We're just hours away from the Baltimore Ravens kicking off their preseason finale against the neighboring Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium.
Some reserves are trying to make the roster. Others are trying to earn a larger role, settle a starting competition, or demonstrate that Baltimore can trust them when the regular season begins. The Commanders provide the final preseason test before those decisions become transactions.
These 15 players deserve attention if they are included in Baltimore's playing plan.
1. QB Joe Fagnano
The question is whether Fagnano gives the Ravens enough reason to carry three quarterbacks. Watch how he handles pressure and whether he can keep the offense moving without taking unnecessary risks. A controlled finish would support
the case he has already made.
2. RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver
The Michigan State rookie needs to show Baltimore he can handle more than carries. With Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Adam Randall occupying the projected roster spots, Tau-Tolliver's pass protection and special-teams work could determine whether he remains in the team's plans. Decisive running and ball security would strengthen his case for a practice squad opportunity.
3. WR Elijah Sarratt
Sarratt is competing for a place in the receiver rotation as well as a roster spot. He can help himself by winning on intermediate routes, giving the quarterback a clear target and completing his blocking assignments away from the ball.
4. WR LaJohntay Wester
Wester is listed first on punt returns and also has a chance to contribute as a receiver. Baltimore needs reliable decisions in the return game. Showing he can handle offensive snaps would make it easier to justify keeping him active each week.
5. TE Matt Hibner
Hibner must give the offense a reason to use him alongside its other tight ends. Watch his route spacing and whether he can complete a catch through contact. His blocking also affects which personnel combinations Baltimore can use.
6. C Jovaughn Gwyn
The center competition remains open on the depth chart. Gwyn needs to keep the operation organized, especially when Washington moves defenders before the snap. One correct adjustment can prevent a free rusher from reaching the quarterback.
7. C Ethan Pocic
Pocic has an opportunity to provide a steady answer at a position affected by Danny Pinter's injury. If he plays, watch how the line functions around him. The starting center decision involves the entire protection unit, not only individual blocks.
8. OT Carson Vinson
Vinson needs to show he can protect the offense if Ronnie Stanley is unavailable. His work on obvious passing downs will be especially useful when the Ravens decide how many tackles they need to keep.
9. OT Diego Pounds
Pounds can still challenge the projected reserve order. The standard is whether his technique holds up over the course of a series, particularly after a rusher has shown him multiple moves. Consistent protection would give Baltimore more to consider than a few successful run blocks.
10. DL Rayshaun Benny
Benny is trying to secure a place behind an experienced defensive line. Watch his ability to stay balanced through contact and finish against the run. Baltimore needs reserves who can maintain the defense's structure.
11. DL Aeneas Peebles
Peebles needs to make his case in a crowded group. Interior pressure is valuable, but maintaining his gap and keeping blockers away from the linebackers also matter. His evaluation should include the plays on which someone else makes the tackle.
12. OLB Ethan Burke
Burke is pushing for the fifth outside linebacker spot. The next step is showing that the Ravens can use him against different offensive looks, including runs and screens designed to punish an aggressive rush.
13. OLB Adisa Isaac
A consistent series of effective rushes and sound edge defense would carry more weight than one late sack after several missed assignments.
14. ILB Jay Higgins IV
Higgins can help answer the question of whether the Ravens should keep four inside linebackers. His communication, coverage awareness, and tackling need to hold up when Washington changes formations or uses play action to slow down his reads.
15. CB T.J. Tampa Jr.
Tampa's opportunity is to establish himself as dependable depth behind the leading corners. Washington's reserve receivers are competing for jobs, too, and several have already produced long gains. Staying in position without drawing flags is the starting point.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 15 Ravens to watch in preseason finale vs. Commanders
