The Baltimore Ravens’ offense runs through Derrick Henry. As the league’s premier power back settles into his second season in Baltimore, the real intrigue is who lines up behind him, and how those roles will be deployed when the games start to count. The current pecking order is clear, and it comes straight from the team’s published depth charts.
Who Ranks Behind Derrick Henry?
The primary backup job belongs to Justice Hill, with Keaton Mitchell next, and second-year back Rasheen Ali rounding out the core room. That alignment reflects how the staff trusts Hill on passing downs, values Mitchell’s burst as a change-of-pace option, and continues to onboard Ali after a productive preseason that included a touchdown and a 69-yard kickoff return.
Justice Hill
Hill is first in when Henry comes off the field. His reliability in protection and utility in the passing game keep the offense on schedule, which is why he sits directly behind Henry on every major depth chart today.
Hill has carved out a steady career in Baltimore since 2019 by doing the little things: Picking up blitzers, catching swing passes, and grinding tough yards in late-game situations. Coaches often note that while Henry dominates headlines, Hill keeps the tempo balanced.
Since it’s game day, let’s catch up on some #RavensFlock content. Earlier this week, I asked Willie Taggart how RB Justice Hill has evolved. He reiterated that Hill is a “junkyard dog” who does everything. Taggart also credited him w/ bringing Derrick Henry along last season. pic.twitter.com/Z7TxAITyzj
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 16, 2025
Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell supplies the speed element. After last year’s ACL rehab, he’s back in the mix as the horizontal-stretch option Baltimore can feature in space and on shotgun looks, consistent with his listed role behind Hill.
At full health, Mitchell offers the one trait Henry and Hill don’t have, which is the ability to hit a home run from anywhere on the field. Baltimore has often relied on a rotation of styles under coordinator Todd Monken, and Mitchell’s return gives them a chess piece for mismatches.
Rasheen Ali
Ali, a 2024 fifth-round pick, has pushed his way into the conversation with tangible preseason flashes. The rookie-year touchdown and a 69-yard kickoff return showcased the special-teams value and upside that help justify his place on the depth chart.
His development is important because the Ravens have leaned on young backs before, notably Gus Edwards in 2018 and J.K. Dobbins in 2020, to provide depth when injuries struck. Ali fits that mold as a player who might start on kick coverage and gradually grow into an offensive role.
The Rest of the Room
Roster movement has been fluid. The Ravens released Myles Gaskin and D’Ernest Johnson on August 26. Johnson returned to the practice squad a day later, while Gaskin remains a free agent. If injuries occur, Johnson is the immediate elevation candidate, but neither is currently on the 53-man roster.
How the Ravens Will Deploy Their RBs?
Expect Henry to dominate early-down work, with Hill handling most third-down and two-minute snaps and Mitchell packaged for explosive touches. Multiple reports and projections indicate Baltimore plans to carry four running backs into the regular season, which aligns with Ali’s special-teams and depth value.
The formula is designed to keep Henry fresh. He led the NFL in carries three times during his Tennessee tenure and logged over 2,000 career touches before arriving in Baltimore. The Ravens want his punishing style available in December and January, meaning snap management is part of the plan.
That’s why Hill’s protection skills, Mitchell’s explosiveness, and Ali’s all-around growth are more than just depth; they are insurance for Baltimore’s postseason ambitions.
