Ranking the Baltimore Ravens' 13 Best Players Heading Into the 2026 NFL Season

Every season begins with one question around Baltimore: Can this finally be the year the Ravens win another Super Bowl?

On paper, the answer is certainly yes.

General Manager Eric DeCosta has assembled one of the deepest and most complete rosters in football. The Ravens return the NFL's most dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson, one of the league's most feared running backs in Derrick Henry, arguably the best safety in football in Kyle Hamilton, and added elite pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to address one of the team's biggest weaknesses.

Baltimore also boasts one of the NFL's young offensive lines, an improving young secondary, and one of the deepest defensive fronts in the AFC. While every championship team needs stars, it also needs players capable of consistently winning their individual matchups every Sunday.

These are the 13 players who give Baltimore its best chance to compete for a Super Bowl during the 2026 season.

No. 13 – Travis Jones | Defensive Tackle

Travis Jones continues to develop into one of the NFL's most underrated interior defensive linemen.

Although his statistics rarely generate national headlines, Jones does much of the dirty work that allows Baltimore's defense to thrive. His ability to occupy double teams creates running lanes for linebackers while collapsing the pocket against opposing quarterbacks.

At over 330 pounds, Jones possesses rare strength and surprising athleticism.

He consistently forces offenses to alter their blocking schemes, opening opportunities for Baltimore's edge rushers and blitz packages.

The Ravens have long prided themselves on controlling the line of scrimmage, and Jones has become one of the biggest reasons why.

No. 12 – Malaki Starks | Safety

Expectations were enormous when Baltimore selected Malaki Starks.

The former Georgia standout entered the NFL as one of college football's most polished defensive backs, and he immediately strengthened an already talented secondary.

Starks possesses outstanding range, excellent instincts and tremendous versatility. He can cover tight ends, patrol center field, blitz off the edge and provide run support near the line of scrimmage.

Learning alongside Kyle Hamilton gives Baltimore arguably the most talented young safety duo in football.

As Starks gains experience, his impact should only continue growing.

No. 11 – Nate Wiggins | Cornerback

Nate Wiggins has all the tools to become Baltimore's next shutdown corner.

His elite speed allows him to match up with the NFL's fastest receivers, while his length makes throwing contested passes extremely difficult.

After gaining valuable experience as a rookie, Wiggins enters the 2026 season with increased confidence and a better understanding of NFL route concepts.

The Ravens believe he possesses Pro Bowl potential.

If he takes another step forward this season, Baltimore's secondary could become one of the league's best.

No. 10 – Roger Rosengarten | Right Tackle

Roger Rosengarten has exceeded expectations since arriving in Baltimore.

His athletic ability perfectly fits the Ravens' offensive philosophy, allowing him to excel both in pass protection and as a run blocker.

Protecting Lamar Jackson requires offensive tackles capable of sustaining blocks while also reacting to Jackson's ability to extend plays.

Rosengarten has handled that responsibility remarkably well.

His continued improvement gives Baltimore confidence that the right tackle position will remain secure for years to come.

No. 9 – Ronnie Stanley | Left Tackle

When healthy, Ronnie Stanley remains one of football's premier left tackles.

His experience, leadership and technique continue making him invaluable to Baltimore's offense.

Stanley protects Lamar Jackson's blind side against the NFL's best edge rushers every week.

His footwork remains elite, and his ability to neutralize speed rushers allows the Ravens to attack downfield with confidence.

Having Stanley healthy for a full season significantly increases Baltimore's championship chances.

No. 8 – Mark Andrews | Tight End

Mark Andrews continues to rank among the NFL's top 15 tight ends.

Few players have built better chemistry with Lamar Jackson than Andrews.

Whether converting third downs, making contested catches in traffic or producing inside the red zone, Andrews remains Baltimore's most reliable receiving weapon.

His football IQ allows him to recognize defensive coverages while consistently finding open space.

Beyond his production, Andrews serves as one of the team's veteran leaders.

His presence provides stability within one of the NFL's most explosive offenses.

No. 7 – Zay Flowers | Wide Receiver

Zay Flowers has quickly become one of the AFC's most exciting playmakers.

His elite acceleration and route-running ability force defenses to account for him on every snap.

Flowers possesses the rare ability to score from anywhere on the field.

Whether catching quick screens, intermediate crossing routes or deep vertical passes, he consistently creates explosive plays.

His chemistry with Lamar Jackson continues improving every season, making him one of the NFL's rising stars.

With defenses focusing on Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews, Flowers frequently finds favorable one-on-one matchups.

If he continues developing at his current pace, an All-Pro season may not be far away.

The Ravens have searched for years for a true game-breaking receiver.

They found one in Zay Flowers.

No. 6 – Roquan Smith | Linebacker

Ever since arriving in Baltimore, Roquan Smith has completely transformed the Ravens' defense.

Smith brings everything defensive coordinators want from a modern linebacker. He is an elite tackler, outstanding in pass coverage, instinctive against the run, and one of the best defensive leaders in football.

His ability to diagnose plays before they develop consistently puts him in position to make game-changing stops.

Smith's impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. His communication ensures everyone is aligned before the snap, while his physical style sets the tone for Baltimore's defense.

Even with several young stars emerging, Smith remains the heartbeat of one of the NFL's premier defensive units.

No. 5 – Nnamdi Madubuike | Defensive Tackle

Nnamdi Madubuike has become one of the NFL's most disruptive interior defensive linemen.

After developing into a Pro Bowl player, Madubuike has established himself as a nightmare for opposing offensive guards and centers.

His first-step quickness is among the best at his position, allowing him to consistently pressure quarterbacks without requiring blitz help.

Few defensive tackles possess his combination of strength, athleticism and pass-rushing ability.

Madubuike also benefits from playing alongside Travis Jones, as both players command extra blockers and create opportunities for one another.

If Baltimore finishes among the NFL's top defenses once again, Madubuike will be a major reason why.

No. 4 – Trey Hendrickson | Edge Rusher

For years, the Ravens searched for a dominant edge rusher capable of consistently finishing plays.

That search ended with Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson immediately upgrades Baltimore's pass rush with elite production, relentless effort and proven finishing ability.

He has been one of the NFL's sack leaders over the past several seasons because of his relentless motor, advanced hand usage and ability to win against both speed and power.

His arrival changes everything defensively.

Quarterbacks will no longer be able to focus solely on avoiding interior pressure from Madubuike because Hendrickson can take over games off the edge.

His presence should also create additional one-on-one opportunities for Baltimore's defensive tackles while allowing defensive coordinator Zach Orr to become even more aggressive with his blitz packages.

Adding a proven double-digit sack producer may ultimately become Baltimore's biggest offseason move.

No. 3 – Derrick Henry | Running Back

Even in the later stages of his career, Derrick Henry remains one of football's most dominant runners.

At nearly 250 pounds, Henry continues wearing down defenses over four quarters.

Defenders know what's coming.

They simply struggle to stop it.

His combination of power, vision and breakaway speed remains unique in today's NFL.

Henry also perfectly complements Lamar Jackson.

Few defenses possess enough speed to account for Jackson while also having enough size to consistently stop Henry between the tackles.

Together they form perhaps the NFL's most dangerous rushing duo.

Henry's leadership has also become invaluable inside Baltimore's locker room.

His work ethic, preparation and professionalism continue setting an example for younger teammates.

If the Ravens find themselves protecting fourth-quarter leads throughout the season, expect Henry to receive plenty of opportunities to close games.

No. 2 – Kyle Hamilton | Safety

Kyle Hamilton has firmly established himself as the NFL's best safety.

Few defensive players possess his versatility.

Hamilton can rush the passer, stop the run, cover tight ends, match up against wide receivers and patrol deep coverage with equal effectiveness.

His football intelligence separates him from nearly every defensive back in the league.

Offensive coordinators constantly adjust game plans because of Hamilton's ability to disguise coverages before the snap.

His impact often doesn't appear in traditional statistics.

Instead, it shows through forced incompletions, altered quarterback decisions and eliminating opposing offenses' favorite concepts.

Hamilton has become the centerpiece of Baltimore's secondary and one of the NFL's most valuable defensive players.

Many around the league believe he deserves consideration as the best overall defensive player in football—not just the best safety.

No. 1 – Lamar Jackson | Quarterback

No surprise here.

Lamar Jackson remains the unquestioned face of the Baltimore Ravens.

The two-time NFL MVP continues redefining what is possible from the quarterback position.

Jackson's athleticism remains unmatched, but his growth as a passer has elevated his game to another level.

He now consistently wins from inside the pocket while still possessing the ability to create explosive plays whenever protection breaks down.

Defenses face an impossible challenge every week.

Commit too many defenders to stopping Jackson's running ability, and he beats opponents through the air.

Drop additional defenders into coverage, and Jackson escapes the pocket for huge rushing gains.

His leadership has also matured tremendously throughout his career.

Teammates trust him in every critical situation because he consistently delivers when games matter most.

Surrounded by Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, an improved offensive line and one of the NFL's deepest defenses, Jackson enters the 2026 season with perhaps the strongest supporting cast of his career.

The expectations are enormous.

Anything less than competing for a Super Bowl will likely be viewed as a disappointment.

Final Thoughts

The Ravens possess one of the NFL's most complete rosters.

Their offense features elite talent at quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver and along the offensive line. Defensively, Baltimore boasts stars at every level, from Trey Hendrickson and Nnamdi Madubuike up front to Roquan Smith in the middle and Kyle Hamilton anchoring the secondary.

Young players like Nate Wiggins, Malaki Starks and Roger Rosengarten continue improving, while established veterans such as Ronnie Stanley, Mark Andrews and Derrick Henry provide leadership and championship experience.

What separates Baltimore from many contenders is balance.

The Ravens can win by controlling the line of scrimmage, dominating on defense, running the football, or allowing Lamar Jackson to take over games with his arm and legs.

Health will ultimately determine how far this team goes, but on paper there are few rosters that can match Baltimore's combination of star power, depth and coaching.

If these 13 players perform to their potential, the Ravens won't simply contend for an AFC North title—they will enter every Sunday believing they have the talent to compete for a Super Bowl and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore for the first time since the 2012 season.