The Ravens' final roster decisions will involve more than identifying the players who performed well in August.
A reserve who can cover kicks, handle multiple assignments or replace an injured teammate may offer more immediate value than a player with a better preseason stat line. That is the issue facing several Ravens as they enter Friday's finale against the Commanders.
Here are 10 players whose places remain vulnerable in this projection, including several who make the final 53.
1. RB Rasheen Ali
Derrick Henry and Justice Hill leave limited offensive work for the remaining backs. Adam Randall gets the third spot in most recent roster projection, putting Ali's kickoff return work and pass protection under scrutiny. Baltimore would need a clear reason to carry
a fourth running back.
2. WR Dayton Wade
The numbers are difficult behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Ja'Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester occupy the other four projected spots. Wade needs to show a use for him beyond being another available receiver, particularly with Wester listed first on punt returns.
3. OT Gerad Lichtenhan
Lichtenhan is listed behind Roger Rosengarten at right tackle, but that does not guarantee a place on the final roster. If Baltimore keeps nine linemen, he must convince the staff that a fourth tackle is more valuable than an extra player on defense.
4. DL Aeneas Peebles
Peebles faces a crowded defensive line that includes Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr. and John Jenkins. 2026 draft pick Rayshaun Benny adds another competitor. Peebles needs to provide dependable run defense and enough interior pressure to justify expanding the group or displacing someone.
5. OLB Ethan Burke
Burke makes this projection, but there is little room behind Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green and Zion Young. His case improves if Baltimore can use him beyond obvious passing situations. Against Washington, maintaining outside contain and finishing tackles will be important alongside his pass rush.
6. OLB Adisa Isaac
Isaac and Burke are competing for space in the same crowded group. For Isaac, Friday is an opportunity to give the coaches a specific reason to keep him: consistent pressure, dependable edge defense, or a clear special teams role. Draft history alone cannot settle the decision.
7. ILB Jay Higgins IV
Higgins benefits if the Ravens keep four inside linebackers. His challenge is showing that he can be trusted when Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, or Teddye Buchanan needs a replacement. Reading play-action and limiting missed tackles would strengthen an argument that already includes the need for depth.
8. CB T.J. Tampa Jr.
Tampa must hold off a large group of young corners for a reserve role. Washington's receivers have produced several long receptions this preseason, making Friday a useful test of his positioning and recovery. A corner fighting for a place cannot repeatedly require safety help.
9. S Keondre Jackson
Jackson gets the fourth safety spot in our latest mock draft and has been spectacular this summer, but K'Von Wallace and Silas Walters remain alternatives. With Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins ahead of him, his contribution on coverage units ultimately will determine whether the Ravens can keep him active on Sundays.
10. S K'Von Wallace
Wallace offers experience in a competition that could come down to one place. The question is whether that experience gives Baltimore more dependable depth than Jackson or Walters. Communication, tackling, and special teams assignments will matter as much as a chance to intercept a pass.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 Ravens on the roster bubble entering Friday’s preseason finale
