How can Baltimore Ravens actually use four running backs?

The Baltimore Ravens have drafted J.K. Dobbins and plan to roll into the 2020 season with four running backs. How can they utilize this unique roster?

With the Baltimore Ravens selecting J. K. Dobbins with the 55th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, they now have four viable running backs on the roster. According to Ravens GM, Eric DeCosta, he wishes to utilize all four running backs in the 2020 season. So, is it possible to make four-running back plays work in the modern NFL, and how will using four running back actually help the Ravens evolve their 2019 running game to battle NFL defenses?

Now, the examples below are going to use four running backs in the same offensive snap, but these schemes normally utilize three backs at once. I’m aware of the fact that the Ravens having four running backs is more about keeping fresh rotation, but for fun, I’ll be looking at how Ravens Offensive Coordinator, Greg Roman, can utilize four running back in a single play.

I won’t be describing some of these offenses in their most pure, textbook layout. Instead, I’m theorizing on how these schemes can be tweaked to work for the Ravens in 2020, with four running backs. So, let’s jump into a few offensive designs that the Ravens could pull from that have rarely been used in the NFL in the last decade or two (in some cases, more):