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Baltimore Ravens 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 6, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Baltimore Ravens and preview how it might perform this season. Baltimore Ravens 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown Baltimore was midpack against running backs last season, allowing 4.2 yards per carry to the position (13th) and finishing 12th in yards before contact allowed per carry. This is an unsettled group because of the serious neck injury Nnamdi Madubuike suffered early last year. There reportedly is “growing optimism” Madubuike will be ready for the 2026 season, but that remains up in the air. They also have Broderick Washington and Travis Jones, and Calais Campbell was added after the draft. The Ravens’ pass rush bottomed out in 2025, finishing 28th in pressure rate (31.5%) and sacks (30). It originally looked like Baltimore made its big move by bringing in Maxx Crosby via trade, but they voided that deal before signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Hendrickson played just seven games for the Bengals last year, but he averaged better than a 17% pressure rate for the four seasons prior to 2025. Baltimore has youth behind him in 2026 second-round pick Zion Young, 2025 second-round pick Mike Green, 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac, and 2023 fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson. Baltimore has no question at the top of the linebacker depth chart. Roquan Smith remained a productive player against the run in 2025, and he allowed just 6.0 yards per target in coverage. The spot next to him is more interesting. A fourth-round pick last year, Teddye Buchanan was thrust into a big role as a rookie, and he showed relatively well before a torn ACL ended his season in December. Trenton Simpson started the rest of the way, but he enters the final year of his rookie deal having not proven he can be a capable starter, though he was better last year. The Ravens fielded a middling pass defense in 2025, finishing 17th in yards per pass attempt allowed and 20th in EPA per pass allowed. Baltimore is in good shape at the very top of the depth chart with Nate Wiggins, who has allowed 7.0 yards per target and a 73.0 quarterback rating in his coverage through two seasons. The No. 2 spot looks good on paper given how Marlon Humphrey has played throughout his career, but he is coming off a terrible season. The Ravens brought back Chidobe Awuzie, who played well in his first season with the team, but both he and Humphrey come with injury concerns. At safety, the Ravens lost both Alohi Gilman and Ar’Darius Washington in free agency, but they added Jaylinn Hawkins, who played 838 snaps for the Patriots last season. Hawkins gives Baltimore a replacement for Gilman as the third safety, which should free up Kyle Hamilton to play his dynamic role in the defense, something that should continue despite the coaching change. A first-round pick last year, Malaki Starks was nearly an every-down player as a rookie and showed well. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unli…