The Baltimore Ravens have finalized their 53-man roster for week one of the regular season. We take a look position by position.
After two hectic days, the Baltimore Ravens have finalized their 53-man roster. While it’s subject to change during the season, this is what the team is rolling with into week one against the Bengals. Let’s meet the offense, defense and special teams units.
I include my takeaways from each position.
Offense
QB: Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett
After an impressive preseason run, Josh Woodrum’s time with the Ravens comes to an end. It looked like he had a chance to overtake Ryan Mallett for the second quarterback spot, but it didn’t turn out that way. The Ravens went with the proven experience in Mallett and while many will disagree, it doesn’t matter as long as Joe Flacco stays healthy this season.
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RB: Terrance West, Danny Woodhead, Buck Allen
The biggest surprise here: no Taquan Mizzell. But really, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Mizzell flashed well as a pass catcher, but the Ravens don’t need that. That’s exactly why they signed Danny Woodhead this offseason. They need a back who can handle consistent carries along with Terrance West and Buck Allen. Don’t be surprised if they sign or trade for another back.
No fullback on the roster? Think again. The Ravens fullback is also a defensive tackle. Undrafted rookie Pat Ricard earned his spot at fullback and will be a versatile two-way player for the Ravens this season. While he’s listed as a DT, expect the majority of his reps to come on offense.
WR: Breshad Perriman, Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin, Michael Campanaro, Chris Moore
After little to no production from the back-end receivers, the Ravens chose to take five. The final choice came between Chris Moore and Chris Matthews. Moore was the better choice for the offense and that’s what the Ravens went with. However, it’s clear Michael Campanaro has taken over the No. 4 receiver spot that Moore came in with this offseason.
TE: Nick Boyle, Maxx Williams, Ben Watson, Vince Mayle
Vince Mayle, the former wide receiver turned tight end, will work mostly on special teams. He’s got the potential to be a contributor, but most of the production be dependent on the top three guys. It’s going to be a proving season for this group.
OL: Ronnie Stanley, Marshal Yanda, Ryan Jensen, James Hurst, Austin Howard, Jermaine Eluemunor, Tony Bergstrom, Luke Bowanko
Goodbye Jeremy Zuttah and Matt Skura, hello two new trade additions. The Ravens wanted depth on the offensive line and they went out and got just that. They acquired Tony Bergstrom and Luke Bowanko over the past two days. The best part? They didn’t have to give up a defensive lineman.
Other than the trades, the rest of the offensive line was expected. I’m glad to see Jermaine Eluemunor on the roster. Seen as a project , Eluemunor has now been thrusted into important back up role.
This group has to stay healthy for the offense to have any success. We saw what happens when there’s no consistency and it isn’t pretty.