Instead of rehashing the Ravens' 30-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, let's get down to more important matters. Who's going to make the 53-man roster after cuts are made by Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline?
Here are my predictions:
Quarterback (2) – Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson
The new rule that allows the emergency third quarterback to come from the practice squad makes it easier to carry just two. Devin Leary threw two interceptions Saturday and was inconsistent throughout training camp and the preseason. He or undrafted rookie Emory Jones could end up on the practice squad, but the Ravens can risk cutting them and hope that no one claims them on waivers.
Running back (3) – Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali
Owen Wright's unfortunate injury (a broken foot) on Saturday was a cruel blow and likely cost him a roster spot. Who will be the No. 3 back behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, with Keaton Mitchell (knee) on the PUP list? Will it be Ali, a fifth-round rookie who didn't play Saturday? Will the Ravens sign a free agent running back once roster cuts around the league are made? Carrying two running backs is risky, but Ali's spot doesn't seem guaranteed. The Ravens also have veteran John Kelly on the roster, who could make the 53-man roster or be elevated from the practice squad.
Fullback (1) – Patrick Ricard
Ricard is a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL's most devastating blockers. He has been relishing the opportunity to open holes for Henry and will be a key to the offense.
Tight end (3) – Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
This trio has looked etched in stone since training camp started. Andrews and Likely are expected to be featured in two tight end packages more often, and Kolar has improved as a blocker. Undrafted rookie Qadir Ismail, who switched from wide receiver to tight end during camp, has earned a spot on the practice squad and has proven his NFL potential.
Wide receiver (6) – Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, Deonte Harty, Devontez Walker
Harty's expected role as the top returner likely seals his roster spot. Flowers, Bateman, and Agholor are being counted on to lead this group. Fourth-round pick Walker will have to earn a significant role this year. Wallace, who had a 48-yard touchdown reception against the Packers, can make plays and is solid on special teams. Despite flashes from Anthony Miller, Dayton Wade, Sean Ryan, and Keith Kirkwood, they remain long shots.
Offensive line (9) – Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Patrick Mekari, Ben Cleveland, Josh Jones, Sala Aumavae-Laulu
It remains to be seen who starts on the right side, but Aumavae-Laulu never challenged for a starting job and appears on the roster bubble. Even if Cleveland doesn't start, he has versatility and experience. Keeping 10 offensive linemen might bring Tashawn Manning into play, but the hunch here is that they'll stick with nine. Rookie seventh-round center Nick Samac, who left Saturday's game on a cart, could go on injured reserve. There was no update on his injury after the game.
Defensive line (5) – Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, Brent Urban
This group has been set since Day 1 of training camp. It's one of the best defensive line rotations in the NFL, and it's starting the season healthy. In recent years, Urban has been released only to sign back a day later after players are placed on injured reserve, but the new rules allowing teams to designate two players for injured reserve that are eligible to return before roster cuts may mean Urban doesn't go through those roster gymnastics again.
Outside linebacker (5) – Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, Adisa Isaac
Malik Hamm's season-ending knee injury left the top five pretty much set. Up to this point, the Ravens have not signed a veteran pass rusher to add to this mix. They're expecting Oweh to have his best season, while Ojabo looks ready to contribute after two injury-plagued seasons. The surprise here could be undrafted rookie Joe Evans, who had a strong summer and is a player to watch should he land on the practice squad.
Inside linebacker (5) – Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Malik Harrison, Chris Board, Josh Ross
Board is a key special teamer. Ross is on the bubble, but the Ravens could use his depth at this position, allowing Harrison to play inside and outside more freely.
Cornerback (6) – Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, Jalyn Armour-Davis, T.J. Tampa, Pepe Williams
If Arthur Maulet (knee) starts the season on injured reserve, which would force him to miss at least four weeks, it would allow room for another corner, but Williams is not a lock after he was beaten for a touchdown Saturday. Tampa may not play much as a rookie, but he's a fourth-round pick with potential.
Safety (5) – Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, Ar'Darius Washington, Beau Brade
Brade, a former Maryland standout, could be this year's only undrafted rookie to make the 53-man roster. It seems like a close call between Brade and seventh-round pick Sanoussi Kane, who both saw significant action on Saturday. Even if Daryl Worley is not on the initial 53, he could sign with practice squad and dress on gamedays as a special teamer. Washington may primarily play slot corner with Maulet sidelined, so the Ravens have plenty of depth at this position.
Specialists (3) – Justin Tucker, Jordan Stout, Nick Moore
A talented trio that gives the Ravens an all-important advantage in the kicking game. Tucker keeps adding to his Hall of Fame worthy resume, Stout has one of the game's most powerful legs, while Moore is 100% again after missing 2023 with a torn Achilles.
