The Baltimore Ravens’ 2024 campaign may not have ended with a Super Bowl victory, but it was another successful season for the franchise. They won double-digit games for the third straight year, secured back-to-back AFC North titles, and proved once again that they are among the league’s elite organizations.
While superstars like Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Roquan Smith grabbed the headlines, several under-the-radar players made key contributions throughout the season. These unsung heroes played pivotal roles in Baltimore’s success, often without the recognition they deserved.
Here’s a look at seven players whose impact flew under the radar but helped shape the Ravens’ 2024 season.
After three injury-plagued seasons, Ar’Darius Washington emerged as one of the biggest surprises on defense. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Washington stepped into a starting safety role midseason, replacing high-priced veteran Marcus Williams.
Not only did he stabilize the Ravens’ secondary, but he also became a legitimate playmaker:
✔️ 64 tackles (career-high)
✔️ 5 tackles for loss
✔️ 2 interceptions
✔️ 8 pass deflections
✔️ 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
Washington played a key role in Baltimore’s defensive resurgence, helping turn a once-struggling pass defense into a strength. With his instincts, versatility, and playmaking ability, Washington has earned a major role in 2025.
While Derrick Henry was the star of the Ravens’ backfield, Justice Hill’s impact was quietly crucial to the team’s offensive success. His ability to spell Henry, contribute as a receiver, and provide elite pass protection made him an invaluable piece of the Ravens’ two-minute offense.
Even though Hill’s rushing total (228 yards) didn’t set career highs, his production in the passing game did:
✔️ 383 receiving yards (more than all previous seasons combined)
✔️ 3 touchdowns
✔️ Key role as a third-down back
Hill’s speed and reliability made him a perfect complement to Henry’s power, helping keep the Ravens’ offense dynamic and balanced.
As a rookie in 2023, Tavius Robinson was primarily a run defender. But in his second season, he elevated his game, becoming a legitimate contributor in the pass rush.
✔️ Tripled his sack total from Year 1
✔️ 7 QB hits (career-high)
✔️ Key third-down disruptor
Robinson also played 56% of the team’s special teams snaps, proving himself as a hard-nosed, blue-collar contributor. His ability to set the edge and contribute to the pass rush gives the Ravens another promising young defender heading into 2025.
“Awesome surf on the option by Tavius Robinson and slams Josh Allen to the ground on third and short. Glass eater and an athlete.” – Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies)
Tylan Wallace didn’t get many opportunities as a receiver, but when he did, he made them count.
✔️ 11 receptions on 12 targets (91.7% catch rate)
✔️ 193 receiving yards (career-high)
✔️ Led team with 17.5 yards per catch
✔️ 5 first downs – all in key situations
✔️ Scored a critical touchdown vs. Bengals in Week 10
While his blocking in the run game also stood out, Wallace’s ability to step up in clutch moments showed why he could be a key depth piece for years to come.
“Tylan Wallace appreciation post:
– Caught every ball thrown to him besides one.
– Led the Ravens in YPC (Min 10 Rec)
– Blocked well in the run game
– Played his role and never complained.”
– Chris Cooper (@Call_Me_Coop1)
After Patrick Queen departed in free agency, second-year LB Trenton Simpson was expected to step into the starting lineup. However, by Week 12, the Ravens realized they needed a different solution—enter Malik Harrison and Chris Board.
✔️ 8 combined starts
✔️ 84 total tackles
✔️ 5 tackles for loss
✔️ 3 sacks, 4 QB hits
Harrison played early downs as a run defender, while Board became a key rotational player in passing situations. Their ability to platoon effectively helped stabilize the linebacker corps alongside Roquan Smith.
“Chris Board is one of the unsung heroes of the defense! He just gets his head down and plays football.”
– Nic Mason (@British_Raven19)
Patrick Mekari is no stranger to stepping up wherever the Ravens need him—but in 2024, his importance reached new levels.
✔️ Started season as right tackle (rotating with rookie Roger Rosengarten)
✔️ Moved to left guard due to injuries
✔️ Played every game, providing much-needed stability
With the Ravens losing three starters from their 2023 offensive line, Mekari’s ability to fill any position seamlessly made him indispensable.
His versatility and consistency may earn him a lucrative new contract, whether in Baltimore or elsewhere.
While Kyle Hamilton gets the headlines, Geno Stone quietly had an outstanding season as one of the league’s most underrated safeties.
✔️ 5 interceptions (led team)
✔️ 9 pass deflections
✔️ 64 tackles
✔️ Played deep safety and in the slot
Stone’s ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes made him an essential piece of the Ravens’ secondary. His ball-hawking skills kept Baltimore’s defense opportunistic, and he stepped up whenever called upon.
While the big names get the recognition, football is won in the margins—and these seven players proved to be essential in Baltimore’s 2024 campaign.
1️⃣ Ar’Darius Washington (DB) – Stepped up as a playmaking safety.
2️⃣ Justice Hill (RB) – A critical piece in the passing game and up-tempo offense.
3️⃣ Tavius Robinson (OLB) – Developed into a key pass rusher and run defender.
4️⃣ Tylan Wallace (WR) – Made big plays when given the chance.
5️⃣ Malik Harrison & Chris Board (ILBs) – Helped fill the void left by Patrick Queen.
6️⃣ Patrick Mekari (OL) – The versatile lineman who stabilized the offense.
7️⃣ Geno Stone (S) – The underrated playmaker in the secondary.
As the Ravens look ahead to 2025, these unsung heroes will continue to play crucial roles in their pursuit of a championship.