Projecting the Ravens' 53-man roster 4.0

Final cuts will be official on Saturday. The next 24 hours will involve a lot of guys sweating it out as to whether they made the 53-man roster or not.

Here's our final projection, with no more players listed on the bubble. They're either in or out.

( * indicates the player, at this time, will not be counted toward the 53-man roster due to suspension or being on the PUP list)

Quarterback (2): Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor; Out: Keith Wenning

Analysis: With NFL teams carrying two or three quarterbacks, there aren't a whole lot of spots up for grabs. With every team having a starter in place, and most having a backup, I think it's a bit of an overreaction to assume Wenning would get claimed on waivers. He did have a very nice night against the Saints, though, throwing for 117 yards. He should wind up on the practice squad with a competitive salary to keep him there.

Running back (3): Ray Rice*, Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro; Out: Fitzgerald Toussaint

Analysis: Toussaint looked great Thursday night, rushing for 103 yards on 17 carries. But it was against the Saints' second- and third-stringers. Similarly to Wenning, assuming he gets claimed off of waivers is an overreaction. After all, he had just one great game. He does seem to fit the system well and would be a great practice squad addition in Baltimore.

Fullback (1): Kyle Juszczyk

Analysis: Juszczyk will play a big role this season in the passing game. He'll be a mismatch nightmare with linebackers.

Wide receiver (6): Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones, Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Deonte Thompson; Out: Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler

Analysis: I keep wanting to have the Ravens keeping seven but it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. Aiken had a great preseason, and perhaps that is enough to get him on a 53-man roster elsewhere. Butler is also a victim to the numbers game, but as an undrafted rookie, I wouldn't be surprised if an out-of-nowhere injury happens and he winds up stashed on IR.

Tight end (3): Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels, Crockett Gillmore; Out: Nathan Overbay, Phillip Supernaw

Analysis: These three are set. It should be a quality group.

Offensive line (9): Eugene Monroe, Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, John Urschel, Gino Gradkowski, Jah Reid, A.Q. Shipley. Out: Ryan Jensen, James Hurst, Reggie Stephens, Parker Graham

Analysis: After Thursday night, it's tough to justify Jensen making this team. He didn't have a strong preseason at all and last night may have been the tipping point. While Jensen can play all five positions on the offensive line, he didn't show he can play either particularly well. Shipley provides a veteran presence, despite the limitations. Jensen also has practice squad eligibility, and you can bet he will clear waivers with the way his August went.

Defensive line (5): Haloti Ngata, Brandon Williams, Chris Canty, DeAngelo Tyson, Timmy Jernigan, Terrence Cody*; Out: Derrick Hopkins, AJ Pataiali'i, Jamie Meder, Levi Brown

Analysis: Hopkins received the highest salary of the Ravens' undrafted free agents, though it should be a tough order to get him on the 53-man roster. But if one of the guys on the out list were to sneak in, it would be him.

Outside linebacker (5): Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Pernell McPhee, Courtney Upshaw, John Simon; Out: D.J. Roberts

Analysis: Simon's game against New Orleans put him in the conversation of earning some playing time on defense. Sure, it was against the Saints' backups, but he was impressive.

Inside linebacker (4): Daryl Smith, C.J. Mosley, Arthur Brown, Josh Bynes; Out: Albert McClellan, Zach Orr

Analysis: McClellan is a versatile linebacker and special teams player. But when it's all said and done, what is he going to bring each Sunday? The Ravens have four quality inside linebackers, two of which have a great deal of experience.

Cornerback (6): Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith, Asa Jackson, Tramain Jacobs, Dominique Franks, Derek Cox; Out: Chykie Brown, Sammy Seamster

Analysis: Just a gut feeling but I think the Cox signing allows the Ravens to part with Brown. Brown didn't have a good preseason, struggling in practice and in games. Franks came on strong late and steals the spot from Brown. I think Jacobs' potential, plus his ability on special teams, gets him a spot. Of the undrafted guys, especially with teams like the Cowboys and Jets needing defenders, Jacobs probably doesn't clear waivers. Seamster projects to the practice squad.

Safety (6): Matt Elam, Darian Stewart, Terrence Brooks, Jeromy Miles, Brynden Trawick, Anthony Levine, Will Hill*

Analysis: Elam, Stewart and Brooks will factor in the safety rotation quite a bit. Miles could see some time in certain packages. Miles is also a quality special teams player. The Ravens have long been high on Trawick and Levine with special teams. They'll have a decision to make when Hill is eligible to return because there's no way to justify seven safeties on a 53-man roster.

Special teams (3): Sam Koch, Justin Tucker, Morgan Cox

Analysis: They're the three best friends that anybody could have.