It’s quite simple with the Baltimore Ravens, they need a healthy Lamar Jackson to be playoff contenders. They also need a young version of Derrick Henry if they’re going to make big noise. And it would help if these three players on the roster bubble shine in the NFL preseason, making the cut or making the team better by pushing others to their highest levels.
There are two schools of thought about Justice Hill. Some see him as being a regular on the field while others view him as a placeholder for Keaton Mitchell. And while it looks like Mitchell won’t be ready for training camp or Week 1, Hill’s still looks like a guy who will have to fight for playing time and eventually a roster spot.
Other players who need to shine in the preseason are defensive back Damarion Williams and tight end Charlie Kolar. They find themselves fighting for a Ravens roster spot.
Ravens RB Justice Hill trying to find a crease
A fourth-round draft pick in 2019, Hill seemed to come into his own last year. He rushed for 387 yards, scored three touchdowns, and averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
But this year is different. King Henry came to town, which means a big portion of the rushing attempts will be gobbled up by him. Also, Keaton Mitchell looked like the real deal in 2023. And even though Mitchell likely won’t be ready for the start of the season because of recovery from an ACL injury, it’s another tall hurdle in Hill’s future.
Also, Hill is in the final year of his contract, which always plays a key role if things get tight on the 53-man roster.
But it’s not so much whether Hill will make the cut in August. It’s more of a situation where a long-term role seems to be in jeopardy without a strong training camp. Hill needs to build on the momentum of 2023, and he hopes to have that chance at least early in the season.
He told wmar2news.com he’s working hard.
“From running to blocking to receiving, I’ve been working on all of those things tirelessly,” Hill said. “So, it’s fun to see how the progression goes each year, how I feel more confident just because I’ve been putting in that work and the more work you put in the more confident you get.”
Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh said Hill is a high-caliber running back.
“So, to have him (alongside) Derrick Henry, along with the young guys, it’s really great,” Harbaugh said. “He’s going to give us a little different style than Derrick Henry.”
CB Damarion Williams trying to stand out
With Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens manning the starting corner spots, and the Ravens adding rookies Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa, Williams needs to look sharp during training camp.
Williams made it to the field for just one game last season after playing in 14 during the 2022 campaign.
Harbaugh told baltimoreravens.com that Williams and another cut candidate, Jalyn Armour-Davis, need to step up.
Yes. It's a big year for both of those guys. ‘Pepe' (Williams) and Jalyn, and they're both practicing so well right now, that's the thing,” Harbaugh said recently. “I'm excited. First three days in, they've both been excellent. Jalyn has made numerous plays on the ball, ‘Pepe' hasn't had those chances, but he's been in the right spots all the time, moving well. ‘Pepe' is finally healthy. Jalyn is finally healthy. We'll see what they can do, but I'm very confident that they're going to do well.”
Williams currently stands on the second-team at nickelback. That means he has quite a ladder to climb to earn a roster spot.
TE Charlie Kolar victim of great TE room
It’s no fun to be tight end No. 3 when Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
A fourth-round pick in 2022, Kolar played in 15 games last season with three starting assignments. But he only caught seven passes for 87 yards. He profiles more as a blocking tight end than a receiving threat.
Harbaugh told baltimoreravens.com, Kolar has impressed the coaches this summer.
“Charlie has worked really hard, Harbaugh said. “He’s put on a lot of muscle, lean muscle mass, and I know he’s committed to all the aspects of being a good tight end. He wants to be a really good blocker. I know that’s important to him, and he’s preparing himself just for that.”
Certainly, the Ravens would love to keep Kolar. But it depends on how the roster rounds out.
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