Baltimore Ravens: Post-draft 53-man roster predictions
By Joe Schiller
Defense
Defensive Line (7)
Zach Sieler
The Ravens love their depth at defensive line and kept all eight on the roster last season and that trend continues again. Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce and Brent Urban could be a lethal combination up front with experienced rotational depth like Willie Henry and Carl Davis. I think Zach Sieler will be the closest thing to a UDFA making the roster, even though he was a seventh-round pick. He’s a five-technique defensive lineman the Ravens could mold.
Inside Linebackers (4)
We know C.J. Mosley is a starter but his counterpart will be decided in an interesting positional battle. Onwuasor holds the advantage from his playing time last season but I do like the potential of Kenny Young and even Bam Bradley to make some noise at the second spot. Bradley suffered a torn ACL and missed the majority of last season but is a big-bodied tackler with a nose to find the football.
Outside Linebackers (4)
Matt Judon is an up-and-coming star for this defense and I expect him to eclipse double-digit sacks this season opposite of Terrell Suggs. In the last year of his contract, Za’Darius Smith has shown enough production to keep around. The noticeable absence here is Tim Williams. I feel he’s a one-trick-pony and until he proves otherwise, the Ravens are better off utilizing roster spots for multiple-down pass rushers.
Cornerbacks (6)
The ultimate question here revolves around Jimmy Smith‘s help. If he starts the season on the Physical Unable to Perform List (PUP), this depth chart will look a bit different. But assuming he’s is healthy, he and Brandon Carr will likely be the starters on the outside with Marlon Humphrey close behind. Tavon Young had an impressive rookie season in 2016 as a slot corner but is coming off an ACL tear. Anthony Averett was one of the steals in this draft class and can provide legitimate competition at that spot.
Safeties (5)
Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson continue to command the deep secondary and the duo will look to hold the title as the league’s top turnover defense. Anthony Levine is the biggest question mark but I like his experience and production. His versatility is enough to keep around for at least one more season as Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott develop.
Special Teams (3)
The Wolfpack are the best special teams trio in the NFL and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. Plus, Sam Koch‘s dual-threat to play quarterback has to be taken into consideration, right?