The Baltimore Ravens saw Jesse Minter take over as the head coach, while making additions to the roster through free agency and the NFL draft.
With a new lead man in charge, some players will need to take a leap under the new staff. The Ravens have a nice group of young talent, and Pro Football Focus believes two defenders could be breakout candidates for this team in 2026.
In an article written by Bradley Locker, he listed linebacker Teddye Buchanan and safety Malaki Starks as two players who could take another step in terms of production and effectiveness in 2026.
Teddye Buchanan and Malaki Starks named breakout defenders for Ravens by PFF
Buchanan was a fourth-round pick by Baltimore in the 2025 NFL Draft that quickly earned his way up the depth chart. Last season, he appeared in 14 games (13 starts). Despite his season ending in Week 15 due to a torn ACL, he finished third on the team in total tackles (93) with five TFLs. The 23-year-old also played in 651 defensive snaps.
Locker called out that the Ravens didn't make moves at linebacker behind Roquan Smith, indicating they are giving Buchanan the runway to be the starter in 2025. Buchanan recently revealed that his rehab is going great and everything is on schedule. That's exactly what you want to hear, especially with Minter taking over and having recent history in developing linebackers. Daiyan Henley is the most recent example, who secured 250 total tackles, 12 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks with Minter as his defensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, Starks is another player fans should be excited about. As a rookie, he played in 17 games (15 starts), finishing with 84 total tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions. Starks wrapped the season with a 67.9 overall grade and a 79.9 run defense grade on PFF. In the process, he gained valuable reps, playing in 1,065 snaps.
Developing defensive backs is one of Minter's strengths, and he'll be able to put Starks in positions to succeed. Playing next to All-Pro Kyle Hamilton will also help the Georgia product out.
Both Starks and Buchanan flashed as rookies. That should give fans excitement heading into 2026, and with Minter calling the shots, you can see why they are looked at as breakout candidates. Being able to have a full offseason and not prepare for the draft is another bonus that works out in their favor.
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