Baltimore Ravens cutdown analysis

Check here for a complete list of the Baltimore Ravens‘ roster moves.



Surprise move: Cutting linebacker Tavares Gooden wasn’t a surprise from a production standpoint. But I was somewhat surprised the Ravens gave up on him. Baltimore took Gooden in the third round of the 2008 draft. Fellow Miami Hurricane Ray Lewis tried to take Gooden under his wing, but Gooden was hampered by injuries and inconsistency. The Ravens were tired of waiting.



Running back/kick returner Jalen Parmele was beat out by seventh-round pick Anthony Allen for the third tailback spot. Receiver LaQuan Williams also rode the wave of a great training camp and preseason to make the team as an undrafted rookie.



No-brainers: The Ravens were too deep at tight end to keep Davon Drew. Second-year players Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta were locks, and Kris Wilson made more plays in the preseason to win the final roster spot at tight end.



Third-string quarterback Hunter Cantwell had a chance to showcase his skills with plenty of playing time in the final preseason game. But Cantwell struggled and was released. The Ravens wisely chose to use the roster spot on another position.



What’s next: The Ravens still have to complete a contract extension with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. Getting rid of the franchise tag would free up several million dollars in cap room to make another solid signing or two. The Ravens were expected to have this completed weeks ago.



Baltimore hasn’t been shy this offseason in improving its roster. So look for the Ravens to try to add depth and patch up some holes.