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‘The Safety Depth Could Be Even More Critical’: Major Concern About Ravens Revealed Before 2025 Season
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2025 NFL season with one of the league’s most talented rosters, yet lingering concerns in their secondary continue to cast a shadow over their Super Bowl aspirations. While the team boasts All-Pro talents like Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, the depth at safety remains a critical vulnerability.

Hamilton is coming off a stellar season and is poised to anchor the secondary alongside Humphrey, who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024. However, beyond these stars, the Ravens’ defensive backfield lacks proven contributors. Veteran Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie were added to bolster depth, but inconsistent performances and age have left questions about their reliability.


Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; NFL safety Kyle Hamilton (14) arrives prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

With safety Ar’Darius Washington starting on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the pressure on Malaki Starks, a rookie, to make an immediate impact is immense. This lack of depth is further compounded by struggles in the trenches, where the offensive and defensive lines also face scrutiny.

On offense, right guard Daniel Faalele struggled significantly last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in run block win rate. Defensively, the departures of Michael Pierce and Brent Urban have left gaps in the interior, with replacements coming from late-round draft picks and minor free-agent additions.

NFL Analysis Reveals Major Concern About Baltimore Ravens Ahead of 2025 Season


Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) on field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Baltimore has to address one major concern ahead of the upcoming 2025 campaign. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alex Ballentine for Bleacher Report.

Biggest Weakness: Secondary

The Ravens secondary has stars. Kyle Hamilton is an All-Pro and probably hasn’t even reached his peak. Marlon Humphrey earned All-Pro honors last season and snagged a career-high six interceptions.

Unfortunately, the answers outside of that duo are a little less defined. Nate Wiggins looked the part at times last year. Veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie will need to provide the depth the Ravens didn’t have last season.

The safety depth could be even more critical. Ar’Darius Washington is starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Malaki Starks will need to be a Day 1 difference-maker.

The Ravens’ inability to address these weaknesses during the offseason has raised concerns about their ability to maintain dominance in high-stakes matchups. Their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last season highlighted these very issues, as struggles in the secondary and trenches proved costly. Despite these concerns, the team’s elite talent at key positions keeps them competitive.


Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (88) goes up for a pass as Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) defends during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

As the season approaches, the Ravens will need to rely on their star players while hoping for rapid development from their newer additions. Success hinges on whether their roster depth can rise to the occasion in critical moments.


Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) kneels before a 2024 AFC divisional round game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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