90 career touchdowns, and a 2,000-yard season.
But at 30, Baltimore has to spend camp season figuring out how to manage Henry’s mileage and prevent wearing him down.
Henry has hit the age where RBs show their most wear and tear. Plus, in the case of Henry, his rushing yards dove in ’23. However, Henry still delivered 1,167 yards in his final Tennessee Titans campaign — proof his gas tank has yet to hit empty.
He’ll come in expected to be the upgrade over Gus Edwards, who produced 810 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns as the power option in the ground game. Still, head coach John Harbaugh will likely field questions on how he’ll utilize Henry, including if he’ll limit his touches.
Do They Have Enough at Wide Receiver?
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are anticipated to be WR1 and WR2, respectively, for the Ravens’ air attack. Of the two, the rookie Flowers was the most impactful in 2023 with 77 catches, 858 yards, and five touchdowns.
However, the public’s most recent memory of Flowers is of the rookie losing his cool during the AFC Championship Game. Flowers has this camp season to refocus and take new steps in Season 2.
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The rest of the room outside Flowers raises even more questions about whether Jackson has enough explosive options to throw to. Bateman has never caught 50 passes in a season since coming to Baltimore as the 27th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. While he agreed to a two-year extension, the Ravens will expect more than his production in 2023.
With Odell Beckham Jr. gone, Tylan Wallace and Deonte Harty have a chance to step into the WR3 role. Wallace, though, was the only one of the two who caught a pass last season — one grab for 11 yards. Perhaps former Louisville QB Malik Cunningham can even push for the third receiving option among the WRs.
How Quickly Does the New Offensive Line Gel?
This is another critical area where the Ravens need to ensure the Jackson/Henry collaboration can dominate. And they’ll need some new faces to gel immediately, as center Tyler Linderbaum is the lone Pro Bowler left on the line.
Baltimore was ravaged in the trenches during the offseason. Both starting guards Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions) and John Simpson (New York Jets) are gone. Even right tackle Morgan Moses is joining Simpson in the Jets’ trenches.
Roger Rosengarten gets an immediate chance to secure the RT spot as a rookie. Baltimore took him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 62 overall to address the right side. But the interior is where the Ravens face the most scrutiny.
Andrew Vorhees has a chance to snatch the left guard spot, but he missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Ben Cleveland allowed zero sacks on 171 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus; he’s another player expected to step up right away with Baltimore going younger at guard. If both struggle, count on reliable veteran Patrick Mekari to step in as youth and depth are big dilemmas on the Ravens’ line.
How Will the Defense Look Without Mike Macdonald?
Losing Patrick Queen via free agency hurts, but Mike Macdonald heading to the West Coast is another major defensive loss.
Zach Orr gets the chance to call the defensive plays, replacing the new Seattle Seahawks head coach. Orr, 31, has never been given play-calling duties before.
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Yet, Harbaugh has spoken glowingly about him. After elevating him, Harbaugh shared how “his energy, intelligence, work ethic, and strong communication skills have been on display since the day he joined [the] organization as a player in 2014.”
Orr already knows the defense, having spent last year coaching the inside linebackers. Orr more than likely will not toss away the scheme already in place, especially after fielding a top 10 unit under Macdonald in 2023.
Could Lamar Jackson Go Back-to-Back With MVPs?
Finally, history is on the side of Jackson and the Ravens.
The franchise has never produced a back-to-back MVP winner, but Jackson can break into elite company if he repeats. He’ll join Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, and Jim Brown as the NFL’s only consecutive winners of the highest individual award.
Here’s why Jackson is in a position to make another run: Todd Monken is back as his offensive coordinator ahead of camp. Monken got Jackson to produce career highs in yardage (3,678) and completion percentage (67.2%). Jackson will absorb even more of Monken’s scheme and coaching during camp.