PFF Ranks Ravens Among NFL’s Top Backfields Entering 2025 as Baltimore Leans on Versatility and Star Power at Running Back
The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their punishing ground game, but entering the 2025 NFL season, that reputation is evolving into something even more dynamic—and Pro Football Focus has taken notice. In a recent PFF ranking of all 32 NFL running back groups, the Ravens landed among the league’s elite, recognized not just for production but for their depth, versatility, and ceiling.
The core reason for the high praise lies in the Ravens’ aggressive offseason moves and the potential of a backfield that now features a blend of youth, explosiveness, and veteran stability. With a team built around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s unique play style, the Ravens have created an offense where the running game is not just a foundational piece but a game-breaking force.
PFF’s evaluation was based on a combination of factors including past production, projected 2025 role, health, scheme fit, and overall upside. Baltimore’s backfield impressed in every category.
At the heart of this resurgence is the addition of Derrick Henry, one of the most feared power backs in the history of the league. Henry, who joined Baltimore in free agency after years of carrying the Tennessee Titans’ offense, immediately vaulted the Ravens’ backfield into the top tier. PFF acknowledged Henry’s ability to grind down defenses, dominate in short-yardage situations, and serve as a tone-setter.
Though some questioned how a power back like Henry would mesh with Lamar Jackson’s run-pass option-heavy style, the early signs from offseason workouts and minicamp reports indicate a smooth transition. Henry’s physicality complements Jackson’s speed and agility, creating a thunder-and-lightning combo that keeps defenses guessing. Henry is no longer expected to shoulder the full load, which could mean he’s more efficient—and more dangerous—than ever before.
Complementing Henry is second-year running back Keaton Mitchell, who flashed explosive potential before suffering a season-ending injury in 2024. Mitchell brings elite burst and game-breaking speed that make him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. PFF’s analysts were high on Mitchell’s return, citing his 2024 metrics—including yards per carry and missed tackles forced—as indicators of a breakout campaign ahead, provided he stays healthy.
Justice Hill also remains a critical piece of the puzzle. While not as flashy as Mitchell or as dominant as Henry, Hill has carved out a consistent role as a reliable change-of-pace back with solid pass protection skills. He understands the Ravens’ offense deeply, and his ability to contribute in a variety of situations gives the coaching staff a valuable chess piece.
Baltimore’s depth doesn’t stop there. Rookie Rasheen Ali, a fifth-round pick out of Marshall, has drawn comparisons to former Ravens greats due to his combination of vision, balance, and pass-catching ability. Though he may not be expected to take on a significant role early, Ali’s upside provides the Ravens with a long-term asset and short-term insurance in case injuries hit again.
Altogether, Baltimore’s backfield provides a rare blend of experience and potential. Henry is still capable of leading a team to a championship. Mitchell is poised to become one of the league’s premier playmakers if he remains healthy. Hill brings stability and special teams value. Ali represents a developmental player with an intriguing ceiling.
PFF’s rankings also emphasized how well these players fit into the Ravens’ offensive system. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, entering his second full season in Baltimore, has found creative ways to utilize the strengths of his personnel. Monken’s system places a premium on downhill running, play-action passes, and stretching the field horizontally—all of which fit the current backfield well. With Monken’s tweaks and Jackson’s dual-threat ability opening lanes, the Ravens’ running backs are set up for massive success.
While Henry’s arrival generated headlines, it’s the unit as a whole that earned Baltimore such a high spot in the rankings. Teams like the 49ers, Browns, and Falcons also earned praise in PFF’s top five due to stars like Christian McCaffrey, Nick Chubb, and Bijan Robinson, but the Ravens stood out for their combination of top-tier talent and rotational flexibility. Most importantly, they don’t rely on one player to carry the load week in and week out—a major edge in a league where durability is always in question.
Another important element PFF pointed to was how the backfield complements Lamar Jackson, whose mobility remains one of the NFL’s most valuable assets. Jackson forces defenses to account for every inch of the field, which opens natural gaps for running backs to exploit. Last season, the Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards and yards per carry, and the new additions should make those numbers even more dangerous.
There’s also the hidden benefit of how the running back group can extend Jackson’s career. While Jackson is still one of the best runners in the NFL at the quarterback position, allowing the running backs to take on a bigger share of the carries reduces his exposure to big hits. Henry’s presence gives the Ravens the ability to manage Jackson’s rushing attempts more strategically.
Injuries derailed parts of the 2024 campaign, especially with Mitchell’s torn ACL, but depth has never been better than it is now. Baltimore made sure to protect itself by building a backfield that can survive attrition. Even if one or two contributors go down, they have options ready to step up.
There’s also leadership and locker room chemistry to consider. Derrick Henry is known not only for his work ethic but for his calm, composed demeanor and influence in the locker room. He joins a veteran-laden team that already values professionalism and team-first mentality. Players like Hill and fullback Patrick Ricard—an unsung hero in Baltimore’s blocking schemes—add to the culture of discipline and toughness that defines the Ravens.
As for how the group stacks up statistically, PFF’s projections had the Ravens finishing top three in total rushing yards, top two in explosive plays, and first in rushes of 10+ yards. They also projected a top-five efficiency rating in red zone situations—areas where Henry, in particular, can be a lethal weapon.
Baltimore’s high ranking is not just a reflection of names on paper—it’s a testament to how each piece fits into a broader scheme, how past success supports future projections, and how injuries and workload are being proactively addressed. Most teams have a star or a solid scheme. The Ravens have both.
Looking at the rest of the AFC North, Baltimore also enters the season with arguably the strongest running back unit in the division. While Nick Chubb is still elite, he’s returning from a devastating knee injury. Pittsburgh has Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but neither has the ceiling of Henry or the speed of Mitchell. Cincinnati is still reworking its backfield after the departure of Joe Mixon.
For Ravens fans, the backfield is more than just a strong unit—it’s a return to form and a path to dominance. The combination of punishing runs, breakaway speed, and strategic flexibility gives Baltimore a unique edge. And while the spotlight will often shine on Lamar Jackson, it’s the depth and structure of the running back room that may ultimately carry the Ravens deeper into the postseason.
PFF’s ranking is an affirmation of what Baltimore has built and what it plans to unleash. With a smart coaching staff, a quarterback who makes everyone better, and a stable of backs ready to produce, the Ravens are positioned to once again field one of the NFL’s most feared rushing attacks. That recognition in PFF’s national rankings is not just a prediction—it’s a warning to the rest of the league.
