The preseason is in the books.
The Ravens finished with a perfect 4-0 record after a 14-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints, and now Head Coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Ozzie Newsome will get right to work deciding who will earn the last few roster spots.
Teams have to trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday, and here's how the preseason finale affected the stock of several players:
CB Marlon Humphrey
The Ravens finally got a chance to see what their first-round pick could do in extended game action. After nursing a soft-tissue injury throughout much of the preseason, Humphrey started and played more than he had in any other preseason contest. He gave a glimpse of what he'll be able to do this season. Humphrey showed off his physicality by knifing through the line of scrimmage and then forcing a fumble in the first half. Humphrey had a reputation as a physical player in college, and he didn't hesitate at all when he had a chance to make that big hit. Humphrey also played tight coverage, breaking up a deep pass down the sideline in the third quarter. His only negative play was a pass interference call for being too physical in coverage. It was a strong showing for the No. 16 overall pick, and a sign that he's fully healthy going into the regular season.
DT Carl Davis
The Ravens defensive line group is perhaps the deepest spot on the roster, and Davis came into the game on the roster bubble. He made a strong case to cement his spot on the roster with an athletic interception in the first half to set up Baltimore's first touchdown. Davis dropped back in coverage on the play and showed off impressive hands to snare the pass near the line of scrimmage. He also looked like a natural ball carrier once he got the ball in his hands. The 2014 third-round pick spent all of last season on injured reserve, but his interception was a reminder of the potential that he has as a difference maker in the trenches.
DT Patrick Ricard
Davis wasn't the only defensive lineman to have a strong night. Defensive lineman/fullback Patrick Ricard continued his strong preseason by coming up with a blocked field goal. He also showed good pass-rush ability by overpowering offensive linemen to get his way into the backfield. The Maine product has been one of the pleasant surprises of training camp, and he has likely shown enough on defense, offense and special teams to earn his spot on the 53-man roster.Â
LB Bam Bradley
Bradley was all over the field Thursday night. The undrafted rookie has been solid throughout the summer, and his chances of making the roster increased after veteran Albert McClellan tore his ACL in practice last week. The Ravens may want to keep an extra linebacker to offset McClellan's loss, and Bradley could be that player. He flashed on the defense's opening drive with a crushing hit to break up a pass and then came up with another big hit on kickoff coverage. The special-teams tackle was particularly noteworthy because the final few roster spots often come down to what players can do on special teams. Bradley finished the night with eight tackles and the pass defensed. The Ravens have a strong track record of finding and developing undrafted linebackers, and Bradley hopes to be the latest.
WR/Returner Keenan Reynolds
The former Navy quarterback made a costly miscue in the third quarter by fumbling a punt return. Reynolds had a defender right in his face when he fielded the punt, but he tried to make a play rather than calling for a fair catch. Ball security is always the top priority as a punt returner, and the Ravens need to have a returner who they trust to make good decisions with the football. Reynolds has shown steady progress this summer compared to where he was last year, and he could again be a practice squad candidate if he doesn't make the 53-man squad.
QB Ryan Mallett
Baltimore's backup quarterback saw two series of work before bringing an end to his preseason. Mallett completed 3-of-8 passes for 19 yards and a 1-yard touchdown to receiver Chris Moore. The Ravens didn't need to see any more from Mallett after his touchdown throw, and he's expected to go into the regular season as the backup for starter Joe Flacco. The Ravens are counting on Flacco being ready to play Week 1 in Cincinnati, but Mallett got plenty of work with the starters over the last month if he does need to play in the regular season.
RB Bobby Rainey
The veteran running back had been quiet in the preseason until Thursday night. He saw extended action and made the most of his opportunities. He carried nine times for 42 yards and a 2-yard touchdown, making a final push for a roster spot. The Ravens may keep an extra running back if veteran Danny Woodhead's reported hamstring injury lingers, and they would have to decide between Rainey and undrafted rookie Taquan Mizzell.
