2023 Baltimore Ravens Defense
Baltimore slipped to 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (1,566), with ball carriers gaining 3.9 yards per carry. They allowed 11 touchdowns. Some of their success in yards was helped by offenses averaging 23.9 rushes per game.
The Ravens climbed to 26th in the league in passing yards allowed (3,947) with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Quarterbacks gained 6.7 yards per net pass attempt while delivering 48 sacks.
Their defensive line lacks star power while having one potential young player (DT Travis Jones – 3rd round in 2022) with a higher ceiling. Baltimore relies on a strong linebacking corps to support the run and attack the quarterback.
LB Odafe Oweh has yet to develop into an impact player after getting drafted in the first round in 2021. He’ll attack the quarterback while trailing in his development in run support. LB Roquan Smith is a tackling machine, highlighted by over 150 tackles in back-to-back seasons. The Ravens acquired him mid-season in 2022 via a trade with the Bears. LB Patrick Queen adds value to the pass rush while showing some growth against the run. Baltimore hopes LB David Ojabo improves their defense after missing most of his rookie season with a torn Achilles.
CB Marlon Humphrey remains one of the better cornerbacks in the league. He even chipped with a career-high in sacks (3) last season. S Kyle Hamilton excelled in his rookie season after the Ravens selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He upgrades their run defense while holding receivers to short yards per catch. Baltimore hopes Rock Ya-Sin can handle the other starting cornerback job. He missed 16 games over the past three seasons for the Colts and Raiders. Ya-Sin has starting experience, but he missed time last year with knee issues. The Ravens’ free safety job appears to be up for grabs in 2023.
The improvement in the pass rush last year, and a high floor in run support bodes well for Baltimore having a top-10 fantasy defense this season. Offenses with stud wideouts will create coverage problems if their pass rush can’t close the passing window. In the early draft season in the high-stakes market, the Ravens are the eighth defense selected.