The Baltimore Ravens constructed their practice squad to retain several developmental prospects
while adding veterans who can step into the lineup with limited preparation. With a talented and championship-level 53-man roster, Baltimore has a practice squad filled with experienced options at several positions. Performance and health will determine which practice-squad players receive the first elevations.Here is how the Ravens Wire ranked 17 players on their potential for elevation to the 53-man roster entering Week 1.
1. Jake Moody, K
Moody’s presence gives Baltimore an immediate alternative behind Tyler Loop. The Ravens can remain patient with Loop, but Moody could be elevated quickly if the second-year kicker struggles or is injured.
2. Amani Oruwariye, CB
Oruwariye has appeared
in 70 regular-season games and offers valuable experience at a position frequently affected by injuries. He could step into a defensive or special-teams role immediately.
3. K’Von Wallace, S
Wallace provides experience, physicality and special-teams value. His versatility makes him one of Baltimore’s safest options for a game-day elevation.
4. Jonathan Ward, RB
Ward can provide emergency running back depth while contributing on multiple special-teams units. That combination has helped him remain in the league.
5. Chris Moore, WR
Moore has extensive experience with Baltimore and can contribute as a receiver, blocker and special-teams player. He would require little adjustment if elevated.
6. Gerad Lichtenhan, T
The 6-foot-8 tackle spent last season developing in Baltimore’s system. He is the most likely practice-squad lineman to receive an opportunity if the Ravens need another offensive tackle.
7. Nick Vannett, TE
Vannett has played in 121 regular-season games and can help as an in-line blocker. Baltimore already has four tight ends on the roster, but the veteran offers dependable insurance.
8. Adisa Isaac, OLB
Isaac has spent two years developing in the organization and could provide rotational pass-rushing snaps. He also has the athleticism to contribute on special teams.
9. Dominic DeLuca, ILB
DeLuca’s physical playing style fits special teams. His path to an elevation would become clearer if injuries affect Baltimore’s inside linebacker group.
10. Rayshaun Benny, DL
The Ravens released their seventh-round pick but immediately brought him back. Benny has the size to provide rotational snaps while continuing to improve his consistency.
11. Carl Jones Jr., LB
Jones offers position flexibility and coverage-unit potential. His special-teams ability gives him a realistic path to game-day work.
12. Nick Dawkins, C
Baltimore retained Dawkins after losing Danny Pinter to a season-ending injury. He gives the Ravens another natural center behind Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn.
13. Kaimon Rucker, OLB
Rucker showed enough during the summer to remain in Baltimore’s developmental plans. The depth ahead of him allows the Ravens to avoid rushing his progression.
14. David Olajiga, DL
Olajiga has unusual athletic traits for a 310-pound defensive lineman. He will need to refine his technique before becoming a dependable rotational option.
15. AJ Arcuri, OL
Arcuri brings experience from his time with the Rams and provides another tackle option. His unfamiliarity with Baltimore’s system could initially keep him behind Lichtenhan.
16. Xavier Guillory, WR
Guillory offers size and developmental upside, but Baltimore already has six wide receivers on the roster and Moore available as an experienced alternative.
17. Ty Pezza, TE
Pezza showed enough promise to earn a practice-squad position. With Andrews, Smythe, Cuevas, Hibner and Vannett ahead of him, his immediate path to the game-day roster is crowded.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ranking Ravens practice-squad players most likely to be elevated
