With roster cuts approaching, this isn’t necessarily a prediction of exactly what the Ravens will do. It’s how I would construct Baltimore’s initial 53-man roster based on preseason performance, positional value, roster flexibility, and the likelihood of certain players making it through waivers.
The 53
Offense — 24
QB: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
RB: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Adam Randall
WR: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester, Elijah Sarratt
TE: Mark Andrews, Josh Cuevas,
Matthew Hibner, Durham Smythe
OL: Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, Vega Ioane, John Simpson, Jovaughn Gwyn, Ethan Pocic, Carson Vinson, Diego Pounds, Emery Jones Jr.
Defense — 26
DL: Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Aeneas Peebles, Rayshaun Benny, Broderick Washington
LB: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Jay Higgins, Teddye Buchanan
OLB: Trey Hendrickson, Zion Young, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, Ethan Burke, Kaimon Rucker
CB: Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Chandler Rivers, Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone
S: Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylin Hawkins, Keondre Jackson
Specialists
K: Tyler Loop
P: Ryan Eckley
LS: Nick Moore
Key Decisions
Joe Fagnano, QB3
Joe Fagnano has done just about everything he could have this preseason to make the Ravens seriously consider carrying a third quarterback. He currently ranks third in the NFL in preseason passing yards and fifth in passer rating, putting together the type of performance you want to see from a developmental quarterback fighting for a roster spot.
The question isn’t whether Fagnano has played well enough. It’s whether keeping a developmental QB who may never see the field this season provides more value than using that roster spot on a defensive lineman or outside linebacker who could contribute immediately.
For me, it doesn’t. The chances of Fagnano being poached are relatively low, and if Baltimore can get him back onto the practice squad, he can continue developing within the system while providing an emergency third-quarterback option on game day. His preseason has earned him consideration, but with the numbers getting tight elsewhere, I would use the roster spot at a premium position.
How to handle Nnamdi Madubuike
The first question here is obvious: where is Nnamdi Madubuike?
To this point, we’ve seen positive trends toward Madubuike getting healthy and eventually returning to the lineup. But there is very little reason to rush that process simply to get him onto the field in Week 1.
If bringing him back immediately means increasing the possibility of reinjury or having to significantly limit his workload just to keep him healthy, Baltimore would be better served taking the patient approach.
I would place Madubuike on short-term IR and allow him to continue working toward being fully healthy rather than merely healthy enough to play.
That also gives Baltimore some flexibility along the defensive line. The Ravens could potentially work out a handshake agreement with John Jenkins, bring him back through the practice squad and maintain experienced interior depth while waiting for Madubuike’s return.
The goal shouldn’t be getting Madubuike back as quickly as possible. It should be getting him back in a position where he can remain on the field.
Why keep six outside linebackers?
I have Baltimore carrying six edge rushers, which may initially look excessive.
There’s a reason for it.
Ethan Burke has shown legitimate, competent edge-rusher ability throughout the preseason while possessing the versatility traditionally valued in a Ravens outside linebacker. He can rush from the edge, reduce inside, operate from a two-point stance and drop into coverage. At his size, he also brings additional value on special teams. That versatility makes him difficult for me to cut.
Kaimon Rucker presents a different argument. Rucker has flashed legitimate designated-pass-rusher upside this preseason and gives Baltimore another developmental speed-rush option. The Ravens don’t have a true backup for Mike Green’s role on the roster. With edge rusher being a premium position around the league, exposing a young pass rusher who has already flashed developmental upside to waivers is an unnecessary gamble.
Baltimore can find replacement-level depth at several positions after cuts. Finding young players who can rush the passer is much more difficult.
That’s ultimately why both Burke and Rucker make my 53. Baltimore enters the season with Hendrickson, Young, Green and Robinson as its primary rotation while Burke provides positional and special-teams versatility and Rucker develops as a designated pass-rush option. For a defense that wants to consistently create pressure without being dependent on the blitz, I’d rather have one too many edge rushers than one too few.
