The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sep. 13, to kick off the 2026 regular season. With that in mind, there are several players on the roster who could emerge as strong playmakers.

Focusing on the defensive side of things, the Ravens have a lot of new additions, plus some veterans who are looking to shed the struggles of the 2025 season.

Here are five defensive players to watch for in Baltimore's Week 1 matchup.

One of the reasons the Ravens drafted Zion Young was with the intention that he could aid the pass rush in a significant way now and as he grows in his NFL career. Though he may not get a lot of opportunity out of the gate, it will be interesting to see how he capitalizes on those opportunities.

The linebacker room is packed with Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, and more, so Young will need to make some magic out of whatever snaps he does get in the loaded room.

Calais Campbell is a consummate pro and was high on the wishlist for general manager Eric DeCosta. How the veteran fits into the grand scheme of the defensive line and his impact on the entire defense will be crucial.

Even at 39 years old and 18 seasons in the NFL, he managed to bring in 6.5 sacks as a member of the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. If Campbell can mimic that same success in Baltimore, the defense will have a well-rounded lineman who can help make life tough for opposing offenses.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is well aware of the struggles that he had in 2025, which he attributed to his pride getting in the way of practicing too much. The outspoken defender also admitted he utilized the team's resources more to find a balance in not pushing himself too far.

Humphrey has been one of the most-praised players through training camp, and he could come out swinging in what is a big contract year. 

It is still not known whether defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will be out on the field, though he did appear on the injury report with a limited status. 

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter stated he would not rule the defensive tackle out, and signs point to Madubuike being out in Week 1. If that is the case, the high-motor tackle will be one of the more intriguing players to watch, especially to see if he has lost a step after missing an entire season. 

Pass rush Trey Hendrickson was the big get for the Ravens during the 2026 offseason, and the perennial quarterback terrorizer now has a chance to add some balance to the defense.

Hendrickson had his own core muscle injury that led to missing most of the 2025 season, but he secured 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. If he can return to that same level of production for Baltimore's defense, Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will have a lot to work with.