Ravens Defender Calls Jesse Minter's Scheme ‘Simple'

Sometimes it’s better not to overthink it.

Jesse Minter earned the head coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens after having a successful stint as the defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter is set to re-energize a Ravens defense that had issues with former defensive coordinator Zach Orr.

Ravens safety Jaylinn Hawkins likes the new defense that Minter is implanting this offseason. It’s a simple scheme that fits the players.

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“It’s simple but also very strategic,” Hawkins said, via the Ravens. “It’s smart the way his playcalling is. I’m starting to understand it more as we’re going through these OTAs as we go through the new playbook and the plays.

“I’m like, ‘OK. I understand why we do this. I understand why he’s putting us in this call. This makes sense.’ Once we start game planning and stuff, he can really cook up.”

Complex schemes can be good at tricking the opposing offense. It can also backfire in a big way if players make a mistake. The more Minter can get his players to buy into the system, the easier it will be for the Ravens to get stops in the regular season.

Hawkins spent the previous two seasons with the New England Patriots. He played in the Super Bowl in February and believes this Ravens team has a chance to make it to the Super Bowl this season.

“I think we could be special,” Hawkins said. “I think we’ve got something cooking. Everybody is talented in their own way. Everybody has different strengths. We all can get the ball. There’s so much upside to it. Now it’s just about feeding off each other, playing off each other, playing well together.”

The Ravens invested heavily in the defensive side of the ball. In addition to Hawkins, Baltimore signed defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency and drafted Zion Young in the second round, hoping to fix the pass rush.

Baltimore missed the postseason in part because Lamar Jackson missed four games due to a hamstring injury. With Jackson back to full health and an improved defense, the Super Bowl should be the goal for the Ravens.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:50 PM.