With several starters out for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, they will be testing their depth at numerous positions. Most of that depth is set to be rookies, mostly on the defensive side of the football.
Overall, the Ravens’ rookie class has been disappointing through four weeks. Many have already taken starting spots in recent weeks, but have yet to make an impact. Due to the injury crisis going on in Baltimore, some will take on even more crucial roles in Week 5.
Here are two rookies poised to take advantage of the upcoming opportunity and break out against the Houston Texans.
2 Ravens rookies set to break out in Week 5
Malaki Starks
Rookie first-round pick Malaki Starks has started in all four games this season, but he has become an integral piece to Baltimore’s struggling defense on Sunday. Versatile safety Kyle Hamilton is dealing with a groin injury and is listed as questionable, and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie are out. Just four weeks into his NFL career, he may be one of the more experienced defensive backs on the starting unit.
Starks has struggled this year. He has posted a 56.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, but is coming off his best performance of the year against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, where he had a 69.3 defensive grade.
If Starks can continue his progress into Week 5, there should be a perfect opportunity awaiting to make plays and finally prove why he was a first-round selection. Against a struggling, yet dangerous offense like Houston’s, Starks needs to take away the deep ball connection between C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins.
Teddye Buchanan
The Ravens are also without Roquan Smith on Sunday, which gives rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan the number-one spot at middle linebacker. Hamilton’s potential absence could also put the green dot duties on Buchanan.
Defensive communication is crucial, especially given the state of the Ravens’ defense. It could be tough for Buchanan to take on the task, but he has the experience from training camp and preseason. He flew up the depth chart over Trenton Simpson early in the 2025 campaign, and if the green dot falls on his helmet this Sunday, it will be another chance to prove himself as a future staple on the defense.
Houston’s offense is coming off a solid performance against the Tennessee Titans. Everyone knows Stroud can sling it, but now their run game is starting to emerge, with rookie running back Woody Marks having a career game in Week 4. To stall their offense, Buchanan must prove ready for leadership responsibilities.