The Baltimore Beatdown staff react to the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster.
On Friday, the Baltimore Ravens announced they’ve re-signed running back Justice Hill to a two-year, $6 million extension. Below are the reactions from the Baltimore Beatdown staff.
This move makes perfect sense for all the right reasons on several levels given how integral Hill has become on both offense and special teams. He can return and cover kicks and is an underrated weapon in the passing game out of the backfield who can contribute more as a change-of-pace runner to Derrick Henry if given the chance. Despite being slight in size, he is a very proficient and sometimes even devastating blocker in pass protection. He is one of the rare cases of a running back who suffered a torn Achilles and not only made a swift recovery but looks more explosive post-injury. Had the Ravens been able to pull out the come-from-behind win over the Kansas City Chiefs, he would’ve been at the top of the unsung heroes list for keeping Chris Jones off Lamar Jackson on the final two plays. Those were just a few examples of the incredibly clutch plays Hill is capable of making as the Ravens preferred passing downs running back who can also run with more power than his frame suggests. After being buried on the depth chart and relegated to a core special teamer to begin his career, Hill has blossomed into one of the most complete backs and well-rounded players in the league at his position. — Joshua Reed
Well deserved extension for Justice Hill. He was underrated early in his career for his special teams plays, and his rare opportunities in the back field behind guys like Ingram, Edwards and Dobbins. In 2021 when all of Dobbins, Edwards, and Hill suffered major injuries, Hill returned the quickest and looked the most explosive. Since then, he’s been the best backfield catcher the Ravens have had and been a strong runner while still being a major special teams contributor. He massively improved as a blocker in the middle of 2023, becoming a key 3rd down contributor.
With question marks in the room past this year with Derrick Henry’s contract having an out, the recovery of Keaton Mitchell from his injury, and Rasheen Ali yet to play, having a steady force in Hill, who impacts every stage of the game possible, is massive. — Zach Canter
In a league of constant turnover at the running back position, running back Justice Hill has been a surprising staple of the Ravens backfield. Hill has taken on new roles on the team every year and is now a key contributor on Baltimore’s offense. Last year, Hill racked up career highs in rushing and receiving, providing a much needed pass catching threat out of the backfield. After tearing his Achilles before the 2020 season, Hill has worked hard to keep getting better and is very deserving of the contract extension. — Stephen Bopst