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With the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster officially finalized following an active weekend, the attention now shifts to the upcoming matchup against the Dolphins and beyond. Baltimore’s roster looks a bit different than last year at certain positions, namely wide receiver, outside linebacker, and running back.
The Ravens have no shortage of talented players throughout the depth chart, and while everyone figures to play a part in the team’s success, some players are more indispensable than others.
Examining some of the NFL’s national awards, here’s a projection of who the Ravens’ MVP, OPOY, DPOY - and more - will be. Be sure to vote on each of the polls below and join the conversation in the comment section!
MVP: Earl Thomas, FS
Although it’s only his first season with the team, veteran safety Earl Thomas instantly becomes the best player on the defensive side of the ball, and perhaps on the entire roster, given his talent and pedigree. Thomas should have no issues mastering Martindale’s scheme and improving his pre-snap communication with the likes of Patrick Onuwasor, Tony Jefferson, and others. Health-permitting,
Thomas should anchor the team’s defense and allow “Wink” to be more flexible and creative with his schemes, as “ETIII” will be roaming in the defensive backfield as the single-high ball hawk. His impact will assist in mitigating what could be a middling pass-rushing group, and he instantly changes the dynamic of the team. Look for Thomas to have a tremendous year.
Poll
Who will be the team’s MVP?
This poll is closed
-
12%
Earl Thomas
(63 votes) -
59%
Lamar Jackson
(288 votes) -
22%
Marlon Humphrey
(107 votes) -
1%
Marshal Yanda
(7 votes) -
4%
Other
(20 votes)
Offensive Player of the Year: Lamar Jackson, QB
This was a toss-up between skill position players, such as Mark Ingram or Mark Andrews, as well as an offensive lineman, like Ronnie Stanley or Marshal Yanda. However, the signal-caller of the offense, Lamar Jackson, will be the straw that makes Greg Roman’s drink stir. Jackson’s combination of rushing prowess and projected improvement in the passing game will prove to be more valuable than anything any of the aforementioned names above can bring to the table, as will his ability to orchestrate the offense.
While the additions of Ingram, Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and Justice Hill are notable, the success of the Ravens’ offense will ultimately ride on Jackson’s shoulders. A breakout performance seems more likely than a significant step back, and any sort of marginal leap he takes from last season will result in solid numbers across the board. Upwards of 3,000 yards passing, 500+ yards rushing and 25+ combined touchdowns seems within the realm of possibility and would certainly make him the team’s OPOY.
Poll
Who will be the team’s OPOY?
This poll is closed
-
72%
Lamar Jackson
(324 votes) -
14%
Mark Ingram
(63 votes) -
2%
Marshal Yanda
(13 votes) -
0%
Ronnie Stanley
(4 votes) -
10%
Other
(46 votes)
Defensive Player of the Year: Marlon Humphrey, CB
Last season, cornerback Marlon Humphrey was voted in as the Ravens’ MVP and if not for the addition of Earl Thomas, that’s exact where he’d be on this list. Humphrey was the team’s best defensive player last year, and perhaps the best player on the roster, both in terms of consistency and performance. There’s no reason to think he’ll regress at all this year, but rather take another step forward and ascend to elite status at the corner position. The Alabama product is one the league’s most underrated players and has performed at a very high level through his first two seasons.
In terms of coverage ability, very few cornerbacks are better than Humphrey, specifically in man and press coverage. Other viable options for the team’s DPOY are Thomas, Matthew Judon, Michael Pierce, Tony Jefferson, or Patrick Onuwasor. Overall, though, Humphrey is the best player from this bunch and is probably the best player on the team after Thomas.
Poll
Who will be the team’s DPOY?
This poll is closed
-
49%
Marlon Humphrey
(215 votes) -
32%
Earl Thomas
(140 votes) -
8%
Matthew Judon
(38 votes) -
8%
Patrick Onwuasor
(35 votes) -
1%
Other
(5 votes)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Marquise Brown, WR
It’s been Miles Boykin, not Marquise Brown, whose been the team’s standout rookie wideout this offseason. To no fault of Brown, however, as he’s been recovering from surgery to address a lisfranc injury. Boykin could very well end up having the more productive season between the two, but the potential and upside of “Hollywood” is difficult to shove by the wayside. Also working in his favor is that the arrow seems to be pointed up, in terms of his progression.
Brown’s workload steadily increased as training camp progressed. He began practicing nearly every day, suited up in the final two preseason games, and while addressing the media on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh said Brown is a “full-go” for Sunday’s regular season opener in Miami. Barring any setbacks during the season, Brown figures to be one of the team’s target leaders alongside Willie Snead IV and Mark Andrews.
Poll
Who will be the team’s OROY?
This poll is closed
-
27%
Marquise Brown
(122 votes) -
42%
Miles Boykin
(189 votes) -
1%
Ben Powers
(7 votes) -
26%
Justice Hill
(119 votes) -
0%
Patrick Mekari
(1 vote) -
2%
Trace McSorley
(9 votes)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE
The Ravens only drafted three defensive players this season: Jaylon Ferguson, Iman Marshall, and Daylon Mack. Otara Alaka, an undrafted free agent, also made the 53-man roster after a strong preseason. Between this group, Ferguson, who the Ravens selected in the third round, is set up for the best chance of success in year one. The all-time leading sacker in the FBS, may not play a huge role given he’s currently fifth in-line for snaps at OLB behind Matthew Judon, Pernell McPhee, Tim Williams, and Tyus Bowser.
With that being said, however, Ferguson will likely still see a fair amount of snaps given the team’s lack of established pass-rushers. Like McPhee, Ferguson, in addition to rushing from the edge, can provide interior pass-rush, which is all-the-more valuable with Willie Henry no longer on the roster. Like Ferguson, both Alaka and Mack are last on the pecking orders at their respective positions, but the Louisian Tech product plays at a more dire position and is a more polished player at this stage.
Poll
Who will be the team’s DROY?
This poll is closed
-
64%
Jaylon Ferguson
(242 votes) -
25%
Otara Alaka
(95 votes) -
10%
Daylon Mack
(39 votes) -
0%
Iman Marshall
(2 votes)
Comeback Player of the Year: Hayden Hurst, TE
Finding a player for CPOY was difficult. Jimmy Smith and DeShon Elliott are considerations, as is WR Jaleel Scott. Elliott and Scott may fit the narrative better given they missed the entirety of the 2018-19 season, but Hayden Hurst seems like the better choice. Baltimore used their 25th overall selection in last year’s draft to select Hurst and the early returns weren’t so positive. After missing the first quarter of the season with a foot injury, Hurst never found his groove upon returning.
Poll
Who will be the team’s CPOY?
This poll is closed
-
45%
Hayden Hurst
(178 votes) -
14%
Jimmy Smith
(56 votes) -
16%
DeShon Elliott
(66 votes) -
19%
Jaleel Scott
(75 votes) -
3%
Other
(14 votes)
His receiving prowess was rarely on display and he was significantly overshadowed by fellow rookie TE Mark Andrews. With that being said, Hurst has looked improved this offseason and appears healthy. Hurst, 26, is entering an important sophomore season and despite a bevy of other pass-catchers on the roster, is in a great spot to improve upon his performance from last season.