The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season was nothing short of disappointing. The city, organization, and fans were all let down due to multiple factors.
Sports Illustrated made a list of Ravens players who have the most to prove in 2026. Honestly, the list did not disappoint.
The Ravens will look for two players in particular to step up their game in 2026.
“After an all-around miserable 2026 season, that was as disappointing as any in the NFL and left the Ravens looking for a new head coach for the first time in nearly 20 years, there are no shortage of individuals who need to step up come September.” Jason La Canfora wrote in the SI Article.
It’s Make or Break Time for Rashod Bateman
Rashod Bateman will undoubtedly have pressure on his shoulders this upcoming season. The former first round pick has been involved in some trade rumors this offseason.
The Baltimore Ravens took Bateman with big expectations. The Ravens hoped he would show his capabilities in an electrifying fashion. Due to injuries, lack of targets, and some dropped passes as well, Bateman has not been the most effective.
Baltimore signed the former first round pick to a three-year $36.75 million contract extension in June 2025. Many would say Bateman earned this extension after an impressive 2024 season with the Ravens. We know what we saw in 2024 and all the Ravens are asking him to do be consistent. His ability will never be questioned.
Although he has shown flashes of being good to great, some would say he has been inconsistent throughout his career. Injuries have also played a part in his inconsistency with the team.
Bateman only had 19 receptions for 224 yards in the 2025 season. While injuries played a role, he played in 13 of the Ravens’ 17 games in 2025. So far in his career, Bateman has appeared in 64 games and has made 47 starts. In these games, Bateman has 262 targets, 157 receptions, 2,147 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns.
There is Pressure on Mark Andrews to Perform
Mark Andrews is the primary safety blanket for Lamar Jackson since Isaiah Likely is out of town. Some would say Andrews has underperformed in the past two seasons. The big tight end recorded 48 catches, 422 yards, and 5 touchdowns in 2025.
“Andrews ranked tied for 29th among all TE in explosive plays last year and 38th in success rate (per TruMedia) and 42nd in air yard conversation % and 31st in first downs per target and 30th in adjusted yards per route run.” Jason La Canfora wrote in the SI Article.
One could argue that Andrews has never recovered from that dropped pass in the 2024 AFC Divisional Round game. That drop cost the Ravens a trip to the AFC championship in Kansas City. Talk about heartbreaking…
Nonetheless, the Baltimore Ravens have invested a lot in these players specifically with Bateman and Andrews. Again, the ability will never be a question mark, but the dropped passes and inability to show up in clutch moments has costed this team some games.
The time for talking is over. It’s time to go out and show out for these two gentlemen.
Ravens Players Who Need to Step up the Most in 2026