Lombardi's Way

The Ravens Final Projected 53, Take III

by Tony Lombardi

September 1, 2010
4:00 am

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Quarterbacks (2): Joe Flacco, Marc Bulger

Analysis: Troy Smith has performed decently during the preseason despite a rag tag offensive line that has forced him to regularly pull the ball down prematurely and scamper. In three preseason games, Smith has completed 16 of 25 passes for 151 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for a 93.9 passer rating. Not bad but still not good enough to stick. Smith could get all four quarters of action against the Rams tomorrow night and the Ravens hope he shows well so that they might gain a sixth round pick from a QB needy team.

Running Backs (4): Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, Jalen Parmele

Analysis: Curtis Steele remains behind Jalen Parmele primarily because of Parmele’s kick return abilities. But newcomer Josh Wilson puts an interesting spin on this competition and it could help to close the gap for Steele since Wilson is an accomplished kick returner. The Ravens might target Steele for the practice squad.

Tight Ends (3): Todd Heap, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta

Analysis: This is the easiest positional battle on the team to call unless the former East Carolina QB Davon Drew can suddenly show that he’s an accomplished punt returner or a Wildcat Wizard. Clearly I jest…

Wide Receivers (6): Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith

Analysis: Stallworth’s broken foot makes this competition even more interesting albeit weaker. The most optimistic projections for Stallworth’s return have him slated for the October 17 match against New England. The guess here is that he’ll go on the PUP list and that just might save a couple of hopefuls. The Ravens will probably keep 5 receivers and the two remaining spots will be determined Thursday night by Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith and David Reed. Reed is inconsistent but is a much better pass catcher than Smith. Smith is a special teams force. Ayanbadejo to PUP makes Smith the favorite for now. The Ravens will hope to get Reed on the practice squad.

UPDATE: Stallworth is not eligible to go on the PUP list but the Ravens get a reprieve of sorts with Cary Williams who does not have to be part of the initial 53 man roster due to his two game suspension. Once active look for the less productive player between Williams and Smith to get the axe. (3:06PM).

Offensive Linemen (9): Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk, Marshal Yanda, Michael Oher, Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, Tony Moll, David Hale

Analysis: Hale is hanging by a thread and it would not be surprising to see Ozzie Newsome pull another rabbit out of his hat (as he did with Josh Wilson) and land a serviceable swingman who can play guard and tackle.

Defensive Linemen (8): Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Trevor Pryce, Cory Redding, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, Paul Kruger, Art Jones

Analysis: Talavou still has a slight edge over the trailing trio of Art Jones, Lamar Divens and Brandon McKinney. Divens and McKinney seem to be fading somewhat and it’s doubtful that the Ravens will risk losing Jones. He’ll either be IR’d or he’ll make the club. With Cody’s knee injury and uncertainty for the opener against the Jets, the Ravens could keep an extra player here temporarily and that would pressure other positional battles.

Linebackers (9): Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Jarret Johnson, Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain, Antwan Barnes, Prescott Burgess, Jason Phillips

Analysis: The special teams play of Gooden, McClain, Barnes, Burgess and Phillips could ultimately help David Reed and threaten Marcus Smith if they all stick. Brendon Ayanbadejo heading to PUP while Edgar Jones continues to make boneheaded choices that will force him off the roster. He’s been the angry man starting with a camp brawl v. Todd Heap and followed by two late hits out of bounds during preseason games.

Secondary (9): Ed Reed, Dawan Landry, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Fabian Washington, Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr, Ken Hamlin, Cary Williams, Josh Wilson

Analysis: Prince Miller will be given an opportunity to make the club as a punt return specialist but he looks like a practice squad candidate for the moment. Webb’s expected return to action by Week 2 or 3 frees Carr up to return punts and until then Zbikowski can and probably will take on that responsibility given the luxury depth at safety — Ken Hamlin and the hard charging Nakamura.

UPDATE: Cary Williams will serve his suspension and then return at the expense of another player, probably D. Williams or M. Smith. If these are the two on the bubble created by C. Williams, Smith could be the one to go because Cary provides plus special teams play. (3:06PM).

Special Teams (3): Billy Cundiff, Morgan Cox, Sam Koch

Analysis: It could be argued that Shayne Graham and Cundiff are still battling to a draw. If true (and I think it is…perhaps even a slight edge to Cundiff), the rationale here suggests the Ravens go with the less expensive model and that’s Billy.

Tony Lombardi

Tony is the founder of EutawStreetReport.com and RussellStreetReport.com. His work has been featured on various websites and he hosts The Front Office and Word on The Street podcasts. Among his favorite things in life are his wife, kids, grandbaby Elise, family, friends, My Single Friend on Facebook, The Spirit of Christmas, The Beatles, Breaking Bad, Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, The Godfather, Guinness, bourbon, meatballs and Key West, not necessarily in that order. Brussel sprouts, bacon and milk chocolate are highly overrated. Follow Tony on Twitter @RSRLombardi. I'm nicer in person than I am on X!