Ravens 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of preseason
· Yahoo Sports
The Baltimore Ravens opened the preseason with a 24-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, but the most important part of the night was not the final score. For a roster filled with established veterans, young players, and newcomers competing for jobs, the preseason opener provided the first meaningful opportunity to evaluate how it is beginning to take shape. Several players helped themselves, including defensive backs Keyon Martin and Keondre Jackson, while Baltimore also got extended looks at several young players across the offense and defense. With that in mind, here is our latest projection of the Ravens’ 53-man roster after the first week of preseason.
Quarterbacks (3)Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Joe FagnanoJackson remains the unquestioned starter, while Huntley gives Baltimore an experienced No. 2 quarterback. Fagnano has an opportunity to develop as the team's third quarterback and has shown enough to remain ahead of the competition.
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Running backs (4)Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam RandallHenry and Hill are locks when healthy, but the rest of the running back room remains unsettled.Ali's recent absence creates an opportunity for the younger backs. Randall received significant work in the preseason opener and continues to make a case for a roster spot. Elijah Tau-Toliver and Dontae McMillan also deserve attention after receiving meaningful opportunities against Philadelphia. The Ravens could ultimately keep five running backs, particularly if one of the rookies continues to separate himself. For now, Randall gets the fourth spot.
Wide receivers (6)Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja'Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, LaJohntay Wester, Devontez WalkerFlowers and Bateman are the foundation of the position, while Lane and Sarratt have plenty of developmental upside.Wester brings another element to the group, particularly because of his ability to create separation and contribute in the return game. Walker remains an intriguing option because of his size, contested-catch ability, and touchdown prowess. Chris Moore, Cornelius Johnson and Xavier Guillory remain among the players capable of making this decision considerably more difficult.
Tight ends (3)Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Matt HibnerAndrews remains one of Lamar Jackson's most important weapons when healthy. Smythe gives Baltimore a veteran presence and blocking ability, while Hibner has the athletic profile to develop into a useful offensive piece.Josh Cuevas and Ty Pezza remain in the competition, but the top three currently have the clearest path.
Offensive line (10)Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, Danny Pinter, Vega Ioane, Andrew Vorhees, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Carson Vinson, Emery Jones Jr., Jovaughn GwynThe offensive line could be one of the most difficult position groups to project. Stanley remains the anchor at left tackle, while Rosengarten is expected to play an important role. Pocic gives Baltimore valuable experience at center, and Ioane continues to get opportunities to establish himself at guard. Vorhees and Simpson provide additional competition on the interior, while Vinson, Lichtenhan, Jones and Gwyn are fighting for depth roles. The Ravens could make changes here before the final roster is set, but this group currently gives them a strong combination of experience and developmental upside.
Defensive line (7)Nnamdi Madubuike, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr., John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, Travis Jones, Rayshaun BennyMadubuike and Campbell headline the group, giving Baltimore veteran leadership and interior disruption.Washington and Jenkins provide valuable size and experience, while Peebles and Benny are among the younger players competing for rotational roles. Travis Jones is back after passing his physical.
Linebackers/edge rushers (7)Roquan Smith, Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Trenton Simpson, Adisa Isaac, Tavius Robinson, Teddye BuchananThis group features a strong combination of established players and young pass rushers. Smith remains the centerpiece of the defense, while the addition of Hendrickson gives Baltimore another proven edge presence.Green is one of the young players who could force his way into a significant role, while Isaac and Rucker provide additional competition. Tavius Robinson also remains in the mix for rotational snaps. Teddye Buchanan is back after passing his physical.
Defensive backs (10)Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, T.J. Tampa Jr., Jaylinn Hawkins, Chandler Rivers, Keyon Martin, Keondre JacksonThis could be one of Baltimore's deepest position groups. Wiggins, Awuzie and Humphrey give the Ravens an impressive veteran/young combination at corner, while Hamilton and Starks give Baltimore a potentially outstanding safety tandem. The biggest development from the preseason opener was the continued emergence of players such as Martin and Jackson. Martin has repeatedly made plays during the preseason buildup, while Jackson has continued to show why the Ravens are intrigued by his upside. Their performances are making the roster decision more difficult.Kone and Tampa also remain important pieces of the competition, while Rivers has an opportunity to develop into a long-term option.
Specialists (3)Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick MooreLoop is projected to win the kicking job, while Eckley and Moore handle the punting and long-snapping duties.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of preseason