Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens not on the roster bubble ahead of training camp

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Wide Receiver Willie Snead #83 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Wide Receiver Willie Snead #83 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 12: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is sacked by linebacker Pernell McPhee #90 of the Baltimore Ravens, defensive end Brandon Williams #98 and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil #58 at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 12: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is sacked by linebacker Pernell McPhee #90 of the Baltimore Ravens, defensive end Brandon Williams #98 and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil #58 at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

Defensive line:

  • Michael Pierce
  • Brandon Williams
  • Willie Henry
  • Chris Wormley
  • Pat Ricard

The Ravens are obviously going to keep more than five defensive linemen but these five are the core pieces to the puzzle. Pierce is a potential Pro Bowl player if he can get back in shape. Brandon Williams is an elite space eater. Willie Henry has potential to be a penetrating defensive lineman if he can stay healthy. Chris Wormley has become a fairly formidable force and he should be a steady contributor. Ricard will make the team as a fullback and an extra defensive lineman.

The rest of the potential defensive linemen are all competing from a very similar starting point. Daylon Mack and Gerald Willis probably make the team. Zach Sieler could very well make it as well. If the Ravens decide to keep eight defensive linemen that will be good news for the whole group. If the Ravens want to chose only seven defensive lineman it will be a tough call. There is very little separation between each defensive lineman past the obvious five.

Outside linebacker:

  • Matt Judon
  • Jaylon Ferguson
  • Tim Williams
  • Tyus Bowser
  • Shane Ray
  • Pernell McPhee

The Ravens don’t have enough sure thing kind of answers to be picky at the outside linebacker spot. All of these players should be on the 53 man roster. Judon is the leader of the pack. Ferguson is potentially the best pass rusher on the team (while also being the least experienced). It will take a group effort and a couple of standouts to make this whole thing work.

Inside Linebacker:

The Ravens need to have at least three inside linebackers. These three are the obvious players to fill that need. The exciting thing about this position group is that it is young and talented. Many people are overlooking this position group though it could be a surprise strength of the team. Young had an impressive rookie season with 51 tackles and 2.5 sacks. If you follow this blog, you know how I feel about Onwuasor. Board will round out the group and hopefully he can contribute to the defense and special teams. The Ravens are going to need quality playing time from Board.

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