The Baltimore Ravens were a surprise playoff team in 2018 after transitioning to rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson. Behind a dominant defense and an upstart running game, the team was nearly unbeatable until the AFC Wild Card Round. The team lost some key players this offseason and will be depending on other talented individuals to step up and help them get back into the playoffs. Below I will detail some of the players expected to take a significant leap this year into prominence and lead this Baltimore team.

Tyus Bowser – Linebacker

The Baltimore Ravens lost a lot in the pass-rushing department when Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith departed in free agency this offseason. And not only that, but the defense also lost Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley to the New York Jets. These players were the backbone of a top-rated Baltimore defense in 2018. Tyus Bowser was a second-round selection out of Houston in 2016. He could very well figure into Baltimore’s plans to replace that top-end production. Bowser recently commented on the 2019 season and seemed optimistic about his chances at a potential breakout season.

Bowser is a versatile linebacker with a tremendous upside that can slot in on the inside or outside for Baltimore. His pre-draft workout numbers were awe-inspiring at the Combine, as he registered a 4.65 40-yard dash, 37.5 in vertical and 21 bench press reps. He is a natural pass rusher and mostly played on the outside in college. Bowser, among others, was mentioned as a possible replacement for Suggs and company back in May. Even as a natural edge rush prospect, his length and range make him an intriguing option for the middle. That could be the position that nets Bowser the most playing time and production this coming season in Baltimore.

Mark Andrews – Tight end

Mark Andrews was the second of two tight ends drafted by the Ravens in the 2018 Draft. However, with the early injury problems experienced by first-rounder Hayden Hurst, Andrews received the first chance to impress the coaching staff. Andrews showed some real promise during his rookie season, compiling over 550 yards and three scores. And he enters his sophomore season with the opportunity for a much more significant role in Baltimore. While Nick Boyle entered training camp as the favorite to start, Andrews has built an impressive early rapport with his quarterback Jackson.

The former Sooner was always a great receiving weapon for Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma and could have that same impact in the NFL. Jackson will be relatively inexperienced and still maintains issues throwing the ball accurately downfield. Therefore, Andrews could serve as a reliable security blanket over the middle and possibly even from the slot. Andrews could be a sneaky fantasy pick in drafts this year. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked second behind only Tampa Bay’s O.J. Howard in terms of fantasy points per touch in 2018.

Mark Andrews was second only to O.J. Howard in PPR points per touch among tight ends. pic.twitter.com/SRoTlyXqex — PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) January 28, 2019

His blocking in the run game should also improve with a year experience, and that will only help new workhorse back Mark Ingram. Whether or not Andrews is the starter in 2019, it is clear that he will have a significant impact on the Baltimore offense and has big-time breakout potential.

Marlon Humphrey – Cornerback

The team has one of the most in-depth corner groups in the league as they enter the 2019 season. While the team had many defections this offseason and are looking to fill gaps, the secondary should remain a strength moving forward. One big reason for that is third-year cover man, Marlon Humphrey. Entering last season, the Ravens were facing a tough scenario with top CB Jimmy Smith suspended for the first four games. During that time Humphrey started and played lights out football for the Ravens. The former first-rounder went on to start a total of eight games and ranked ninth overall with 17 total pass deflections. He is well-coached and a real up-and-coming talent in the AFC North.

Humphrey is a strong cover man who is physical and has displayed excellent ball skills during his first two seasons. There were rumors during the offseason that Smith could be on his way out, but he returns to Baltimore along with Brandon Carr as the starters. That could leave Humphrey as a replacement on the outside, or handle the slot for the time being. However, he is the most talented of this group, and that could shine sooner than later. He may not enter 2019 as a starter, but will likely end the season as one in a major breakout campaign for the playoff-hopeful Baltimore team. It’s also fair to consider Humphrey could end up as a top-ten corner as early as the 2020 season.

Orlando Brown Jr. – Right tackle

While the offensive line is not always an exciting area to discuss a breakout player, Orlando Brown Jr’s story could change that narrative. Baltimore famously drafted Brown in the 3rd round of the 2018 Draft after his late father played for Baltimore for six seasons. The two are almost identical in size, but the younger Brown plays with a bit more finesse and may even carry a higher upside than his dad. Brown Jr. did not test boldly at the Combine, which forced his draft stock to plummet into the third round. Luckily for him, Baltimore had a great need at right tackle, that only a man of Orlando’s stature could fill. He started ten games in his rookie season and looked every bit the player the Ravens had hoped he would become when they drafted him.

During his ten starts as the bookend to Ronnie Stanley, Brown Jr. only committed four total penalties. He even started the Wild Card loss to the Chargers and played exceptionally well in that game also. He helped pave the way for rookie Lamar Jackson and the second-ranked Baltimore rushing attack in 2018. The former Sooner allowed only a half a sack and was one of the more “shocking” rookie successes of 2018. Brown Jr. may not be the sexy pick here, but he is capable of becoming one of the top five best right tackles in football this season. For my pick, that type of accolade screams breakout for the second-year player.

The potential to be special

The Ravens are a supremely talented team and have a multitude of young players that could step up and make this team one to beat in the entire AFC. The AFC North is a growing powerhouse and figures to be one of the more competitive groups in the whole conference. Baltimore will be a real threat in the AFC with the help of the above players, combined with a few other potential breakouts mentioned here. Even with all the changes, the defense will remain a strength on the heels of consistent coaching. And the offense has a chance to be unique and dynamic. Look out for the Ravens as a dark-horse Super Bowl team in 2019.

Scott Gorman is a writer for PFN covering the AFC North & NFL Draft. You can follow him @sgormanPFN on Twitter.