Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens earn No. 5 spot in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings

Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens earn No. 5 spot in ESPN’s 2026 NFL roster rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Baltimore still has one of the NFL’s most talented rosters. ESPN believes one position group gives the Ravens an edge over nearly every other contender.

Why ESPN ranked the Baltimore Ravens No. 5 entering the 2026 NFL season

Many teams lean on a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher. ESPN looked somewhere else when placing the Baltimore Ravens fifth in its 2026 roster rankings. The report says the team’s biggest edge comes at safety, where few clubs can match its talent and depth.

Kyle Hamilton sits at the center of that group. At only 25 years old, he already ranks among the NFL’s top defensive players. Last season, he led all safeties in pass rush attempts while also finishing inside the top 10 at his position in tackles, passes defended, and tackles for loss. That kind of production allows Baltimore to use him in several different ways.

The Ravens have more than one answer in the secondary. First-round pick Malaki Starks handled his rookie season well and is expected to take on a larger role. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins also joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025. Together, the trio gives Baltimore experience, range, and flexibility on the back end.

The offensive line tells a different story. ESPN called the interior line the roster’s weakest spot for a third straight year. Tyler Linderbaum’s move to the Las Vegas Raiders leaves Danny Pinter as the projected starting center despite limited playing time over the past three seasons. John Simpson arrives at left guard, while first-round rookie Olaivavega Ioane could become an answer on the other side.

Baltimore’s passing game also carries some questions beyond Zay Flowers. Rashod Bateman remains the expected No. 2 receiver, but ESPN believes one young wideout could give the offense another level. Devontez Walker, rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, and rookie Elijah Sarratt were each named as players who could earn larger roles if they develop quickly.

One backup also made ESPN’s watch list. Defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. missed most of last season with an Achilles injury. He could become an important piece if Nnamdi Madubuike’s neck injury lingers or if 39-year-old Calais Campbell begins to slow down. Baltimore’s depth may be tested once again before the season is over.

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