Baltimore Ravens final 53-man roster prediction: 2.0

Just over a week ago, I posted my first final 53-man roster prediction. A few things have now changed and it’s worth going for the 2.0 after the latest injuries and stock swings. Below is a link to my first prediction so you can see the changes side-by-side.

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Offense

Quarterback

1. Lamar Jackson
2. Robert Griffin III
3. Trace McSorley

Analysis: No change here from my first prediction. McSorley looks viable as a backup quarterback. Moreover, the Ravens won’t run the risk of another team scooping him up on waivers. Just look at the Philadelphia Eagles, they signed Josh McCown out of retirement. A team will definitely claim McSorley.

Running back

1. Mark Ingram II
2. Gus Edwards
3. Kenneth Dixon
4. Justice Hill

Analysis: I still believe the Ravens carry four running backs this season. Dixon may be the second-most talented tailback on the roster. If anybody is on the bubble, I believe it’s Gus Edwards. That being said, I see him as a mostly safe player from getting cut.

Tight End

1. Mark Andrews
2. Hayden Hurst
3. Nick Boyle

Analysis: The best tight end group in the NFL sticks together. None of these three are getting cut and Charles Scarff will find a practice squad or roster elsewhere.

Offensive Line

1. Ronnie Stanley
2. James Hurst
3. Matt Skura
4. Marshal Yanda
5. Orlando Brown Jr.
6. Ben Powers
7. Jermaine Eluemunor
8. Patrick Mekari

Analysis: A year after drafting Bradley Bozeman in the sixth round, the Ravens let him walk due to Mekari’s growth from training camp. He’s received starting reps and extensive reps with the second string. Take note of these two during the third preseason game and which player is coming in earlier or staying longer.

Wide Receiver

1. Marquise Brown
2. Willie Snead IV
3. Miles Boykin
4. Seth Roberts
5. Chris Moore
6. Jaleel Scott

Analysis: Many weren’t thrilled when I left off the annual ‘hyped-up receiver’ last prediction. Lucky for you, he’s now on the roster. Scott is providing special teams value and the loss of Tavon Young opened up a roster spot for Scott, who I had as player 54 on my first prediction.

Total offensive players: 24

Defense

Safety

1. Earl Thomas III
2. Tony Jefferson
3. DeShon Elliott
4. Chuck Clark

Analysis: Two starters and two great backups are unchanging in my second rendition of the final 53-man roster. I won’t be surprised when I see three of these men on the field at the same time in dime packages. I wouldn’t disagree if ‘Wink’ trots out all four in a heavy package to combat a grouping of large receivers and tight ends, or opt for more speed from their heavy-hitters.

Cornerback

1. Marlon Humphrey
2. Jimmy Smith
3. Brandon Carr
4. Anthony Averett
5. Iman Marshall
6. Justin Bethel
7. Cyrus Jones

Analysis: Suddenly, the cornerback department doesn’t sport nearly the same talent as last prediction. Young’s absence is large in the ever-growing passing league. He produced multiple takeaways and even finished last season with two defensive touchdowns. Thankfully, the Ravens sport three starting cornerbacks on the roster and a solid rotation of depth to ease the loss as best they can.

Inside Linebacker

1. Patrick Onwuasor
2. Chris Board
3. Kenny Young
4. Anthony Levine Sr.

Analysis: After watching Otaro Alaka last week, I tried to land him on this roster. He looks damn good and he’s certainly going on a practice squad if he can’t make this roster. Just look at these two plays where he comes up with an open-field tackle and then ruins a screen play by weaving through the blockers to blow up the ball-carrier.

Outside Linebacker

1. Matt Judon
2. Pernell McPhee
3. Tim Williams
4. Tyus Bowser
5. Jaylon Ferguson

Analysis: Shane Ray was the sixth outside linebacker to see the field against the Green Bay Packers, which pretty much shows how far down he is on the list. He’s a good player and I’m sure he’ll find a landing spot in the NFL, but Baltimore wants to see their young linebackers get a final shot in 2019.

Defensive Line

1. Brandon Williams
2. Michael Pierce
3. Willie Henry
4. Chris Wormley
5. Daylon Mack
6. Patrick Ricard

Analysis: No change here. Patrick Ricard was on my first prediction and he’s solidified a spot going forward. Also, Wormley has done a good job in their base package and he’s making the most of his reps. The only player I’m not seeing much of is Mack, who is the new kid on the block hoping to make a splash in these last two preseason affairs.

Total defensive players: 26

Special Teams

1. Morgan Cox
2. Sam Koch
3. Justin Tucker

Still nothing to explain here.