The 2026 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Baltimore Ravens are looking to make a splash. With a talented roster and a new head coach, the Ravens are poised for a breakout year. But who are the players to watch? Let's take a closer look at two key players who could have breakout seasons: safety Malaki Starks and inside linebacker Roquan Smith. Personally, I think that Starks has the potential to have a huge year, and Smith could be the key to the Ravens' defense.
Malaki Starks: The Rising Star
Starks, a first-round pick in 2025, had a strong rookie season, but he's looking to take it to the next level in 2026. While he's learning a new scheme for the second season in a row, playing under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter could be beneficial for the young pro. Minter got the most out of his players in Los Angeles, and he can be trusted to do the same with Starks' skill set. In my opinion, Starks has the potential to be a playmaker this season, and he's expressed confidence in his ability to make plays.
What makes Starks' potential breakout year particularly fascinating is the fact that he's still learning the new scheme. Many players struggle with adjusting to a new system, but Starks seems to be embracing the challenge. If he can master the new scheme and translate that into on-field success, he could become a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. However, one thing that many people don't realize is that Starks' success will depend on his ability to stay healthy. With a new scheme and a demanding role, he'll need to stay injury-free to reach his full potential.
Roquan Smith: The Veteran Leader
Smith, a five-time All-Pro, is looking to rebound from a season that didn't meet his standards. But if he can get back to form and second-year inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan picks up where he left off before suffering a torn ACL late last season, the Ravens will have a very formidable duo. Buchanan, a fourth-round pick who started every game from Weeks 2-15, really hit his stride both as a tackler and in coverage in the five weeks prior to his injury. Personally, I think that Buchanan's best stretch coincided with Smith's best work for the Ravens, and if he can get back on the field, the duo could be a force to be reckoned with.
What makes the Smith-Buchanan duo particularly interesting is the fact that they could be the best linebacker duo since Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen in the 2023 season. If Buchanan is ready for the start of the 2026 season, the Ravens could have a dynamic and versatile pair in the middle of their defense. However, one thing that many people don't realize is that Smith's success will depend on his ability to lead by example. As a veteran leader, he'll need to set the tone for the rest of the defense and help guide Buchanan as he adjusts to the NFL.
The Ravens' Potential: Best-Case and Worst-Case
The Ravens are widely regarded as a Super Bowl favorite, and their potential outcomes for the 2026 season are indicative of a team with high expectations. In the best-case scenario, the arrival of Minter as head coach fixes the defense, and the organization dominates the conference, leading to an AFC North title and the No. 1 seed. Lamar Jackson stays healthy and finally gets over the hump to win the Super Bowl. However, in the worst-case scenario, Baltimore's defense doesn't make the strides it hoped for under Minter, and key players like Trey Hendrickson and Derrick Henry struggle.
The Ravens All-PFF Team
Pro Football Focus named its Ravens All-PFF team, and it's replete with Hall of Famers, future Hall of Famers, and multi-time Pro Bowlers. Current Ravens who made the team include Jackson, wide receiver Zay Flowers, tight end Mark Andrews, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and safety Kyle Hamilton. The team also includes Hall of Famer Ray Rice at running back, fullback Patrick Ricard, wide receiver Derrick Mason, slot receiver Anquan Boldin, and more. On defense, Humphrey and Hamilton were joined by defensive tackles, edge rushers, and inside linebackers, including Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.
The Future is Bright
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Baltimore Ravens. With a talented roster and a new head coach, the Ravens are poised for a breakout year. Malaki Starks and Roquan Smith are two key players who could have breakout seasons, and their success will depend on their ability to lead and perform at a high level. As the season unfolds, we'll see if the Ravens can live up to the hype and make a run at the Super Bowl. From my perspective, the future is bright for the Ravens, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in 2026.
