The Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed a solid start to the 2024 NFL Season and are currently hot on the tails of the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the grind of December games. While household names like Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Roquan Smith continue to grab the headlines, the Ravens would not be where they are today without the contributions of several underappreciated players. From key linebackers to explosive playmakers, here are eight Ravens players you should definitely be watching this season.
Justice Hill – Running back
Justice Hill has been going quietly about his business since being picked up by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Derrick Henry is the Ravens’ bell cow, yet Hill continues to showcase the pace and agility that make him integral to the Ravens’ run game. Hill might not be flashy, but he excels in those short-yardage situations and has played a crucial role in key drives this campaign.
Odafe Oweh – Linebacker
Odafe Oweh has high expectations of himself. In the off-season, he stated: “I’m not trying to be perfect, but I’m chasing perfection, as close as I can get to it.” That followed Baltimore’s decision to exercise a fifth-year option on the 25-year-old’s contract. Oweh looks ready to step up and be counted in the 2024 NFL season. It’s fair to say we’ve only seen flashes of that huge potential in the past, but he becomes more integral to the Ravens’ pass rush, game by game. His quickness, intelligence, and a 6-foot-5, 257-pound physique will help Baltimore’s defense stay aggressive and dynamic this season.
Kyle Hamilton – Safety
Kyle Hamilton is finally getting the praise he deserves. While the safety has been a standout since being drafted two years ago, it’s only recently that fans and media have come to recognize his unique ability to cover, blitz, and run. He’s an all-in-one package with the field awareness of a quarterback. It’s fair to say Hamilton will make or break Baltimore’s defense this year – they need to keep him fit and firing to close out opponents and continue their strong start in the AFC North.
Jalyn Armour-Davis – Cornerback
Unlike some of the other names mentioned, Jalyn Armour-Davis has yet to hold down a starting job. The 25-year-old cornerback was featured during the 2024 NFL campaign, but fans are still waiting for a true breakout performance. Armour-Davis’ emergence has been slowed by the Ravens’ secondary depth. However, he has shown steady improvement when filling in for injured starters. With his impressive coverage skills, he could play a more significant role as the season unfolds. Maybe it will soon be his time to shine.
Isaiah Likely – Tight End
Isiah Likely hit the ground running this season with a career-high 111 yards on nine receptions in Week 1. The tight end was a regular starter after that before suffering a hamstring injury during the Week 9 victory over the Broncos. Despite only being in his third year, Likely is a catch-master, especially in critical situations in the red zone. Likely’s absence was temporary, missing just one game and bouncing back with a 4 catch, 75-yard performance in Pittsburgh this past weekend. Likely figures to be a go-to choice for Lamar Jackson moving forward this season, particularly during the next two weeks featuring tough opponents in the forms of the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
With a winning record thus far, the Ravens will likely have favorable odds in sports betting for these games. However, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain their early season momentum.
Zay Flowers – Wide Receiver
Zay Flowers is now in his sophomore year after being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old’s explosive speed and agility make him a constant threat for the Ravens offense. While he might not yet have national recognition, opposing teams are already wising up: Flowers drew the attention of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.
He also has an uncanny ability to open up the field for other receivers on the team and provide quarterback Lamar Jackson with a target to exploit opposing defenses. Expect Flowers to be integral to the Ravens’ late-season fortunes.
Nelson Agholor – Wide Receiver
Since switching to the Ravens for the 2023 NFL season, Nelson Agholor has performed above expectations. His speed and route-running have caught the eye and given Lamar Jackson a reliable target, especially during tight moments in key third down situations. While his numbers might not be mind-blowing, he brings much-needed experience to the team; his ability to complete clutch catches shouldn’t go unnoticed either. The 31-year-old has already made eight appearances this term, and fans should keep a close eye on his contributions during the remainder of the season.
Travis Jones – Defensive Tackle
Travis Jones has struggled with an ankle injury but there’s no denying his positive impact upon the Ravens’ pass rush. The 25-year-old also has a knack for clogging up running lanes, giving his teammates room to make crucial tackles.
While his contributions often go unnoticed – by fans of rival teams at least – Jones is set to be a key cog in the middle of the Ravens’ defense during the crucial winter months ahead.
As the 2024 season unfolds, expect to hear more from these overlooked stars as the Ravens attempt to blaze a trail toward a potential playoff appearance.
