The Baltimore Ravens are one preseason game away from making their most difficult personnel decisions of the summer. Saturday’s 13-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings provided additional clarity, particularly at quarterback, running back and outside linebacker.
Joe Fagnano strengthened his case by completing 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Ethan Burke recorded a sack, forced a fumble and broke up two passes, while Tyler Loop and Ryan Eckley delivered encouraging performances on special teams.
This most recent projection keeps 26 offensive players, 24 defenders and three specialists. Baltimore’s preseason finale against Washington could still change the final few spots, but the foundation of the roster is becoming clearer.
Projected roster breakdown
- Offense: 26
- Defense: 24
- Specialists: 3
- Total: 53
Quarterback (3)
Lamar
Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Joe Fagnano
Baltimore has traditionally preferred carrying two quarterbacks, but Fagnano has earned an exception. The undrafted rookie has completed 37 of 48 passes for 347 yards, two touchdowns and one interception through two preseason games. Keeping him would allow the Ravens to develop Fagnano without exposing him to waivers.
Running back (3)
Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Adam Randall
Randall has moved ahead of Rasheen Ali in this projection. His size, physical running style, and developmental upside give Baltimore something different behind Henry and Hill. Ali could return on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Wide receiver (6)
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester
Lane has validated his strong training camp, while Sarratt remains a developmental receiver with size and reliable hands. Walker’s vertical ability and explosiveness help his case. Wester provides speed, return value and offensive versatility, and his touchdown reception against Minnesota strengthened his position.
Tight end (4)
Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas
Cuevas led Baltimore with three receptions for 46 yards against Minnesota and has earned serious consideration. Smythe provides experience and blocking ability behind Andrews, while Hibner offers another developmental receiving option. Keeping four tight ends limits the available spots elsewhere, but Baltimore’s offense can utilize each player differently.
Offensive line (10)
Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Vega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Carson Vinson, Emery Jones Jr., Gerad Lichtenhan, Andrew Vorhees, Jovaughn Gwyn
Danny Pinter’s injury makes Gwyn an important addition to the projection. Pocic is positioned to start at center, but Baltimore cannot enter the season without another player capable of handling the position. Vinson and Lichtenhan provide reserve tackle depth, while Vorhees and Jones offer experience at guard. Ioane remains a foundational piece despite an uneven performance against Minnesota.
Defensive line (6)
Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr., John Jenkins, Rayshaun Benny
Baltimore keeps a combination of proven veterans and young talent. Jenkins provides the size required at nose tackle, while Benny has continued to strengthen his roster case. Aeneas Peebles would be one of the most difficult omissions after producing several disruptive preseason snaps.
Outside linebacker (5)
Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Ethan Burke
Young, a second-round selection, is firmly on the roster and offers the size and power to develop into an important part of the defensive rotation. Green recorded a sack against Minnesota, while Burke’s combination of pass-rush production, coverage ability and special-teams potential earns him the final spot. Kaimon Rucker and Adisa Isaac remain in a difficult competition entering the finale.
Inside linebacker (3)
Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan
Buchanan’s return gives Baltimore three linebackers capable of handling meaningful defensive snaps. Simpson and Buchanan can continue competing for the starting job alongside Smith. The Ravens could make Jay Higgins IV the fourth linebacker or eventually add another linebacker through waivers or rely on defensive backs for additional special-teams responsibilities.
Cornerback (6)
Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey, Chandler Rivers, T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin
Wiggins, Awuzie and Humphrey provide an experienced top three, while Rivers and Martin have been among Baltimore’s most impressive young defenders. Tampa’s size, experience and special-teams value keep him on the roster.
Safety (4)
Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson
Hamilton and Starks give Baltimore one of the NFL’s most versatile safety combinations, with Hawkins providing his own versatility and big-play potential. Jackson recorded a sack against Minnesota and offers value on defense and special teams. K’Von Wallace and Silas Walters are difficult omissions after each recorded a preseason interception.
Specialists (3)
Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick Moore
Loop made field goals from 49 and 20 yards against Minnesota, while Eckley responded to an uneven debut by averaging 55.3 yards on six punts. Moore returns as the established long snapper and completes the projected roster.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Updated Ravens 53-man roster projection after win over Vikings
