RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Baltimore Ravens enter training camp with enough defensive depth to create difficult decisions throughout the roster.
Several starters and prominent rotational players are already established. That leaves a limited number of openings for developmental prospects, undrafted rookies and veterans attempting to reestablish themselves. Performance during camp will matter, but roster construction involves more than making occasional splash plays. Bubble players must contribute on special teams, handle multiple assignments and prove they offer greater long-term value than their competition.
Here is one player from each defensive position group facing a particularly difficult path to Baltimore’s initial 53-man roster.
Defensive line: C.J. Okoye
Okoye has rare physical traits at 6-foot-6 and 370 pounds, but Baltimore’s defensive line may be too crowded for another developmental project. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Calais Campbell are expected to occupy prominent roles once healthy. John Jenkins remains an important run defender, while Broderick Washington Jr. and Aeneas Peebles have regular-season experience. The Ravens also invested a seventh-round selection in Rayshaun Benny and added undrafted rookies Aaron Graves and Dion Wilson Jr. That leaves Okoye competing with multiple players for what may be one available position.
Okoye must demonstrate that his size translates into consistent leverage and run defense. He has spent two years developing but has not appeared in a regular-season game. The practice squad may remain his most realistic path unless he separates himself during preseason action.
Outside linebacker: Adisa Isaac
Isaac faces the most pressure of any former Ravens draft pick on defense. Baltimore selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, but injuries have limited him to four appearances over his first two seasons. An elbow dislocation ended Isaac’s 2025 preseason, and he did not participate in organized team activities or mandatory minicamp. He will begin training camp on the active physically unable to perform list. The depth chart became more competitive while Isaac was sidelined. Trey Hendrickson is the established starter, while Mike Green, Tavius Robinson and second-round pick Zion Young should have secure roles. Kaimon Rucker and undrafted rookie Ethan Burke are competing for any remaining opportunities.
Isaac’s draft status may give him another chance, but it cannot guarantee a third season. He must get healthy, demonstrate pass-rushing development and contribute on special teams. Baltimore’s official position preview described this as a make-or-break summer for him.
Inside linebacker: Reid Williford
Williford joins Baltimore as an undrafted rookie from Charlotte. He possesses the athleticism and tackling production to compete, but his clearest problem is the number of players ahead of him. Roquan Smith is the unquestioned starter. Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson are competing for the second defensive role, while Jay Higgins IV earned a roster spot and became a special teams contributor as an undrafted rookie last season.
Dominic DeLuca, Carl Jones Jr. and Williford are left competing for additional depth positions. The Ravens may only keep four or five inside linebackers, depending on how they construct the rest of the defense.
Williford must become an immediate special teams contributor. Defensive performance alone is unlikely to provide enough opportunities for him to climb the depth chart. A productive preseason could make him a practice-squad candidate even if he does not survive final cuts.
Cornerback: Marquise Robinson
No defensive group has more bodies than cornerback. The Ravens brought 12 corners into camp, creating a competition that will inevitably lead to the release of capable players. Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie lead the group. T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin and rookie Chandler Rivers have clear advantages, while Robert Longerbeam generated positive reviews during spring practices. Amani Oruwariye also brings veteran starting experience.
That leaves Robinson buried in a competition that includes Bilhal Kone, Matthew McDoom and Lardarius Webb Jr. He needs turnovers, consistent coverage and special teams production to move past multiple players.
Baltimore kept Martin on the roster as an undrafted rookie last season, demonstrating that the organization will reward young defensive backs who earn their opportunities. Robinson must produce a similar summer to be seriously considered.
Safety: Jahquez Robinson
Robinson joined the Ravens as an undrafted rookie following his final college season at Auburn. At 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, he has the size Baltimore values in defensive backs. The depth chart ahead of him is difficult to penetrate. Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins should form the primary safety rotation. Keondre Jackson was a regular special teams contributor last season, while K’Von Wallace has appeared in 74 NFL games with 20 defensive starts and is listed as a cornerback.
Robinson must also compete with fellow undrafted rookie Silas Walters. The Ravens may only keep four safeties because Hamilton’s versatility allows him to fill several roles.
Special teams will determine whether Robinson can close the gap. If he tackles consistently and handles multiple coverage assignments, he could challenge for the final spot. Otherwise, his combination of size and developmental potential may make the practice squad his most likely destination.
Difficult decisions are coming
Being on the roster bubble does not mean a player lacks NFL ability. It often reflects depth, positional numbers and the limited space available on a 53-man roster. Okoye, Isaac, Williford and both Robinsons enter camp with different levels of experience. They share the same challenge: Each must provide something the Ravens cannot easily replace. A strong preseason could change the calculation. Without one, all five fa...
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