The Baltimore Ravens will see many areas of their depth chart shaken up in 2026. They’ve made plenty of improvements, but have also seen tough losses. With a new head coach leading the way, too, it’s going to be a year filled with trials and tribulations.
That’s especially true for the rookie class. Eric DeCosta brought in a strong group, and several names are expected to make an impact early. Vega Ioane will be a starter, Zion Young should get rotational reps, and wideouts Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt have the door open to make a name for themselves.
For fifth-rounder Adam Randall, he could also crash the rotation. Despite being very new to the running back position, he has an opening on the depth chart. According to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, the Ravens must establish a backup to Derrick Henry.
"“Lastly, Derrick Henry remains an offensive focal point, even at 32. No other running back currently on the roster ran for over 100 yards last season. A legitimate rotation is necessary to extend his career and expand the team's offensive package.”"Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report
That spot has to go to Randall.
Baltimore Ravens should give a runway for backup RB spot to alluring rookie
Right now, Adam Randall is pure upside. We really don’t know how good a running back he could be, if he even makes it in the NFL. He played three years at wide receiver before transitioning to running back for his final year at Clemson. He’s a mystery.
However, Randall’s former head coach, Dabo Swinney, gave him an outstanding endorsement that was clearly enough to persuade Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti to use his first-ever draft pick on him. And even though he has a career rushing statline of just 172 carries, 858 yards, and 10 touchdowns, he’s in the perfect position to back up Derrick Henry in 2026.
While Randall didn’t really make headlines at OTAs and minicamp, let’s be honest for a second. Justice Hill took a step back in 2025, and third-string back Rasheen Ali didn’t do much with his opportunities. There's also a different coaching staff in place, so whatever rapport Hill and Ali built up over the past few seasons is all but gone. They’re starting pretty close to ground zero. Randall needs to take advantage of that.
Randall has an extremely high ceiling, too. Sure, the floor is super low with the lack of experience at the position, but when you’re 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, and possess the type of athleticism that he does, it’s hard not to be intrigued by what he could bring to the offense. The rookie has the mentality and work ethic to get it done, as well.
All that just demands reps. It sounds like he’ll be in the conversation for the kick return job, but his involvement needs to be more than that. I’m talking about getting looks on offense. It’s really not out of the equation that he could immediately blow Hill out of the water for the backup role in the running back rotation.
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