The Baltimore Ravens perennially receive more attention for their rushing attack than perhaps any other team in the NFL. This year, Derrick Henry’s addition sits at the front of the conversation.
However, one analyst believes that another name sitting on the roster quietly deserves attention. Speaking on the “Ross Tucker Podcast,” analyst Emory Hunt handed out an A+ rating to rookie Rasheen Ali.
Of course, with Henry slated to start as the brilliant new addition to Lamar Jackson’s offense in 2024, a rookie dominating would be a shocking turn of events.
Henry, 30, stands as one of the oldest bell cows in the NFL. Unlike other star running backs, having a quality rookie behind him might be more practical than at first glance.
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Ali wasn’t a complete unknown, however. The back was one of the biggest names to watch heading into the 2024 Senior Bowl.
According to Sports Reference, Ali earned at least 1100 yards in two of his final three seasons with the Marshall Thundering Herd. In his best season, he racked up 1401 yards and a whopping 23 touchdowns. Injury caused him to miss most of his 2022 season, which offers one clear spot for worry.
If he couldn’t remain healthy in college, questions remain about whether he can stay on the field in an even more ferocious league. ESPN’s depth chart has already hit Ali with a questionable health designation. On top of that, he currently sits in fourth place on the depth chart.
While it could change at any point in training camp, Ali must convince John Harbaugh to slide him up over Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill. At this point, accomplishing that alone would be seen as a victory for 2024. Then, after netting more experience, he’ll be primed to take over for Henry when he inevitably declines.
It could be another year or two before that happens, but he has an opportunity set before him and is set to get paid in the meantime.
The Ravens ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing offense last season, so we’ll see if Ali can help bolster the club’s ground game even more heading into 2024.
Baltimore will open its regular season with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5.
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