The Ravens have released their first depth chart of the season as they prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Thursday's preseason opener.
The depth chart can give some indication on how the team views the roster and competitions, but as a reminder, it is compiled by the team's public relations staff.
Here are some takeaways:
Seth Roberts is a starting wide receiver
The Ravens' two starting wideouts are the two players with the most experience – Willie Snead IV and Seth Roberts. That would seemingly make Roberts, who the Ravens scooped up immediately after his release from the Oakland Raiders this offseason, a near lock to make the roster in a competitive field. Roberts has looked good in training camp thus far.
Rookies Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Miles Boykin could emerge as big-time contributors and starters, but they'll have to prove themselves first. Boykin has been among the team's top training camp standouts while Brown is practicing but not full-go yet.
Chris Moore and Jaleel Scott currently sit at the No. 3 and No. 4 wide receivers on the depth chart.
Jermaine Eluemunor Atop the Pack at LG
The most wide-open competition for a starting job is at left guard and Jermaine Eluemunor is atop the pack. The third-year London product got a lot of the first-team reps over the summer but the Ravens have been trying different players thus far in training camp, especially as Eluemunor gets into better shape. He's a wide-bodied blocker at 6-foot-4, 335 pounds and has good feet.
Veteran James Hurst, who is one of the more experienced players at left guard, isn't listed there at all on the depth chart. He's at No. 2 behind Orlando Brown Jr. at right tackle. Rookie fourth-round pick Ben Powers is No. 3 on the left guard depth chart behind Alex Lewis (shoulder).
Pernell McPhee Steps Into Terrell Suggs' Spot
Veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is listed as the starting RUSH linebacker – the spot previously held by Terrell Suggs. McPhee has impressed coaches so far in practice and is coaching up the younger players. McPhee is backed up by Tim Williams, then third-round rookie Jaylon Ferguson.
As is no surprise, Matthew Judon is listed as the starting SAM linebacker. Tyus Bowser is at No. 2 and veteran free-agent addition Shane Ray is listed at No. 3.
Chris Board Is a Starter
Patrick "Peanut" Onwuasor is stepping into the middle linebacker spot formerly held by C.J. Mosley and, as Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale made clear Friday, Chris Board is ahead in the competition for the other inside position. Kenny Young is listed behind Onwuasor and recent veteran addition Nicholas Grigsby is backing up Board.
Marlon Humphrey, Jimmy Smith Are Starting CBs
Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith are listed as the Ravens' two starting cornerbacks. That's notable because Brandon Carr owns the NFL's longest active consecutive starts streak for a defensive player (176). Carr has been practicing at some other spots in training camp to offer more versatility and help him get on the field more. The Ravens really have four starting corners with Humphrey, Smith, Carr and Tavon Young.
Chris Moore, Cyrus Jones Lead Returner Battle
The two players who ended last year as the Ravens' starting returners are atop the depth chart at the beginning of this year. Moore is slated as the kick returner and Cyrus Jones is at punt returner. Both had strong 2018 seasons on the job. Rookie running back Justice Hill is listed as the backup kick returner and running back Tyler Ervin is the backup punt returner.
