Ravens insider projects roles for four overlooked rookies
· Yahoo Sports
Every rookie class has its headliners. For the Baltimore Ravens, those conversations have naturally centered on first-round guard Vega Ioane and second-round edge rusher Zion Young. Early draft picks are expected to contribute immediately, and both arrive with sky-high expectations entering training camp.
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The rest of the rookie class hasn't received nearly as much attention. That's understandable. Baltimore enters 2026 with one of the NFL's deepest rosters. That makes it difficult for late-round draft picks and undrafted rookie free agents to earn meaningful playing time.
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, but opportunities become even harder to find one's place when a roster is already filled with established veterans and Pro Bowl talent. That doesn't mean these younger players won't contribute. Recently, Ravens.com editorial director Ryan Mink outlined the roles he envisions for the Ravens' rookie class.
Several of the lesser-discussed rookies might not rack up a ton of in-game snaps. Still, Mink's projections offer a glimpse into where each could make an impact this season.
Matthew Hibner could soften the loss of Isaiah Likely
Replacing Isaiah Likely won't fall on one player alone, but Mink believes Matthew Hibner has a chance to become one of Baltimore's primary receiving tight ends. Hibner's athleticism and pass-catching ability were among the reasons the Ravens drafted him, and Mink noted that veteran addition Durham Smythe is better known for his blocking than his receiving production.
Chandler Rivers could earn snaps as a true nickel corner
Versatility has long been one of Baltimore's defensive trademarks. Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey can both slide inside when needed, but Chandler Rivers offers something slightly different. He projects as one of the roster's true nickel cornerbacks, much like Keyon Martin did a season ago.
His experience both inside and outside during his college career at Duke could make him a valuable piece of Jesse Minter's defensive packages.
Josh Cuevas impressed throughout the spring
Sometimes, offseason practices offer the first clue that a rookie belongs. Josh Cuevas consistently stood out during Organized Team Activities, emerging as one of the Ravens' most impressive newcomers.
Cuevas' versatility may become his greatest strength. His blocking ability could help offset the departure of fullback Patrick Ricard while allowing him to compete with Hibner for offensive snaps in Baltimore's multiple tight-end sets.
Likely caught 36 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2022. Again, production isn't anyone's cross to bear alone, and Hibner is more of the receiver, meaning expecting identical numbers from any one player may be ambitious.
Adam Randall may contribute before he touches the football
Few rookies enter the NFL with Randall's background. After converting from wide receiver to running back while with the Clemson Tigers, he brings receiving skills uncommon for the position.
Baltimore's new offense could feature running backs being more heavily involved in the passing game. That would be a development that naturally plays to Randall's strengths. Still, Justice Hill already occupies much of that role, and because of that, Mink expects Randall's earliest contributions to come on special teams, particularly as a kickoff returner.
Training camp tends to shine the brightest spotlight on first-round picks and future stars. That's only natural. Championship-caliber teams, however, are often built just as much by the players selected later in the draft. If Ryan Mink's projections prove accurate, Baltimore's overlooked rookies could quietly become valuable pieces of the Ravens' success long before the season comes to an end.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens insider projects roles for four overlooked rookies