With the first round of Ravens roster cuts in the books, Dev Panchwagh and I are back again with our final 53-man roster prediction.
Not many things have changed since our last prediction except for a few numbers at the cornerback and safety position.
After going a few rounds with one another, here we go:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (2)
In: Joe Flacco, Matt Schaub
Practice squad: Bryn Renner
NOTES: No change to this scenario as Schaub still holds down the number two QB spot despite popular opinion. Schaub hasn’t been what a lot of us expected but it appears the Ravens will see their offseason investment through.
Running Backs (3)
In: Justin Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Buck Allen
Bubble: Terrence Magee
Out: Fitzgerald Toussaint
NOTES: With Taliaferro sidelined for “a few weeks,” John Harbaugh expected the “young guys to step up” and no one did. Look for the Ravens to comb through the waiver wire over the weekend to see if someone fits into their offensive system. If not Magee gets a spot.
Fullback (1)
In: Kyle Juszczyk
Out: Kiero Small
Wide Receiver (6)
In: Steve Smith Sr., Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken, Breshad Perriman, Darren Waller
Bubble: Jeremy Butler
Out: Daniel Brown, Tom Nelson
NOTES: Outside of Steve Smith Sr., the Ravens desperately need one of the younger players to step up as the team awaits the return of first round draft pick Breshad Perriman. Brown, Nelson and Butler have all been given plenty of opportunities to no avail. Butler continues to be just a good practice player.
Offensive Line (9)
In: Eugene Monroe, Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, Ryan Jensen, John Urschel, James Hurst, Robert Myers
Out: Jah Reid, Kaleb Johnson, Blaine Causell, Nick Easton
NOTES: Healthier than they were prior to their third preseason game of the season, the offensive line returned several starters and backups to practice on Monday. Ryan Jensen suffered a head injury against Washington but should be safe. Jah Reid’s expiration date in a Ravens uniform is quickly approaching.
Tight End (3)
In: Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle
Out: Konrad Reuland
DEFENSE
Defensive Line (7)
In: Chris Canty, Brandon Williams, Timmy Jernigan, Carl Davis, Lawrence Guy, Christo Bilukidi, DeAngelo Tyson
Bubble: Kapron Lewis-Moore
Out: Micajah Reynolds
NOTES: The battle between Tyson and Lewis-Moore basically comes down to the last preseason game. Tyson missed practice on Monday and Tuesday following his 17 snaps played against the Redskins, while Lewis-Moore was present after his 28 snaps. Healthy for the first time in his NFL career Lewis-Moore
gets the nod over DeAngelo unless his injury is a significant one.
Linebackers (8)
In: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Courtney Upshaw, C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Zach Orr, Albert McClellan
Out: Arthur Brown, Brennen Beyer, Andrew Bose, Zach Thompson
NOTES: Despite John Harbaugh’s comments following practice on Tuesday, we still think Arthur Brown is left off the final 53-man roster. While his play has improved on special teams over the past two weeks, it’s not nearly at the level of either McClellan’s or Orr’s. Beyer would be a solid addition to the practice squad if he can pass through waivers. Bose and Thompson remained camp fodder only.
Cornerbacks (5)
In: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Kyle Arrington, Rashaan Melvin, Tray Walker
Out: Asa Jackson, Cassius Vaughn, Quinton Pointer
NOTES: After a lot of back forth between one another we decided the Ravens say farewell to Asa, Vaughn and Pointer despite the oft injured cornerback unit. It appeared the writing was on the wall for Asa following the Washington game despite his 103-yard kick return. John Harbaugh credited the return scheme and the blocks but no love was given to Jackson. Pointer saw just nine snaps against the Redskins and Vaughn hasn’t done enough to warrant a roster spot with his special teams play. The Ravens hang on to the rookie Walker given the perceived upside and fourth-round pick status.
Safeties (5)
In : Will Hill, Kendrick Lewis, Anthony Levine, Terrence Brooks, Brynden Trawick
Out: Nick Perry
NOTES: The Ravens opt to carry five due to the special teams abilities of Anthony Levine and Brynden Trawick. Both graded out on the plus side in PFF grades and drew the praise of special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg often during training camp. Perry remains the odd man out.
SPECIALISTS (3)
In: Sam Koch, Justin Tucker, Morgan Cox
Follow us on Twitter @sportguyRSR and @devpanchwagh
