A look at 4 Ravens bubble players who offer special teams value

If you’re a Baltimore Ravens fan, the bubble players are probably the first thing on your mind as we get set for the third preseason game. One of the best ways for a player on the bubble to make the team is to give the team something on special teams:

The preseason is halfway through and the players trying to cling to a roster spot have very little time to make their closing arguments. The best way for a player on the roster bubble is to be a special teams warrior. Here is a look at players who could offer something to the Ravens on special teams:

Justin Bethel: Bethel was one of the Baltimore Ravens free agent additions this offseason. He had been with the Atlanta Falcons. In Atlanta, he was essentially the Falcons’ Chris Moore. Bethel won’t make the team based on what he offers as a defensive back. He could be a key player on punt team as well as just about every thing else the Ravens need other than returning kicks.

Tyler Ervin: The Ravens do need to focus on the battle for the return specialist of this team. Chris Moore can handle kickoff returns, but that doesn’t mean punt returner is a filled position. With Cyrus Jones all the sudden slotted for a key job for the defense, having Ervin to return punts isn’t the craziest idea. Ervin has good speed and he knows what to do in the open field. He’s not one of the best running backs on the team but he could be a good punt returner.

Otaro Alaka: The Ravens have their inside linebacker position fairly set. If Chris Board is healthy, he’s a part of a trio with Kenny Young and Patrick Onwuasor. Alaka has impressed this preseason as a solid tackler. That in combination with his toughness makes Alaka a player the special teams could really use.

Cole Herdman: Herdman is in a bad spot. He is a tight end on a team that has three very good tight ends in front of him. He is a big bodied player and he could be a solid blocker. He doesn’t have the big play ability that you see in a Mark Andrews, but he could have a Nick Boyle like career. This undrafted free agent could have one shot to make this team, and it’s by doing the dirty work on special teams.

The Ravens roster is anything but set. There are a lot of things up in the air. Injuries could pop opportunities up for bubble players. Special teams could end up giving some of these bubble players an edge. It’s the forgotten part of what goes into building the roster, however special teams are incredibly important.