Baltimore Ravens Open Training Camp With Full Healthy Roster, Strong Chemistry and Sky-High Expectations for a Deep Playoff Run
The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their 2025 training camp under clear skies and with clearer expectations. Optimism and urgency hovered over the fields at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills as players returned with purpose, hunger, and a shared belief that this year could be the one that finally ends with confetti falling on their heads. Unlike many teams around the NFL who began camp with injury concerns or unresolved contract disputes, the Ravens arrived at full strength — healthy, united, and focused.
It’s rare for any NFL team to start training camp with a completely healthy 90-man roster, but Baltimore did just that. This full turnout immediately set a strong tone for the opening practice. The presence of every player, from Pro Bowlers to undrafted rookies, reinforced the message that this organization is in sync and aligned in its pursuit of a championship. John Harbaugh, now one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, opened camp with a message of discipline, competition, and team-first mentality, and his players responded with crisp, focused effort from the opening horn.
Lamar Jackson, the face of the franchise and the emotional heartbeat of the team, looked as sharp as ever. Entering his eighth season and fully immersed in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, Jackson operated with confidence and control. His throws came out quickly, he was decisive in his reads, and his chemistry with wideouts Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman was evident from the first 7-on-7 period. This is Jackson’s team in every way. He smiled and joked with teammates between drills, but when the ball was snapped, his attention to detail was apparent. He set the tempo, and the entire offense followed.
Having a healthy receiver room from day one is a luxury that Baltimore hasn’t always enjoyed. Zay Flowers looked ready to ascend into stardom, creating consistent separation and catching everything in his vicinity. Rashod Bateman, finally healthy after battling multiple injuries in previous seasons, ran smooth routes and flashed reliable hands. Nelson Agholor and rookie Devontez Walker added depth and big-play potential, while Tylan Wallace continued to carve out a role as a trusted possession target and special teams ace.
In the tight end group, the absence of Mark Andrews at full participation was noticeable, though not unexpected as the veteran continues ramping up slowly after last season’s ankle injury. Fortunately for Baltimore, Isaiah Likely has matured into a capable second option and may be pushing toward becoming a co-starter. He made several standout plays in team drills, including a diving grab down the seam on a pass from Jackson that brought the offensive sideline to life. Likely’s development as a pass-catcher and blocker gives the Ravens flexibility in their personnel packages that few other teams possess.
On the defensive side, the energy and cohesion were unmistakable. Roquan Smith, the tone-setter on defense, immediately took charge, orchestrating the linebacker unit and setting expectations with his trademark intensity. While Patrick Queen is no longer part of the unit, Trenton Simpson has stepped into the starting role next to Smith and looked comfortable in his new responsibilities. Simpson’s speed and athleticism were on full display as he flowed to the ball and showed flashes of becoming a true three-down linebacker.
The defensive line, anchored by All-Pro Justin Madubuike and rising star Travis Jones, controlled the line of scrimmage during run drills. Michael Pierce returned in shape and brought his usual physicality to the middle, while Brent Urban and Broderick Washington rotated in and provided depth. The competition in the trenches promises to be one of the most intense of camp. It’s a group that doesn’t boast many headlines, but consistently wins battles in the trenches — and the coaching staff expects even more in 2025.
Perhaps the most scrutinized group this offseason has been the cornerbacks, and the early signs were encouraging. Marlon Humphrey participated fully and looked fluid in coverage. He shadowed receivers on the outside and showed no hesitation in planting and driving on the ball. Opposite him, the battle remains wide open. Brandon Stephens, who performed admirably last season, appears to be the early favorite, but rookie Nate Wiggins is quickly closing the gap. Wiggins’ speed and natural cover instincts stood out during 1-on-1 drills, where he matched up against some of Baltimore’s best and didn’t back down.
The secondary as a whole looked fast and aggressive. Safety Kyle Hamilton roamed the field like a predator, consistently around the ball and providing help over the top. His pairing with Marcus Williams offers the Ravens a versatile, high-IQ safety duo that can shift seamlessly between man, zone, and hybrid looks. Depth pieces like Geno Stone and Ar’Darius Washington also made plays, reinforcing that this is one of the strongest position groups on the team.
One overlooked but vital part of training camp is special teams, and the Ravens continue to set the standard league-wide. Justin Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, picked up right where he left off, nailing field goals with surgical precision from various ranges. Punter Jordan Stout has taken a noticeable leap in hang time and directional kicking, while the competition for return duties is heating up. With Devin Duvernay now gone, the battle between Tylan Wallace, Qwan’tez Stiggers, and others to handle kickoff and punt returns will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.
Baltimore’s coaching staff kept the first practice efficient but demanding. Installations were precise. Reps were tightly managed. And perhaps most impressively, the execution was already at a midseason level in certain drills. That’s a product of having a returning coaching staff, stable quarterback play, and a veteran core that understands what it takes to win. Harbaugh and his staff have fostered a culture of accountability and preparation that showed itself in the smallest details — from clean substitution packages to disciplined coverage lanes in special teams walkthroughs.
Depth is another major strength entering camp. Across the board, the Ravens are not just filling spots with bodies — they’re evaluating legitimate talent at almost every position. The offensive line rotation is deep, with competitions brewing at left guard and right tackle. Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele, and Patrick Mekari are all fighting for starting reps and could play key roles depending on how the preseason shakes out. Having that level of depth will prove crucial over the course of a 17-game season.
One of the key takeaways from day one was the team’s collective energy. From rookies to 10-year veterans, the enthusiasm and buy-in were visible. Players were quick to support each other, celebrate big plays, and correct mistakes. The tempo was brisk, and the communication was constant. That culture — of effort, discipline, and togetherness — is what the Ravens believe will separate them from other contenders in the AFC.
There are still weeks to go, preseason games to play, and battles to be won. But the Ravens began camp exactly how a Super Bowl hopeful should: healthy, hungry, and ready. They know what lies ahead — a brutal AFC North schedule, marquee showdowns against elite opponents, and the ever-present expectation to get over the playoff hump. But this year, with a full roster, a returning coaching staff, and a quarterback playing at the height of his powers, the Ravens believe they have the formula to finish the job.
While there is always unpredictability in football — injuries, setbacks, and the constant shuffle of rosters — the Ravens have positioned themselves as well as any team in the league. Training camp is the first chapter in a long story, and Baltimore has written an impressive opening paragraph.
What happens next will depend on execution, health, and perhaps a bit of luck. But for now, as the pads come on and the battles begin in earnest, the Ravens have given themselves every chance to turn 2025 into a historic season. And they’ve done it by starting off with everything a coach could ask for — a full roster, a focused locker room, and the kind of high expectations that only surround teams that are ready to win now.
