The Baltimore Ravens are one of the few teams who go into every season with an expectation to reach the playoffs at the very least. That wasn’t the case in the previous two seasons although they were well-placed at the halfway point of the season.
Injuries to quarterback Lamar Jackson and other key members of the roster halted their aspirations, but a solid offseason puts them right back in the mix to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs and claim the AFC crown.
If players like Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Mark Andrews, and Ronnie Stanley stay healthy, the Ravens will always be competitive. Unlike other teams, they don’t need a complete overhaul of the roster, but a few additions can take them over the top and allow them to make a run in the playoffs.
The Ravens are known to draft well, even if players take a season or so to get acclimated to the league and the Ravens’ style of play.
New offensive coordinator Todd Monken will look to impose a new brand of football in Baltimore, which could open the door for a few players to show what they are made of. Here are five players that could have a massive breakout season for the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens breakout player: Kyle Hamilton, S
The second-year safety that was selected 14th overall by the Ravens failed to live up to the lofty expectations coming out of Notre Dame. Hamilton only started four of the 16 games he played, most of that is probably due to the arrival of Marcus Williams in free agency and the presence of veteran Chuck Clark.
But in 2023, that starting strong safety spot is all his. Hamilton has all the tools to be an elite safety in the league. In 2022 we saw flashes of what he could become, a freak athlete who can tackle very well in open space, can rush the passer at times, and always seems to be around the ball.
He got better as the season progressed, moving him to be closer to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety allowed him to display his better characteristics. Hamilton was responsible for a few busted coverages but if he can improve in that area he can be one of the best safeties in the league.
If Hamilton can improve on his play in the latter stages of last season and continue to progress, the Ravens could line up with the best defensive backfield in football in 2023. With Marcus Williams helping him along the way, Kyle Hamilton could find himself in defensive player of the year conversations in the near future.