Ravens 53-man roster projection ahead of OTAs, Mandatory minicamp
Ravens 53-man roster projection ahead of OTAs, Mandatory minicamp With the first of seven OTA sessions set to begin within the hour, we're dropping an early, Ravens' 53-man roster prediction with a few surprises
The NFL schedule release was the final holiday-style event before all 32 teams turn towards preparing for a late July start at training camp. The Ravens weren't overly active during the first few days of NFL free agency. Still, the team added Cooper Rush and DeAndre Hopkins to the passing game, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on defense, and Jake Hummel to the special teams. Baltimore retained Ronnie Stanley, Ben Cleveland, Patrick Ricard, and Tylan Wallace, while the restructuring of Marlon Humphrey created $13 million in salary cap space.
The team secured Derrick Henry's future with a two-year, $30 million contract extension to keep the running back in Baltimore through 2027.
Even with the inactivity and loss of Brandon Stephens, Malik Harrison, Patrick Mekari, Josh Jones, and Chris Board, the team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and signed a talented and versatile 11-player NFL draft class, and 17 undrafted free agents.
With the first of seven OTA sessions set to begin within the hour, we're dropping an early, 53-man roster prediction with a few surprises.
Random note:
The Baltimore Ravens have granted outside linebacker David Ojabo an international roster exemption, opening up a spot for an extra player this offseason.
According to NFL.com, "a qualifying international player is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who has a maximum of two years of United States high school experience."
Ojabo, a 2022 second-round pick out of Michigan by the Ravens, was born in Nigeria but moved to Scotland in 2007. At 17, he moved to the United States and played basketball at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. Soon after, he switched to football and became teammates with Baltimore outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Ojabo now enters a pivotal fourth season in the NFL, and while he will not count against a roster spot for now, he will still count on the 53-man roster once the season starts.
QB: 2
Lamar Jackson
Cooper Rush
Lamar Jackson is an MVP candidate, and Cooper Rush is among the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Devin Leary can find a role on the practice squad, and the Ravens can be creative with their approach.
RB: 5
Derrick Henry
Justice Hill
Keaton Mitchell
Rasheen Ali
Pat Ricard
Baltimore has a solid four at running back, and if Rasheen Ali doesn't improve, undrafted rookie Sone Ntoh could be a player to watch.
WR: 6
Zay Flowers
DeAndre Hopkins
Rashod Bateman
LaJohntay Wester
Devontez Walker
Tylan Wallace
The final six spots at wide receiver will look similar, with DeAndre Hopkins replacing Nelson Agholor, and LaJohntay Wester being added via the NFL draft. Zay Flowers made the Pro Bowl after logging 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. Rashod Bateman had his best NFL season, logging 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. There was a drop-off after that, with Nelson Agholor logging 29 catches for 231 yards and two scores. So, Baltimore went out and added DeAndre Hopkins. The Ravens drafted LaJohntay Wester and will look for Devontez Walker to take the next steps.
TE: 3
Mark Andrews
Isaiah Likely
Charlie Kolar
Baltimore goes chalk at tight end, running it back with its top three players from 2024, all of whom have expiring contracts. After a slow start, Mark Andrews finished with 55 catches for 673 yards and 11 scores while Isaiah Likely had 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns.
OL: 10
Tyler Linderbaum
Nick Samac
Daniel Faalele
Andrew Vorhees
Roger Rosengarten
Ronnie Stanley
Joe Noteboom
Garrett Dellinger (Drafted Rookie)
Emery Jones (Drafted Rookie)
Carson Vinson (Drafted Rookie)
The Ravens' offensive line produced a 13th-ranked 85.8 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, allowing 145 pressures and just eight sacks on 539 pass plays this season.
Tyler Linderbaum was the unit's best player, and his 82.5 PFF run-blocking grade ranked fourth among centers this season. Ronnie Stanley returns on a two-year deal, while Andrew Vorhees should be the starter at left guard. Ben Cleveland re-signed on a one-year contract, but we have Carson Vinson getting that final roster spot.
DL: 5
Justin Madubuike
Broderick Washington
Aeneas Peebles (Drafted Rookie)
C.J. Ravenell
Travis Jones
Edge Rusher: 5
Mike Green
David Ojabo -- International Roster Exemption
Odafe Oweh
Kyle Van Noy
Adisa Isaac
Tavius Robinson
LB: 4
Roquan Smith
Trenton Simpson
Jake Hummel
Teddye Buchanan (Draft Pick)
CB: 6
Nate Wiggins
Chidobe Awuzie
T.J. Tampa
Marlon Humphrey
Bilhal Kone (Draft Pick)
Robert Longerbeam (Draft Pick)
Safety: 4
Sanoussi Kane
Beau Brade
Malaki Starks
Kyle Hamilton
Specialst: 3
Tyler Loop
Jordan Stout
Nick Moore
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