It’s Time For A Ray Rice Decision, 5 Dark Horse Roster Candidates

Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) talks during minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to lunchtime links, where we round up all the latest Raven’s news from around the web for your convenient consumption.  Today we bring you 5 dark horse candidates for roster spots, we predict Steve Smith’s 2014 contribution, DeAngelo Tyson’s push for snaps, and it’s time for Ray Rice to learn his fate.

Shehan Peiris is bringing us 5 dark horse candidates that could make the Raven’s final 53.  Our favorite small school receiver Jeremy Butler made the list, along with a couple of other intriguing names.  One of which is punter Richie Leone, who might just steal the job away from Sam Koch after a poor 2013.  Just ask Billy Cundiff how much teams tolerate poor performance from kickers and punters.

Jason Marcum wonders what Steve Smith’s contribution to the Ravens will be in 2014.  We have already seen him bring a bit of a motivational edge to the team this offseason, but what will his contributions on the field look like?  Our best prediction is around 800 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns, only because the Ravens have a glut of pass catching options and are going to run the ball a lot in 2014.

Aaron Wilson tells us that DeAngelo Tyson is making a push for more snaps in the defensive line rotation.  Tyson has a great shot at increasing his role on a somewhat unsettled defensive line that needs young talent.  He had a couple of sacks and a pretty athletic interception of Matthew Stafford last year, showing us a glimpse of his ability.

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Finally, Jamison Hensley thinks that the NFL needs to make its decision on Ray Rice. We wholeheartedly agree.  There is no reason why they can’t go ahead and make a decision.  Prolonging it only hurts the Ravens while they are trying to plan for the coming season and figuring out how to divvy up the workload in Rice’s absence.

Who do you think is a dark horse who could make the final 53 man roster?  Do you think the NFL is doing the right thing in taking its time on a Ray Rice decision?