The Baltimore Ravens have made headlines with their recent acquisition of cornerback Jaire Alexander from the Green Bay Packers. This strategic move bolsters their defense and reshapes the team's dynamics as they head deeper into the season.

With Alexander joining the Ravens, the implications for their defensive strategy are significant. His elite coverage skills and playmaking ability are expected to elevate the secondary, which was already one of the strengths of this team. However, such a high-profile trade often triggers a ripple effect throughout the roster, affecting the roles and performances of existing players.

Luke Altmyer, Illinois quarterback and rising star, recently expressed his admiration for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at a Chicago Cubs game. During a media session, he identified Jackson as part of a select group of elite NFL quarterbacks he follows, which includes Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Altmyer emphasized the importance of learning from these top performers, stating that he absorbs insights from their unique playing styles.

Coming off a successful season where he completed 60% of his passes for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, Altmyer also shared that Russell Wilson is his primary role model. This connection is particularly meaningful as Wilson was coached by Illinois head coach Bret Bielema during his college days at Wisconsin. As Altmyer develops his skills, he continues to draw inspiration from Jackson's dual-threat capabilities, which embodies the evolution of the quarterback position.

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, the quarterback debate continues to ignite passions among fans and analysts alike. Positioning quarterbacks into tiers offers a fresh perspective on evaluating their potential and performance. Tier 1 showcases transcendent talents like Patrick Mahomes, known for his game-changing abilities despite a recent Super Bowl setback. Others in this elite group include Josh Allen, recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, and Lamar Jackson, whose electrifying plays keep defenses on edge.

Notably, emerging stars such as Jayden Daniels bring excitement to their franchises. Meanwhile, Tier 2 quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff exemplify the fine line between star potential and reliance on team support. Evaluating these players within their contexts emphasizes that a quarterback's success is often tied to their surrounding talent, creating an intricate web of performance metrics to consider moving forward.

Derrick Henry, now in his 10th NFL season, begins year two with the Baltimore Ravens, bringing an impressive track record from his time with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, he carried the ball 325 times for an astounding 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, tying for the league lead in rushing touchdowns. His offseason training has garnered attention, as he reportedly spends around $240,000 annually on body maintenance, ensuring he remains a top-tier athlete at 31 years old.

Sharing the backfield with quarterback Lamar Jackson, Henry continues to be a dominant force. His commitment to conditioning and performance makes him a key player for fantasy teams looking for reliable rushing options, especially as the Ravens aim for a Super Bowl championship.