For the longest time, the Ravens were known for playing great defense. They’d carry more than their fair share on that side of the ball and did so with pride. Special teams were very good as well, but defense was the main attraction in Baltimore for the better part of two decades
Their offense, historically speaking, left a lot to be desired. There were a couple of Pro Bowlers here and there, but mostly the unit was viewed as one that was successful if it just didn’t mess up. These days, though, things are different. The Ravens defense and special teams are still units that achieve at a high level, but the big difference is the versatility and explosive potential this offense possesses.
There may not be Hall of Fame-caliber players on this roster (like Jonathan Ogden or Shannon Sharpe), but as a whole, this offense (and team) is one of the best the city has seen in the franchise’s 27 years.
To that end, and considering the changes this game has seen, evaluations of team personnel by fans and media will inevitably include a fantasy football projection. Fantasy sports is expected to grow to a $6.11 billion market by 2026 (according to prnewswire.com). That would be roughly a quarter of what the NFL is on track to make by 2027. As you can see, fantasy football is no longer just a game people play for fun—it’s a serious, heavy-duty money-maker. Therefore, it’s only right to have a conversation about plausible projections for Ravens players and where they could rank across the league.
When it comes to stats and big plays, Lamar Jackson is first on the list. He’s followed by Mark Andrews, and then Justin Tucker. J.K. Dobbins will be a great value play this year, as the level of his talent may be thought less of due to his season-long injury last year. Rashod Bateman should make some plays this season, but he’s still new and will command a lot of attention from opposing secondaries. Gus Edwards will be one of the best “handcuffs” in the league (a good player whose good injury insurance), and therefore will be valued in middle to late rounds. Lastly, the defense/special teams unit could be a “sneaky good” pick. They’re getting key starters back, have added some stud playmakers, and are motivated to overcome a woeful turnover output in 2021.
As fantasy football goes, the Ravens offer a lot to like. Here’s a more specific look at each player/unit and what you can expect from them this season.
Lamar Jackson
Stats from last full season (2020): 242/376, 2,757 yards, 26 TD, 9 INT; 159 carries, 1,005 yards, 7 TD;
332.8 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 274/374, 3,457 yards, 26 TD, 11 INT; 122 carries, 1141 yards, 4 TD;
370.1 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 2, Picks 16-20
Projected position rank: 4th (behind Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes)
Mark Andrews
Stats from last full season (2021): 107 receptions, 153 targets, 1,361 yards, 9 TD; 194.1 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 100 receptions, 138 targets, 1,405 yards, 7 TD; 182.5 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 3, Picks 4-8
Projected position rank: 2nd (behind Travis Kelce)
J.K. Dobbins
Stats from last full season (2020): 134 carries, 805 yards, 9 TD; 18 receptions, 24 targets, 120 yards; 150.5 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 175 carries, 1,085 yards, 10 TD; 33 receptions, 60 targets, 215 yards, 2 TD;
202.0 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 2, Picks 8-12
Projected position rank: 9th (behind Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones, Austin Ekeler, Najee Harris, Nick Chubb, Alvin Kamara, and Joe Mixon)
Gus Edwards
Stats from last full season (2020): 144 carries, 723 yards, 6 TD; 9 receptions, 13 targets, 129 yards;
119.2 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 130 carries, 800 yards, 6 TD; 14 receptions, 19 targets, 85 yards;
124.5 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 8
Projected position rank: 40-45
Rashod Bateman
Stats from last full season (2021): 46 receptions, 68 targets, 515 yards, 1 TD; 57.5 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 77 receptions, 108 targets, 885 yards, 8 TD; 136.5 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 7
Projected position rank: 30-35
Defense/Special Teams
Stats from last full season (2021): 374 points allowed, 34 sacks, 9 INT, 6 FR, 1 TD, 1 blocked kick;
85 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 321 points allowed, 39 sacks, 12 INT, 8 FR, 2 TD, 1 safety;
161 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 11
Projected position rank: 3rd (behind Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and Los Angeles Rams)
Justin Tucker
Stats from last full season (2021): 35/37 FG, Long 66, 32/32 XP; 149 fantasy points
Projected stats in 2022: 38/40 FG, Long 62, 35/35 XP; 162 fantasy points
Projected draft position: Round 9
Projected position rank: 1st
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.