The Ravens finished the preseason perfect, downing the Washington Commanders with a dominant 30-3 win. Let’s see how the rookie class contributed.
Safety Malaki Starks
The loudest thing Starks could have done today was be quiet, and he did just that. Starks was the only rookie and one of the youngest players to sit out the entire game. Starks being bundled in with the rest of the starters tells you exactly what you need to know. The Ravens are happy with what they’ve seen and don’t need to risk a guy who’s clearly going
to take a lot of snaps this season, maybe even be a near 100% of snaps player. Starks preseason wasn’t flashy but he did exactly what he was supposed to and was rewarded with getting to relax on the sidelines with the rest of the veterans
Edge Mike Green
Green also had his shortest and quietest day of the preseason. Green was only in for a small part of the first quarter and was quickly removed. He did have a quick pass rush win, a sight becoming very familiar. He never managed to notch a sack in the preseason, but that will make the first one in the regular season all the more sweeter.
Linebacker Teddye Buchanan
The fourth-round linebacker had another solid game. He was on the field for a good portion of the day as well, with the Ravens clearly wanting to give him reps. Trenton Simpson had his best day of the preseason and cemented himself as the second starting linebacker next to Roquan Smith. But don’t be surprised if rookie Buchanan out-snaps veteran Jake Hummel on defense.
Tackle Carson Vinson
Vinson went the distance today, getting the opening start with the entire first-team line sitting and playing all the way till the end. In what could have been the last game action we see from Vinson, he continued to show improvement while also making the typical mistakes for a developmental late-round offensive lineman. Vinson will likely be a scratch all year long, but I, for one, am excited about the future. His development seems to be coming along steadily and quickly. Vinson could be the backup by next season and ready to take over once Stanley’s time is over.
Kicker Tyler Loop
As it has been all preseason, Loop finished as one of the biggest rookie stars to end the preseason. He finally had a perfect game, hitting all three extra point attempts and nailing all three of his field goal attempts, hitting from 46, 52, and a long ball of 61 yards. All were made with room to spare. The leg is as advertised, booming with power, and coach Randy Brown is continuing to work on improving the consistency, the effort already showing. He’s going to miss a kick in the regular season that sends the fan base into a spiral. But right now, it looks like the Ravens have found a dude.
Wide Receiver LaJohntay Wester
After a disappointing day against the Dallas Cowboys in week two with mistakes and drops, Wester had an improved but quiet day. He hauled in both of his targets, one going for 22 yards. He also took a jet sweep for five yards. It’s not much, but it’s important to remember the Ravens lost that gadget element in the playoffs when Zay Flowers was hurt. It’s good to have another receiver capable of filling that role. He also cleanly fielded his only punt attempt and got three yards. It seems all six wide receivers will be game-day activations this year for the Ravens.
Defensive Tackle Aeneas Peebles
Peebles also got early playing time and wasn’t noticed late in the game. His name wasn’t said much, scoring just a tackle on the stat sheet. But Peebles seems to have a roster spot locked down, not a guarantee for every sixth-round pick around the league. How much playing time he gets and his game-day activations are still a question, but for now, the future pass rusher along the line has his spot.
UDFAs
CB Keyon Martin: Martin, who was one of the top UDFA options to make the 53-man roster, cemented himself today. Following last week’s safety sack, Martin still seemed to be behind Reuben Lowery and Jay Higgins on the pecking order to make the roster. Martin kicked the door down today, with a pick-six, two tackles for loss, and a pass defensed. Not only did he shoot above Higgins, but he also likely just forced the Ravens to carry another cornerback.
S Reuben Lowery: Lowery was already the most likely UDFA to make the roster, but today proved that. With Malaki Starks sitting, Lowery got the start next to Sanoussi Kane. He led the team in tackles and was off the field by the third quarter. Lowery looks to be the fourth safety on the roster, kicking Beau Brade off.
ILB Jay Higgins IV: Higgins was a playmaker all preseason long. It felt like he did everything possible to make the roster. He was active again today with six tackles and a couple of pressures on blitzes. But with the Ravens’ commitment to keeping four running backs and Martin blowing the door open, Higgins is the 54th man on the 53-man roster.
