Baltimore

Ravens

At 5-foot-8, 179-pounds, Mitchell is an undersized but explosive back. According to Zrebiec, Mitchell has “gotten a good amount of attention” this offseason and could find himself on the roster with a strong showing in training camp. While J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are expected to lead the Ravens’ backfield in 2023, their recent knee injuries still limited them for parts of last season, and Justice Hill, who suffered a torn Achilles in 2021, has been little more than a replacement level player through four seasons. If Mitchell were to see the field this season, it’s hard to imagine him receiving any kind of significant workload. Still, his receiving totals in college (60-580-3) are enough to suggest he could fill a void in the receiving game if needed. Mitchell is nothing more than a player worth stashing in PPR dynasty leagues, but he’s one of the more interesting UDFA running backs of this year’s class.

In four seasons under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens ranked dead last in running back targets per game (3.4). While some of this can be pinned on Lamar Jackson’s rushing and his ability to escape the pocket rather than dumping it down, the Ravens’ decision not to target running backs has been glaringly obvious. J.K. Dobbins, who is in the midst of a minor contract dispute with the team, would be the biggest beneficiary of an uptick in targets as it stands right now, while Justice Hill and rookie UDFA Keaton Mitchell could also be factored into the receiving game. Dobbins is currently being drafted as a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues but could easily outperform that draft slot if more targets materialize in what should be a potent offense.

“When you’re in a place this good, you’d love to finish your career here. I have no intention of stopping. Not coming to OTAs for the first time made it really clear I still need this game.” Zeitler, 33, was linked to retirement after skipping OTAs but reported for mandatory minicamp this month. In the final year of a three-year contract, Zeitler is likely open to a team-friendly deal to finish his career in Baltimore.

Dobbins did say he planned to report for training camp, which is essentially a formality because of the massive fines incurred for skipping. “The business side is very hard. It’s very different,” Dobbins said in a television interview. “You saw with Lamar (Jackson) ... It’s never just roses and daisies. It can be hard at times and it’s business though.” Newly eligible for a contract extension this offseason, Dobbins is currently the league’s 24th highest-paid running back. Having missed 27 games in three years before finally getting his career on track last season, Dobbins has an acute understanding of forcing the contract issue when you are a running back. That being said, it probably won’t get him anywhere, as he has unfortunately little leverage in his dealings with the Ravens.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes a $7.2 million signing bonus. As is the case with all contracts for first-round picks, the deal is fully guaranteed. The addition of Flowers will go a long way in bolstering a receiving corps that’s been among the worst in the league in recent years. Now committed to Lamar Jackson in the long-term, better weapons for him to work with was a must this offseason. Rashod Bateman is still working his way back from the foot injury he suffered last year and has yet to practice. If his issue lingers into the start of the season, Flowers could make his debut as the Ravens’ top receiver.

Monken said he’s been impressed by Jackson’s passing prowess during offseason workouts. That’s a decidedly positive development as the Baltimore offense is primed to be more pass heavy in 2023 than it ever was under former OC Greg Roman. More passing volume should be excellent for the fantasy prospects of Mark Andrews and the team’s pass catchers. Rotoworld’s Zachary Krueger recently broke down Jackson’s career passing numbers in the Ravens team preview.

File under “worth thinking about,” as it’s not likely that he just received a cortisone shot without some sort of pain in the process. Bateman underwent Lisfranc surgery after he was shut down for the season in November. Harbaugh had previously been optimistic about Bateman running soon, but instead he’ll be rehabbing during minicamp.

Jackson will gain increased ability to audible at the line of scrimmage as compared to his work with Greg Roman, though ESPN’s article here points out a time where Jackson was allowed to audible. Jamison Hensley of ESPN quotes John Harbaugh as saying “We’ve been in that world before, but not to this degree ... the offense starts in that world more than it did before, and I’m excited about that, [and] I know Lamar is excited about that.” This is as you’d expect things to be in camp when everything is rosy, Jackson’s increased control in the offense should help the Ravens avoid some of the stagnancy issues they faced over the last few years.

Robinson spent all last season with the Ravens, where he totaled 48 receptions for 458 yards and two touchdowns, good for one of the more productive seasons in his career. Prior to joining the Ravens, Robinson spent his first six years with the Chiefs, serving predominately as a deep threat in Andy Reid’s offense. Now with the Rams, Robinson figures to play a similar role this season and could claw his way into some playing time. With Cooper Kupp largely occupying the slot, Robinson will compete with Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek for opportunities out wide. This shouldn’t move the needle for anybody in regard to fantasy.

Edwards has been working to the side at OTAs and is expected to be a limited participant. He dealt with a torn ACL that delayed the start of his 2022 season and also suffered a concussion and some hamstring issues last year. If healthy, he’ll be the main backup for J.K. Dobbins this year.