By Tim Barbalace
Quarterbacks (3)- Lamar Jackson, Robert Griffin III, and Trace McSorley
The Ravens traditionally do not keep three quarterbacks, but with the combination of Robert Griffin III's injury and Trace McSorley's recent performance, I expect the team to hold onto three for the second straight year. McSorley had a breakout game versus the Eagles last Thursday in which he threw for 203 yards with two touchdown passes and had a rushing touchdown in the first half. The team has spent plenty of time developing McSorley as a passer and doubt they would want to chance losing him through waivers.
Running backs (3)- Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill
This is an exciting group of running backs that the Ravens will undoubtedly lean on throughout the year. Mark Ingram is expected to be the lead back, but Justice Hill's explosiveness has really impressed me this preseason and Gus Edwards will play a factor as well. I don't see how Kenneth Dixon makes this team given the fact that he does not play special teams.
Wide Receivers (6)- Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, Willie Snead, Chris Moore, Seth Roberts, Jaleel Scott
This position group is going to be interesting to see how it shakes out. Seth Roberts was assumed to be a lock early on, but after missing multiple weeks of training camp and the first three preseason games has opened the door for Michael Floyd to make the team. I still see DeCosta holding onto Roberts as well as Jaleel Scott, but look for the Ravens to try to place Antoine Wesley on their practice squad.
Tight Ends (3)- Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst, and Nick Boyle
There has been some speculation that the Ravens could carry four tight ends after doing so during the 2018 season. I think this is a spot where the team will opt to save a roster spot because all three tight ends are talented and versatile. Add in the fact that Patrick Ricard could be used as a blocking tight end in certain situations, which makes it even less likely for the team to carry four tight ends.
Offensive Line (8)- Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Marshal Yanda, James Hurst, Ben Powers, Jermaine Eleumenor, Bradley Bozeman and Matt Skura
This group will be under scrutiny after a full offseason of fans and pundits have been questioning the quality of players that the Ravens will have protecting Lamar Jackson. The left guard spot is still a huge point of concern, and the starter has not yet been named. John Harbaugh is hoping for continued development from his young starters Ronnie Stanley, Matt Skura and Orlando Brown in addition for a healthy season from Marshal Yanda.
Defensive Line (6)- Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce, Chris Wormley, Daylon Mack, Willie Henry, and Patrick Ricard
The defensive line will again be a strength of the team entering this season. I struggled with keeping Zach Sieler off the 53 man roster, but he simply hasn't made enough of an impact this preseason, and his snaps have been diminishing each game. I would expect the team to try to keep him on their practice squad.
I admit that I was wrong about Patrick Ricard because I thought he was on the outside looking in entering training camp because he was a healthy inactive in the team's final five regular-season games and their wild-card game against the Chargers. He has turned in am impressive preseason in which he has six tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery in addition to playing fullback. I expect him to have a solid role in 2019.
Outside Linebackers (5)- Matt Judon, Jaylon Ferguson, Pernell McPhee, Tyus Bowser, and Tim Williams
Questions surrounding the Ravens pass rush remain legitimate. Shane Ray has not done enough to make this roster so the team will have to hope Tyus Bowser or Tim Williams can step up and play a big role. Pernell McPhee has shown that he has some solid play left in the tank, but cannot be consistently depended on to provide a high number of snaps.
Inside Linebackers (4)- Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board, Kenny Young, and Otaro Alaka
This could be another position where the Ravens could opt to save a roster spot by rolling with three inside linebackers, but Otaro Alaka has impressed me enough to make the team. He leads the defense in tackles with 11 and Chris Board is currently in concussion protocol, which could help Alaka's case. Baltimore has a rich history of finding talented undrafted inside linebackers including Bart Scott, Dannell Ellerbe, Jameel McClain, Zach Orr, Patrick Onwuasor and most recently Board.
Safeties (5)- Earl Thomas, Tony Jefferson, Anthony Levine, DeShon Elliott, and Chuck Clark
The secondary is the deepest position group on the roster. Earl Thomas and Tony Jefferson serve as a strong tandem in the back end, while DeShon Elliott and Chuck Clark continue to develop behind them and push for playtime. Anthony Levine figures to fill the role of a nickel linebacker again this season and will also serving as depth at safety.
Cornerbacks (7)- Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr, Marlon Humphrey, Anthony Averett, Cyrus Jones, Justin Bethel, and Maurice Canady
There will be plenty of tough calls at corner, but Tavon Young's likely spot on injured reserve helps make some decisions easier. I also expect the team to place Iman Marshall on IR as well and have this serve as a redshirt season.
Cyrus Jones appears to be a lock due to Tavon Young's injury and his return ability. I have a hard time envisioning the Ravens cutting Justin Bethel after signing him to a two-year contract this offseason to improve their special teams. Maurice Canady is firmly on the bubble after experiencing injuries throughout training camp and having a poor game last week, but I expect him to make it due to his experience and special teams ability.
Special Teams (3)- Justin Tucker, Sam Koch, and Morgan Cox
Yeah.
I am looking forward to seeing how this roster unfolds. I would guess that the Ravens will try to work a trade or pick a player up through the waiver wire, particularly an offensive lineman Who do you think could be a surprise cut for the team?