As the Baltimore Ravens veterans officially report to training camp on July 22nd, the countdown to the 2025 NFL season truly begins. With rookies already on site and a flurry of offseason speculation now giving way to on-field action, this year’s training camp will provide critical answers to some of the most pressing questions facing the Ravens’ roster. The Ravens Squad—a term coined by fans to represent those closely following the team—has already begun buzzing with speculation about which players are poised to break out, who will secure starting jobs, and which battles will define the weeks ahead.
Baltimore comes into camp with a roster loaded with proven talent but also marked by some key transitions. The departure of players like Patrick Queen, Kevin Zeitler, and Geno Stone opened up important positions, while the return of a healthy Lamar Jackson and a reloaded offensive unit adds intrigue to an already dynamic situation. This season’s training camp will not only be a proving ground for young players trying to earn their spot but also for veterans who need to reassert their place among a highly competitive group.
Among the first names that fans and analysts alike are watching closely is wide receiver Zay Flowers. After a stellar rookie campaign, Flowers is expected to take another leap in Year 2 and become Lamar Jackson’s go-to target. His precise route-running, quick feet, and reliable hands make him an ideal fit in Todd Monken’s offense. The Ravens have emphasized explosive plays this offseason, and Flowers is expected to be the engine behind much of that. His connection with Jackson was evident last season, and another strong camp would solidify his status as the team’s WR1.
Joining Flowers in the spotlight is rookie wideout Devontez Walker, who comes in with high expectations after being selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With Odell Beckham Jr. gone and Rashod Bateman still trying to find consistency, Walker has a real opportunity to earn meaningful reps. His size, speed, and vertical ability could add a much-needed downfield dimension to the offense. The Ravens Squad will be closely watching how quickly Walker acclimates to the NFL game and whether he can build early chemistry with Jackson.
On the defensive side of the ball, second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson enters camp with the weight of enormous expectations. With Patrick Queen now playing in Pittsburgh, Simpson is being groomed to start next to Roquan Smith in the middle of the defense. While physically gifted and extremely athletic, Simpson’s challenge lies in processing plays quickly, maintaining gap discipline, and communicating effectively within the defensive scheme. How he handles these responsibilities in camp could determine how much the Ravens need to rely on veterans like Malik Harrison or possibly add depth from the free agent market.
Another young defender fans are eager to monitor is cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis. Injuries have stalled his development, but the Ravens still believe in his potential. With Marlon Humphrey working his way back to full health and questions about depth behind Brandon Stephens, Armour-Davis has a window to stake his claim for a significant role. His combination of length and physicality is well-suited to Baltimore’s man-heavy defensive approach, and this camp will be crucial in determining if he can stay healthy and earn a spot in the rotation.
Veteran safety Marcus Williams will also draw plenty of attention after a rocky 2024 campaign that included multiple injuries and inconsistent performances early in the season. Now fully healthy, Williams has spoken candidly about his struggles and appears motivated to return to form. With Kyle Hamilton blossoming into a star, the Ravens could boast one of the best safety duos in the league—if Williams returns to his Pro Bowl-caliber level. The early days of camp will reveal a lot about his speed, instincts, and confidence.
In the trenches, all eyes will be on second-year offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees. After essentially redshirting his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered at the NFL Combine, Vorhees enters camp as a leading candidate to replace Kevin Zeitler at right guard. The Ravens value physicality and versatility on the interior line, and Vorhees offers both. His college tape showed a mauling run blocker with a strong anchor in pass protection. If he holds up against Baltimore’s talented defensive front in camp, he could solidify a crucial starting spot on an offensive line undergoing a bit of reshuffling.
The offensive line also includes an intriguing battle at left guard, where Ben Cleveland, Sala Aumavae-Laulu, and rookie Nick Samac will compete for the job. Cleveland has the experience but has yet to truly seize the role. Aumavae-Laulu offers upside but struggled last preseason, and Samac is viewed as more of a long-term project. Ravens fans will keep a close eye on which player builds momentum early in camp and who gets the majority of first-team reps in joint practices and preseason games.
One of the most fascinating players to watch is tight end Isaiah Likely. With Mark Andrews fully healthy and back in his All-Pro form, Likely’s role becomes more nuanced, but his playmaking ability is too valuable to keep on the sideline. Likely could see increased snaps in two-tight end sets, in the slot, or even lined up as an H-back in certain packages. Monken has the creativity to make it work, and how Likely is utilized in camp could be a strong indicator of the offense’s flexibility in 2025.
Running back is another area of intrigue. Derrick Henry is the new face in the backfield, and while fans know what to expect from the bruising All-Pro, the Ravens will use training camp to test how he fits in a new offensive system and how much wear-and-tear he shows at this stage of his career. Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell (once healthy) will be fighting for complementary roles, particularly on third downs and in the screen game. Watching how running back touches are distributed in camp will give insight into Baltimore’s offensive identity.
On the defensive front, the Ravens need a step forward from edge rushers David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh. Both former first-round picks have flashed brilliance but struggled with consistency and health. With Jadeveon Clowney still unsigned and Tyus Bowser battling lingering knee issues, Ojabo and Oweh have a golden opportunity to lead the edge rush. Ravens Squad fans are particularly invested in Ojabo, who has endured injuries since college and has yet to showcase the dominant pass-rushing traits that made him a draft-day steal.
Justin Madubuike, fresh off a new contract extension, will anchor the defensive line, but depth and rotation will be tested. Travis Jones and Broderick Washington will be under the microscope to see if they can provide steady production, especially in run defense—a major point of emphasis after struggles last year. The defensive line’s ability to generate pressure without relying heavily on blitzing will be a focal point during camp sessions.
Special teams, often overlooked, will also be competitive. Veteran punter Jordan Stout will look to improve after an up-and-down year, and undrafted rookie wide receiver Sean Ryan is among the early favorites to emerge as a return specialist, though veteran Deonte Harty was signed to bring experience to that role. The Ravens take special teams seriously under coordinator Chris Horton, and camp will reveal who’s trusted to handle those crucial duties.
Lastly, Lamar Jackson’s performance in camp is always a draw, especially now that he’s had a full year under Monken’s system. Jackson appeared more poised and efficient in 2024, and the team expects even greater command and flexibility this year. With a more diverse array of weapons and increased protection up front, Jackson’s camp reps will be vital in establishing rhythm and communication, particularly with newer faces like Walker and Henry.
Training camp isn’t just about evaluation—it’s about culture. Veterans reporting on July 22nd will help establish the tone and tempo of the 2025 Ravens. Leaders like Roquan Smith, Ronnie Stanley, and Mark Andrews will be key figures not just in drills but in maintaining the discipline, urgency, and professionalism that have become hallmarks of John Harbaugh’s program.
For Ravens fans, this camp offers a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The team is a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but questions remain about health, depth, and the ability of younger players to rise to the occasion. That’s what makes training camp so important—it’s where the 53-man roster starts to take shape, chemistry begins to form, and championship dreams begin to feel tangible.
As the veterans report and the full team takes the field together for the first time, the message is clear: the road to a Super Bowl begins now, and the Ravens Squad will be watching every step of the way.
