If the Baltimore Ravens want to reintroduce themselves as a playoff threat in 2026, they need all hands on deck. They found some crucial, big-time help this offseason, but even the quieter contributors need to play their role and break out.
The most undeniable flaw in Charm City last year was the soul-crushingly bad play from the defense. Time and time again, they faltered and put the team in spots that were just too overwhelming to overcome. It’s there where the Ravens desperately need players to take some steps.
Here are three secret weapons who could emerge on Baltimore’s defense in 2026.
3 Baltimore Ravens defensive secrets who could emerge in 2026
Chandler Rivers
A rookie fifth-round pick like Chandler Rivers might not make game-changing efforts in year one, but he could certainly make an impact. He was considered by many to be a steal, as some draft experts had him as a Day 2 selection. That talent alone could force him into the door of the cornerback rotation.
The Ravens have a pretty strong cornerback room. However, the depth is more potential-based than pure talent-based. Rivers might be able to work his way up the depth chart fairly quickly, and he could quickly become the go-to slot corner option behind Marlon Humphrey.
Even if Rivers can’t crack that rotation on a consistent basis, special teams snaps are going to be there. When you’re 5-foot-10, 185 pounds and play with the kind of tenacity and passion that Rivers does, you’re going to be a shoo-in on special teams. And that competitive fire should lead to success on the field.
Keondre Jackson
Speaking of special teams, Keondre Jackson may develop into Baltimore’s special teams ace in 2026. He made the practice squad in 2025 and was eventually signed to the active roster ahead of Week 10. He was an imposing presence on special teams from there on out.
Jackson’s impact as a specialist will remain a constant; in fact, it’s fair to expect that he’ll take significant strides there. Maybe under special teams coordinator Anthony Levine, he can reach a Levine-like level where he’s a mainstay on the team for years to come.
There may be an even bigger role awaiting Jackson, though. He dazzled during the offseason program, standing out as a playmaker on defense. I wouldn’t say he’s due a significant role on Jesse Minter’s unit, but if he can start to carve out some sort of trust in a defensive capacity, that could be another way Jackson makes his name known around the football world.
Aeneas Peebles
If anyone fits the term secret weapon the best, it might be Aeneas Peebles. Emphasis on might. He has the tools to be a quiet force on the defensive front; it’s just a question if Minter can unlock him, or if he’ll fail to adjust to the NFL level.
Peebles has the potential to be a matchup nightmare from the interior. If the Ravens utilize him as a pass rush-only type of player, he’d be in a situation where he can showcase what makes him so dangerous. Sure, he’s 6-foot, 289 pounds, but his get-off, speed, bend, and motor make him dangerous from start to finish.
Of course, Peebles has an uphill climb before he can even leave his mark. He was already near the bottom of the depth chart along the interior defensive line, and offseason additions of Calais Campbell and Rayshaun Benny will make it an even tougher battle for snaps. We know Minter gets the best out of all of his guys on defense, though, so don’t be surprised if it’s third-and-long, and Peebles comes in to make a play.
Add us as a preferred source on Google