One player to watch at each defensive position in Ravens preseason opener vs. the Colts

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game of the summer, where there will be plenty to watch.

For Baltimore, quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry are among the key starters who’ll sit out and rest after participating in the spirited joint practice. Thursday night offers a first look at rookie safety Malaki Starks, second-round pick Mike Green, along with a group of second-year players headlined by wide receiver Devontez Walker.

For Indianapolis, it’ll be the debut for star tight end and first-round pick, Tyler Warren. All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at one player to watch at each defensive position.

DT Jayson Jones

Jones (6-5, 325) appeared in 50 games (14 starts) during his five-year career at Auburn (2022-24) and Oregon (2020-21), totaling 84 tackles (37 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He saw action in 12 games in 2024, recording 17 tackles. A top-10 high school recruit in Alabama by ESPN, we will be watching to see if the pedigree translates.

Edge Rusher Adisa Isaac

The former Penn State pass rusher is looking to find a role behind Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and Tavius Robinson, and a solid outing can help his cause.

LB Jay Higgins

Higgins (6-0, 224) appeared in 59 games (29 starts) across five seasons (2020-24) at Iowa, leading the FBS in combined tackles (295) over his last two seasons. We’ll be watching to see if the All-American can shed blockers.

CB Reuben Lowery

Lowery (5-9, 204) was a five-year starter at Chattanooga (2020-24) and played in 46 games with 166 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and 15 passes defensed. A more undersized cornerback, we will be watching to see how he operates against bigger pass catchers.

S Keondre Jackson

Jackson (6-2, 207) appeared in 45 games (33 starts) over four years (2021-24) at Illinois State, posting 225 tackles (116 solo), including 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five INTs (two returned for TDs), and 13 passes defensed. We will be watching to see if the FCS All-American can operate in space.

ILB Chandler Martin

Another undersized performer, Martin (5-11, 229) appeared in 44 games (36 starts) during his five-year career at Memphis (2023-24) and East Tennessee State (2020-22), finishing with 311 tackles, including 43.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks. He started all 13 games in 2024, where he totaled 111 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble. He was named first-team All-AAC for the second-straight season and the Frisco Bowl Defensive MVP after recording 17 tackles in the 42-37 win over West Virginia.

CB Marquise Robinson

Robinson is an ascending player who’s improved at every stop. Robinson (6-0, 192) played one season with Arkansas (2024), two with South Alabama (2022-23), and one with Southwest Mississippi Community College (2021). In his lone season with Arkansas, he tallied 36 tackles (20 solo), one interception, and eight passes defensed.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Players to watch at each defensive position in Ravens preseason opener

One player to watch at each defensive position in Ravens preseason opener vs. the Colts

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