The Baltimore Ravens will have to release 22 players in order to meet the 53 player roster requirements by Saturday afternoon. There will be a number of roster spots that can be earned with a strong performance in the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
The final preseason game will feature players who are fighting to keep their football career alive. The game will feature the guys that will fill up the back end of the Ravens 2014 roster. It will also be an opportunity for some players to audition for other teams.
“A lot of players are going to play in this game, guys who have a lot at stake,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We’ll have an opportunity to improve, but also, there’s going to be a few positions at stake, opportunities for guys here and elsewhere to show that they can play in the NFL.”
Here is a position by position look at the Pro Player Insiders 53 player roster projection:
Quarterbacks (2)
Starter: Joe Flacco
Backup: Tyrod Taylor
The Ravens have been hot and cold on Keith Wenning. A good performance against the Saints could win him a roster spot but it’s very likely that he ends up being a practice squad player if he clears waivers. Taylor has held down the backup quarterback for some time now. That will continue this year.
Running Backs (4)
Starter: Bernard Pierce
Suspended: Ray Rice
Backup: Lorenzo Taliaferro
Change of Pace: Justin Forsett
This group of running backs is a deep unit. Pierce is going to kick off the season as the starter while Ray Rice serves his two game suspension. Taliaferro will be the bruising short yardage back while Forsett is the multipurpose back that can be a valuable option out of the backfield for the passing game.
Fullback (1)
Kyle Jusczyzk
Juice will be a swiss army knife in this offense. He does need to improve upon his blocking somewhat but he could be a factor in the passing games. A season total of 30 – 40 receptions would not be an unreachable statistic for him.
Wide Receivers (6)
Starters: Steve Smith Sr., Torrey Smith
3rd Receiver: Jacoby Jones
Reserves: Marlon Brown, Kamar Aikens, Deonte Thompson
This is one of the tightest competitions for the Ravens. Jeremy Butler ends up on the outside looking in despite showing the coaching staff a lot with his consistent hands and strong work ethic. Aikens and Butler could easily flip flop spots but it will really take a strong push by Butler to make that happen. Deonte Thompson gets the final spot because of his recent success at training camp. He is also coming off of back to back games with a touchdown.
Tight Ends (3)
Starter: Dennis Pitta
12 Personnel: Owen Daniels
Reserve: Crockett Gilmore
Pitta is coming off of an injury and has the athleticism to excel in this offense which includes a series of screen passes to the tight end. He will continue to get help with the offense from veteran tight end, Owen Daniels. Crockett Gilmore will step in as a blocking tight end in goal line and short yardage situations.
Centers (2)
Starter: Jeremy Zuttah
Backup: Gino Gradkowski
Offensive Tackles (3)
Starters: Eugene Monroe LT, Rick Wagner RT
Backup: Jah Reid
Offensive Guards (4)
Starters: Kelechi Osemele LG, Marshall Yanda RG
Backups: Ryan Jensen, John Urshchel
The Ravens can use a variety of players at multiple positions which is something that makes the offensive line one of the deeper units on the team. Osemele could play tackle if need be. Jensen was originally in the battle for the right tackle spot but he has settled into the guard position. Gradkowski or Zuttah can shuffle over to guard also.
Defensive Tackle (2)
Starter: Haloti Ngata
Backup: Timmy Jernigan
This one two punch is going to cause havoc against opposing defenses because of their size and athleticism. Jernigan also showed that he was a tremendous value pick in the second round.
Nose Tackle (2)
Starter: Brandon Williams
Backup: Terrence Cody
Williams will be the starter at nose tackle. That allows Haloti Ngata moving to the three technique. Cody could end up on the reserved PUP list which means that he will not count against the roster but can not practice during the first six weeks of the season.
Defensive End (2)
Starter: Chris Canty
Reserve: DeAngelo Tyson
Canty will bring continue to bringveteran leadership to the defensive line. Tyson is a very capable backup as well.
Outside Linebacker (2)
Starter: Terrell Suggs
Backup: Pernell McPhee
Suggs is the all time leader in sacks for the Ravens and still has plenty of options. McPhee has been a factor by getting pressure on the quarterback throughout camp.
Sam Linebacker (2)
Starter: Elvis Dumervil
Key Reserve: Courtney Upshaw
The Ravens will utilize Dumervil in passing situations. They’ll use Upshaw in to get another body the line of scrimmage to become more strong against the run.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Starters: C.J. Mosely, Daryl Smith
Reserves: Aurthur Brown, Josh Bynes and Albert McLellan
Mosely and Smith are two very athletic linebackers. They’ll cover a lot of ground. Brown gives them another athlete that will get some reps as well. Bynes and McLellan are two special teams contributors.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb
Nickel: Asa Jackson
Reserves: Chykie Brown, Derek Cox
The top three corners are all banged up but they would be ready to go in a regular season game. Cox is a late edition after being released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Safeties (4)
Starters: Matt Elam (SS), Darian Stewart (FS)
Reserves: Terrence Brooks, Anthony Levine
Brooks is rapidly improving and could challenge Stewart for the starters spot as free safety. Will Hill will be suspended for a portion of the season but is likely to be on the roster when his suspension is up.
Specialist (4)
Kicker: Justin Tucker
Punter: Sam Koch
Long Snapper: Morgan Cox
Kickoff/Punt Return
Starter: Jacoby Jones
Backup: Asa Jackson, Michael Campanaro
The Ravens will continue to rely on Jones to be the primary return guy. Campanaro could make the roster as a special teams player specifically on punt returns. Tucker and Koch are one of the best kicker/punter combos in the NFL.
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Email: turron@proplayerinsiders.com
