A look at the current state of the Baltimore Ravens' linebacker room ahead of training camp.
The Baltimore Ravens' linebacker group is projected to be one of the best units in all of football.
They enter the upcoming season with high expectations, led by All-Pro Roquan Smith. Smith continued to lead the charge, and the Ravens saw the emergence of young talents like Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan and Mike Green.
The Ravens have bolstered the linebacker room in a big way. Add the fact that Baltimore hired a defensive-minded head coach, Jesse Minter, and the linebacker room has a great chance to become the best in football.
Ravens Linebackers on the Roster
Roquan Smith
The undisputed leader of the defense and certainly of the unit. Smith is expected to do big things in Minter’s defense.
The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to log heavy snaps and certainly surpass his total of 130 tackles that he recorded last season. Not only are high expectations placed on him, but the Ravens are carrying a massive cap hit for him, marking a pivotal “prove-it” season for the veteran.
Trey Hendrickson
Although Hendrickson is an edge rusher, he is listed as a linebacker.
The 31-year-old signed a massive four-year, $112 milion contract to bolster the Ravens' defense. Anything short of that mark and this contract will look like a disappointment.
Hendrickson carries immense pressure to anchor the defense and prove that he can continue to be elite with massive expectations on his shoulders.
Teddye Buchanan
Buchanan, who made a name for himself in 2025, is expected to be one of the most important players on the Ravens' defense.
He has cemented his role as the long-term starting inside linebacker next to Smith. Although Buchanan suffered a torn ACL late in the season, he is projected to be ready for Week 1 and help out that core immensely.
Tavius Robinson
Robinson is expected to serve as the Ravens' physical and early-down run defender. At the same time, the 27-year-old is expected to compete for a starting linebacker spot.
The former Ole Miss product brings excellent size and length to the team. However, for Robinson to take the next step, he’ll need to develop his pass rush and become more disruptive when going after the quarterback.
Mike Green
Green is another player heading into his second NFL season. The 22-year-old is expected to benefit from the addition of Hendrickson in a big way.
If he can do that, Green will be in a great spot to shatter his rookie numbers from last season.
Zion Young
Young may come in as a rookie, but he can quickly establish himself as an X-factor of the group. The Missouri product is set to play a key role in defense and eventually make his mark early in the season and beyond.
Trenton Simpson
This is a make it or break it season for Simpson. He is about to enter the final year of his rookie deal and has a chance to lock down the primary inside linebacker role.
Simpson has a chance to make this season a breakout one if he can take a major step up and prove that he can play with down-to-down consistency.
Jay Higgins IV
Higgins IV is expected to serve primarily as a versatile backup and a core special teams contributor.
Additional backups:
Reid Williford
Dominic DeLuca
Adisa Isaac
Ethan Burke
Kaimon Rucker
Carl Jones
Biggest Linebacker Questions
Can the Ravens improve against the run?
Last season was an off year for the Ravens, and that includes their linebacker unit. In 2025, they experienced inconsistencies, occasionally giving up explosive runs up the middle, and struggled with missed tackles in space.
With a new regime and refocused energy, that is expected to change in a huge way.
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