OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND - AUGUST 18: Cornerback Terrell Bonds #38 of the Baltimore Ravens trains during the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on on August 18, 2020 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The 2020 Baltimore Ravens depth chart has officially been released. Here are our instant reactions to what we now know about the lineup.
, who stunningly made the roster (likely for his special teams prowess). While this isn’t indicative of how snaps will be distributed, it is interesting to see them listed behind a player who many believed would be a casualty of roster cutdowns.
Overall, the Ravens 2020 draft class will take a backseat to the veterans. First-round draft choice Patrick Queen will start at inside linebacker next to L.J. Fort, but fellow rookie linebacker Malik Harrison finds himself buried behind Otaro Olaka and Chris Board. J.K. Dobbins is listed as Baltimore’s fourth-string running back. Offensive linemen Tyre Phillips and Ben Bredeson are backups, as are defensive linemen Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington.
On the topic of rookies, seeing Dobbins listed behind Justice Hill is a bit of a surprise. But as we said for the rookie receivers, this isn’t indicative of how snaps will be distributed. Dobbins is perhaps the most talented back on the roster and he’s going to see the field sooner rather than later.
It comes as a little bit of a surprise to see D.J. Fluker got the start at right guard over the previously mentioned Phillips. Fluker definitely had the edge in terms of experience, but Phillips had an impressive training camp. Fluker does have experience as a tackle, making him the most likely candidate to take James Hurst‘s former role as the Ravens’ swing tackle. When that happens, expect Phillips to come in at right guard. It’s also worth noting that Phillips is listed as the backup right tackle to Orlando Brown Jr.
Pernell McPhee got the starting gig opposite Matt Judon at edge rusher. McPhee was off to a solid start in 2019. recording three sacks in seven games last season before injuring his tricep. It’s not overly shocking to see he seized the starting spot ahead of second-year man Jaylon Ferguson, who I firmly believe will be a big part of what the Ravens want to do at edge rusher.
Speaking of edge rushers, Tyus Bowser will be Judon’s primary backup. Bowser is entering a contract season and is coming off a career-best five sack season in 2019. Many believe that Bowser could explode in 2020, as many of his predecessors have for Baltimore.
DeShon Elliott is officially the starting free safety across from Chuck Clark. Elliott was thrust into this role after the abrupt release of Earl Thomas. Elliott enters 2020 with a ton of fanfare and high-expectations, whether it’s fair or not. All eyes will be on the third-year man to step up and make a difference in a talented Ravens secondary.
Willie Snead will be the starting punt return man. This comes as a bit of a surprise given rookie James Proche’s rave reviews, but Baltimore opts to go with the veteran for now at least.
What did you think of the Baltimore Ravens initial depth chart for the 2020 season? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
