Baltimore Ravens early depth chart takes

The first depth chart is made by the Baltimore Ravens PR department. While not set in stone, it can give a general idea about which players are on the upwards trajectory.

Here it is in full as tweeted by Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.

Ravens initial depth chart: Starting offense:

QB Joe Flacco

RB Justin Forsett

FB Kyle Juszczyk

WR Kamar Aiken, WR Mike Wallace

TE Ben Watson

LT Ronnie Stanley

LG John Urschel

C Jeremy Zuttah,

RG Marshal Yanda

RT Rick Wagner

Starting defense:

OLB Za’Darius Smith

OLB Albert McClellan

ILB C.J. Mosley

ILB Zachary Orr

DE Timmy Jernigan

NT Brandon Williams

DE Lawrence Guy

CB Jimmy Smith

CB Shareece Wright

S Eric Weddle

DB/S Lardarius Webb

Wide Receiver

Mike Wallace starting is encouraging even though when considering the absentees, it is not a surprise. If the season started today, Wallace and Aiken would make a better tandem than any non-Steve Smith Sr. receiver used alongside Aiken last year. If rookie wide receiver Chris Moore is back sooner than later, the Ravens figure to be in good enough shape at wide receiver.

Tight End

It is a bit of a surprise to see Ben Watson ahead of Maxx Williams at tight end. Maxx Williams was hoped to undergo a breakout second season like fellow tight end Crockett Gilmore did in 2015 but it is still early. Watson likely gets the edge for his skills down the seams in coverage. With offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and his bunch set laden offense, Watson is a perfect match.

Runningback

Justin Forsett's pass protection should be what gives him the edge at runningback for now at least. Buck Allen was rather inconsistent in the pass protection role last season. Terrance West has flashed, notably against the Browns in Cleveland in 2015 but is he not the most consistent player.

As it stands however, West is the biggest threat to overtake Forsett. We await more reps for Kenneth Dixon who comes back from his injury and who figures to be a strong challenger himself if his college skills translate to the pros.

Offensive line

The offensive line seems set for the most part. The only possible competition of note would be John Urschel being the leader at left guard.

Outside linebacker

On the defensive side, a name sure to raise a few eyebrows figures to be Albert McClellan. His stint starting as an outside backer early and as inside backer later in the 2012 season did not go well. But the SAM linebacker spot is up for grabs with Dumervil being injured.

Inside linebacker

Zachary Orr is the safe pick alongside C.J Mosley. Orr has been active in camp but does not figure to be a game breaker in the form of his prime competitor. Rookie linebacker Kamalei Correa is likely not slated as the starter so that he can get more preseason reps. Correa will push both Orr and McClellan to the limit.

Defensive line

Lawrence Guy is in the same vein as Orr and McClellan, though Guy offers more skills at his respective position at defensive end. Early depth charts will often see the veterans get the edge. Brent Urban offers a more disruptive potential and his long arms and inside pass rush ability will likely enable him to overtake Guy.

Secondary

The secondary is finally steady. It is now only up to the starters to perform. Cornerback Tavon Young figures to be the only rookie ahead of his veteran competitor since Jarraud Powers has missed too much time in camp. Young has the early edge.

Overall

The offensive depth chart should stay the same, barring Smith Sr.’s return. On the defensive side of the ball, Correa and Urban figure to be the chief competitors to displace their counterparts.