Offseason Preview for the Ravens in 2025: Where Does Baltimore Stand at Running Back?

The NFL offseason is a critical time for every team to assess their roster, address needs, and refine their strategies for the upcoming season. As the 2025 season draws near, the Baltimore Ravens will enter another offseason with a focus on ensuring they have a balanced and dynamic team that can compete for a championship. One position that has historically been crucial to the team’s identity is running back. The Ravens have long relied on a strong ground game as the foundation of their offense, and as the 2025 offseason approaches, the team’s running back situation will be under heavy scrutiny.

The Ravens have a rich history of success in the running game, and in recent years, the ground attack has been an integral part of their offensive scheme. With a combination of a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson and a diverse stable of running backs, Baltimore has maintained one of the most potent rushing offenses in the NFL. However, heading into the 2025 offseason, several questions linger about the future of the position.

Where does Baltimore stand at running back? Do they need to make a splash in free agency or the draft to bolster their rushing attack? Or do they have the pieces already in place to continue dominating on the ground? In this preview, we’ll take a deep dive into the Ravens’ running back situation, analyzing current players, potential changes in the roster, and how the team could approach the position in the 2025 offseason.

A Brief Overview of the Ravens’ Rushing Attack

The Ravens’ rushing attack has long been a hallmark of their offensive identity, and it remains one of the most effective in the league. Since Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, Baltimore has consistently ranked among the top teams in rushing yards per game, with Jackson himself contributing significantly to the ground game.

Historically, the Ravens have favored a committee approach at running back, often relying on a stable of players with different skill sets to keep the defense off balance. This strategy has been especially effective in the run-heavy offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Greg Roman (though Roman’s status and influence could shift in the coming seasons as coaching staff changes could happen). The ability to mix power running, speed, and versatility has been a key factor in the Ravens’ success on the ground.

However, as the Ravens head into 2025, the team’s running back room is a bit in flux. Several key factors could influence the direction the team takes at this position, including the age and health of current players, the performance of younger running backs, and how they address the position in free agency or the draft.

The Current Running Back Room

J.K. Dobbins

Arguably the most significant piece in the Ravens’ running back room is J.K. Dobbins, a former second-round pick from Ohio State. Dobbins has shown flashes of brilliance since being drafted in 2020, but injuries have unfortunately hampered his career so far. After tearing his ACL in the preseason ahead of the 2021 season, Dobbins struggled to return to full form in 2022 and 2023, with lingering knee issues that caused him to miss a significant portion of those campaigns. However, when healthy, Dobbins has been one of the most explosive running backs in the league.

In 2024, Dobbins appeared to regain some of his previous form, finishing the season as the team’s primary ball carrier. His ability to hit the hole quickly, along with his vision and balance, makes him a key asset to the Ravens’ offense. As of now, Dobbins is expected to be a key part of the Ravens’ running back committee in 2025, assuming he remains healthy.

The big question mark surrounding Dobbins is his durability. The Ravens are likely to monitor his health closely during the offseason, given the injury concerns that have plagued him over the last few years. If Dobbins can remain healthy, he will likely be the centerpiece of Baltimore’s running game moving forward, but there is always the possibility that they could look to add depth to the position or bring in competition if there are any lingering concerns.

Gus Edwards

Gus Edwards, also known as “The Bus,” has been a steady presence in the Ravens’ backfield for several seasons. A powerful downhill runner, Edwards excels in short-yardage situations and has a nose for finding the end zone. While not as explosive as Dobbins, Edwards has a reliable skill set that has made him a solid contributor for Baltimore.

In 2024, Edwards continued to be a key cog in the Ravens’ backfield rotation, splitting carries with Dobbins and offering a physical complement to the more elusive Dobbins. Edwards is one of the best backup running backs in the NFL, and his ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles makes him an invaluable asset.

As the Ravens enter the 2025 offseason, Edwards will likely remain in a complementary role, providing depth and physicality when needed. He has proven to be an effective backup, and his familiarity with the Ravens’ system makes him a reliable option moving forward. However, Edwards will turn 30 in 2025, which is considered the age where running backs tend to experience a decline in production. The team will need to carefully monitor his workload to ensure he remains effective.

Justice Hill

Justice Hill is another player in the Ravens’ running back room who provides speed and versatility. A fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hill has struggled to carve out a significant role in the Ravens’ offense, but he has shown flashes of potential as a change-of-pace back. Hill is known for his burst and agility, offering a different skill set than both Dobbins and Edwards.

Hill’s role in 2024 was somewhat limited, but he has the ability to contribute on special teams and as a receiving option out of the backfield. While Hill is unlikely to become the team’s primary ball carrier, he could provide value in a more specialized role. However, his future with the team could be in jeopardy if the Ravens decide to add another player who could fulfill a similar role, or if they opt to move in a different direction with the position.

Keaton Mitchell

Keaton Mitchell, an undrafted rookie from East Carolina, impressed during the 2024 season with his speed and explosiveness. Though he had limited opportunities in his rookie year, Mitchell showed a lot of promise in training camp and was able to contribute on special teams and in certain offensive packages.

Mitchell’s upside lies in his agility and ability to hit the edge with explosive speed. He has the potential to be a weapon in the Ravens’ offense, particularly if the team opts to utilize him in a receiving role or as a returner. The Ravens are likely to take a wait-and-see approach with Mitchell in the 2025 offseason, evaluating his potential for a larger role moving forward.

Free Agency: What Options Are There for the Ravens?

With the Ravens’ current stable of running backs, the team could choose to make some moves in free agency to solidify the position further or add depth. While there are no top-tier free-agent running backs expected to hit the market in 2025, there are several serviceable veterans who could be targeted as complementary pieces. A running back on a one-year deal could be a prudent move for the Ravens if they decide to bring in a reliable veteran to provide depth or mentorship for the younger players.

If the Ravens opt to pursue a more high-profile player in free agency, they might look at a back with a strong pass-catching ability or someone who can contribute on third downs. This would allow the team to maintain a balance between power running and versatility, particularly as they look to complement Lamar Jackson’s skill set.

The NFL Draft: Potential Targets for the Ravens

The 2025 NFL Draft could provide the Ravens with an opportunity to add a young running back who could complement their existing stable of players. Running backs are often available in the later rounds, and the Ravens have a track record of finding value in later rounds at this position.

If the Ravens decide to target a running back in the draft, they may focus on one who has a well-rounded skill set, able to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver. Additionally, they might look for a player who could provide depth and competition for the current group, especially if there are concerns about Dobbins’ health or if they want to add a change-of-pace option to their offense.

Some potential targets for the Ravens could include running backs who have shown impressive skills in college, with the Ravens looking for someone who can immediately contribute to the team’s success. Whether it’s a player who can serve as a backup or someone who could become a starter in the future, the draft offers an opportunity to bolster the position.

What’s Next for the Ravens’ Running Back Position?

Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a relatively strong position at running back. J.K. Dobbins is the centerpiece of the group, and if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the league’s top backs. Gus Edwards provides excellent depth and toughness, while Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell offer some intriguing options as change-of-pace backs.

However, the Ravens must continue to monitor the health of Dobbins and potentially look for ways to add depth or talent to the position. Whether they choose to make moves in free agency or find a complementary back in the draft, the running back position will remain one of the most crucial areas for the team to address in the offseason.

Ultimately, the Ravens’ success in 2025 will depend on the continued strength of their running game. With Lamar Jackson under center and a potent rushing attack, the Ravens will continue to rely on their ground game to control the clock and set the tone on offense. How the team approaches the running back position in the offseason will be key to ensuring they remain one of the most effective rushing teams in the NFL.