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Baltimore Ravens: Gerald Willis on pace to make final 53-man roster

By Richard Bradshaw

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Gerald Willis #92 of the Florida Gators pressures Brogan Roback #4 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the game at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Gerald Willis #92 of the Florida Gators pressures Brogan Roback #4 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the game at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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With the continued success the Baltimore Ravens have in finding UDFA studs, it appears Gerald Willis is trending towards being another hit for the team.

Undrafted free agents can be key players in championship caliber teams. The Baltimore Ravens are accustomed to finding these guys annually, with Michael Pierce and Patrick Onwuasor being there’s latest/best finds. Now, it appears they’ve found another in former University of Miami (FL.) Hurricane’s defensive lineman Gerald Willis.

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Willis, who spent his college career both with the Hurricanes and also the University of Florida Gators, has tons of untapped potential. Willis was good enough to be a day two pick if not for some personal issues both on-and-off the field.

Those problems appear to be in his past, as it seems Gerald Willis is primed to not only make the team’s final roster, but also make a significant impact moving forward.

It was reported a few days back that Head Coach John Harbaugh had texted Willis that he was doing a good job and to “keep doing what you’re doing.” That’s certainly a good sign considering Baltimore’s tendency to find these studs following the conclusion of NFL Drafts.

For Gerald Willis, this should come as no surprise. The talent is certainly there for the former Hurricane, as he notched 49 tackles, 18.0 TFLs, and 4.0 sacks in his final season at Miami (FL.). On a Ravens defensive line exclusively catering to defensive tackles built around stuffing the run, Willis would be unlike anything the unit has to offer. With a pass rushing group in need of guys who can produce, Willis stands out as the clear favorite throughout the entire defensive line to pick up this slack.

This key factor will be exactly why Gerald Willis has such a great shot to make the final 53-man roster. Aside from him, an oft-injured Willie Henry and Chris Womley stand as his only true competition for pass rushing snaps on the d-line. It won’t take long for Willis to not only out-play them, but show off his skills as the units best pass rusher.

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This isn’t a post about whether or not Gerald Willis makes the roster. Instead, I’m here to tell you that Gerald Willis is not only making the Baltimore Ravens final 53-man roster, but he’ll have a chance to start and make a splash as a rookie. The Ravens have once again found themselves a diamond in the rough, and it’ll be fun to see Willis’ journey in the league start in Baltimore, Maryland.

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