Baltimore Ravens - Meet the 53 Man Roster
by adelfish | 3 years ago | 0 Comments
Baltimore Finalizes 53 Man Roster Ahead of Season 75
After a crushing defeat in the AFC Championship Game at the end of Season 74 to the Houston Texans, Baltimore pushed their chips in this offseason. Two trades were made to grab stars on the defensive side of the football, with cornerback Marcus Lattimore and edge rusher Hassan Reddick joining the Ravens defense.
Through free agency, efforts were made to attack the offense. Star right tackle Taylor Moton was added through the avenue of a 1 year deal to shore up the offensive line, along with left guard Will Hernandez. The Ravens prioritized proven veterans over the draft, as most of the young core is already locked in for the next two to three seasons.
With Season 75 upon us, let's take a look at the final cuts and analyze this roster that has championship aspirations.
Quarterbacks (2) - Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
Not much needs to be said here, Lamar Jackson is a perennial MVP candidate, and Tyler Huntley has proven his worth as a quality backup when called upon. Depth players through the preseason at the position were merely a formaltiy.
Running Backs/Fullbacks (5) - Saquon Barkley, J.K. Dobbins, Eddie Glover, Juan Martin, Patrick Ricard
Saquon Barkley is the lead horse in a very talented running back room, with the best RB2 in the league in J.K. Dobbins. Eddie Glover was a 2nd round pick last season and was pushed down the depth chart due to the acquisition of Barkley, but has proven to be very skilled in limited snaps. Juan Martin has been the lead kick returner in Baltimore since he was drafted in the 4th round two years ago. Patrick Ricard is a top five fullback in Red Zone, and just inked a two year extension with Baltimore this offseason.
Wide Receivers (6) - Marquise Brown, Courtland Aldrige, Spencer Donaldson, Chester Gibson, Tyrone Benedict, Kristian Dawson
The wide receiver room looks different with the departures of Odell Beckham Jr last season, and Rashod Bateman two years ago. Marquise Brown is still an elite deep threat, and will continue working in the slot. Courtland Aldridge has emerged as a steal from the draft two years ago, the 4th round pick has accounted for 1700 yards and 10 touchdowns since being selected.
Spencer Donaldson is going to be a fun story to watch, the 13th overall pick from last year's draft was essentially red-shirted for all of Season 74 due to the presence of OBJ. He is a 6'3, 225 monster of a man, with tons of upside. Gibson, Benedict, and Dawson round out the depth chart as decent depth.
Tight Ends (3) - Mark Andrews, Ian Thomas, Randy Middleton
Mark Andrews is playing on the franchise tag, one season removed from 18 touchdowns. He is Lamar Jackson's favorite target, and has emerged as one of the best tight ends in Red Zone. Ian Thomas arrives via free agency to provide a very solid #2 tight end, and Randy Middleton earned a roster spot through training camp on the special teams side of things.
Offensive Line (11) - Don O'Sullivan, Will Hernandez, Brian Hastings, Bradley Foster, Taylor Moton, Tavarres Crockett, Marcus Jones, Manny Ragland, Rhett Winslow, Wes Schweitzer, John Ferguson
The starters are set, with O'Sullivan, Hernandez, Hastings, Foster, and Moton. O'Sullivan, Hastings, and Foster have all been 1st round picks of the Ravens over the last three seasons. Hernandez and Moton are veteran additions through free agency to solidify this group. Moton is a top offensive tackle in football, and should elevate the run game.
Depth has been added through the draft, with high upside in Rhett Winslow (C) and John Ferguson (RT).
Defensive Ends (5) - Odafe Oweh, Marion Alexander, Khari Greene, Carl Patterson, Jabari Clifford
Odafe Oweh is the top rusher on the team, and one of the best run defending ends in football. Jabari Clifford is the high-upside future star of this group, as the 5th round pick enters his second season in Baltimore. Carl Patterson has proven his worth as a very capable starting end in a 3-4, and has emerged as a great run stuffer.
Defensive Tackles (3) - Quinnen Williams, Trysten Hill, DaShaun Rosenthal
Quinnen Williams is among the best defensive tackles in Red Zone, and is the anchor to one of the best rush defenses. Trysten Hill enters his second year with Baltimore, a pass rushing tackle who contributed 2 sacks last year. DaShaun Rosenthal has been a nice story for the Ravens, a 2nd round pick who has added 6 sacks in two seasons in limited snaps.
Linebackers (6) - Hassan Reddick, Shaquem Griffin, Patrick Queen, Antwuan Leslie, Andrew Calhoun, Andrew Carmon
This group has been a work in progress, and now is one of the deepest in the league. Patrick Queen is the quarterback of the defense, and was in DPOY consideration last season until his injury. Antwuan Leslie emerged as a star last season in his second year after being drafted in the 2nd round, and has developed nicely. Hassan Reddick was added via trade to be the edge threat the Ravens needed.
The Andrew Brothers have been quite the story, as they were taken in the 3rd round two years ago and have thrived. Carmon developed last season after stepping in for the injured Patrick Queen, and Calhoun has been a great contributer as a run defender.
Cornerbacks (5) - Marshon Lattimore, Isaiah Ross, Jonathan Jones, Taylor Lamb, Rashawn Tolbert
Lattimore arrives via trade with the New Orleans Saints, and will be the number one cornerback on the depth chart. Isaiah Ross developed into a superstar last season, as the third year Raven has come a long way since being selected in the 5th round. Jonathan Jones has provided solid play as a free agent from last season.
Taylor Lamb was a project player chosen in the 6th round last year, and spent the year learning behind Bryce Callahan and Bradley Roby. After their retirement, he joins the lineup as the 4th cornerback.
Safeties (4) - DeShon Elliott, Grant Delpit, Rahim Talley, Bryce Chambers
Elliott's development last year sees this group take another step, as he joined superstar status. Grant Delpit has been everything the Ravens dreamed of since signing him in free agency two years ago, with 12 interceptions in two seasons. Talley and Chambers have proven to be great depth and special teamers in their time in Baltimore.
Special Teamers (2) - Aldrick Rosas, Logan Cooke
Logan Cooke was inked to a 4 year deal to stick in Baltimore last season, so there was no competition here. Aldrick Rosas replaces Justin Tucker as the kicker, as Tucker was allowed to test free agency and took the money in Jacksonville. Rosas has proven to be servicable in his time in Red Zone.
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Now is the time to make another run at the elusive 6th ring for this coaching staff. thanks to all of those that took the time to read this piece!