5 players who will make the Ravens more explosive in 2024
With the start of the NFL season just hours away, the Baltimore Ravens are set to take the field with a powerful combination of elite athleticism and power at Key positions.
The Ravens added explosive depth on both sides of the football and added dynamic speed in the draft via Nate Wiggins.
With the season opener just hours away, we’re looking at five players who will make Baltimore even more explosive.
RB Derrick Henry
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 24: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens leaves the field following a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Last year, Henry ranked first in rushing attempts and second in rushing yards, but he showed little drop-off in the essential metrics. Last season, among 68 qualifying NFL backs, Henry ranked ninth in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data).
TE Isaiah Likely
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In the eight games after he stepped in for the injured Andrews, Likely caught 25 passes for 372 yards and six touchdowns. Baltimore will work to get elite production out of Likely, even with Andrews on the roster.
WR Devontez Walker
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) and teammates take the field before the start of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie has battled injuries, but Walker exited the ACC with a career average of 16.8 yards per catch over his college career, and he offers quarterback Lamar Jackson big play potential.
2nd year Zay Flowers
Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) catches punt during warms ups prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The rookie led the team with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards, developing into Lamar Jackson’s most reliable playmaker on the outside.
Among other NFL rookie receivers last season, Flowers finished fifth in yards, fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), and seventh in touchdowns (5) while playing in an offense that led the NFL in rush attempts (541).
Deonte Harty
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (3) returns a kickoff during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Harty offers a big-play pedigree. He spent the first four years of his career with the New Orleans Saints as a wide receiver and special teams performer before signing with Buffalo for the 2023 season. Harty logged 15 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown and returned a punt for a 96-yard touchdown in Week 18.
Harty has also averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff return throughout his career.