Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 thoughts on 2020 roster cutdowns

By Jake Lippman

General manager Eric DeCosta of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
General manager Eric DeCosta of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Geno Stone #DB58 of the Iowa Hawkeyes speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Geno Stone #DB58 of the Iowa Hawkeyes speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. No 2020 Draft Picks got cut

Recently, Eric DeCosta has shown a willingness to give up on draft picks that do not cut it. This year seventh-round rookie Geno Stone beat out veteran special teams ace Jordan Richards at safety. They kept fifth-rounder Broderick Washington Jr. and Justin Ellis as backups for Brandon Williams. And also kept sixth-round pick James Proche as the primary return specialist and over 2018 fourth-round pick Jaleel Scott at receiver.

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With no undrafted rookies making the team, this move shows the team’s trust in its analysis on these players coming out of college. Recently we have seen many teams giving up on draft picks very quickly, and for very little, the Ravens do not waste young talent and make the most out of it.  Being able to keep all their draft picks is key because they may not have made it through waivers to be on the practice squad. Keeping these guys will help solidify their confidence and allow them to start their careers off strong.

Going into the season it seems like many picks will have the ability to make an impact. First-round pick Patrick Queen and third-round pick Malik Harrison have both impressed coaches and the media, they seem ready to play week one.  Second-round pick JK Dobbins has made some elite looking highlights and is poised to make an impact in a stacked backfield. Third-round pick Devin Duvernay seems poised to make an impact as the fourth receiver and fellow wideout James Proche will have a massive impact on special teams. Although it seems like D.J Fluker will be the starter going into the season Tyre Phillips specifically impressed the coaches and may be pushing him for the starting spot. On the defensive front, third-round pick Justin Madubuike has impressed his teammates and will be the primary backup for the veteran starting defensive line. Fourth rounder Ben Bredeson also made the roster as a backup on the interior line and he and Ben Powers may be fighting with each other this time next season. With only four safeties, Geno Stone could be in line for a lot of playing time at safety.

Although the Ravens are in win-now mode, they are allowing their young players to learn on the fly. Through veteran leadership and a scheme that creates small advantages on both sides of the ball, these players will hopefully get a chance to learn on the field and off of it. By the end of the season, many of these rookies may be solidifying roles and gaining playoff experience.

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