4 surprise players who can sneak onto the Ravens 53-man roster

The Baltimore Ravens have a little more than 24 hours before they’ll need to finalize all roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, all NFL rosters will have to be cut down to 53 players.

The Ravens already began this process on Sunday cutting ties with kicker/punter Cameron Dicker who was brought in for the team’s final preseason game. 26 more cuts remain at the time of writing.

As always, there will be some surprise players among those released. At the same time, there will be a few unlikely players who sneak onto their team’s 53-man rosters.

Let’s take a look at four surprise Ravens players who might just sneak their way onto the active roster.

4. Isaiah Mack, DL, Ravens

The Ravens have been impressed with a number of players on their defensive line this summer, and the team is likely going to have to make at least 1-2 difficult cuts. One such player who’s made a strong case for a roster spot, however, is Isaiah Mack.

Signed by the Ravens last November, Mack appeared in two games with the team in 2021, recording a sack and three tackles. The 26-year-old returned this offseason and has put together an excellent summer.

It’s far from a guarantee that Mack clears waivers, meaning that the Ravens might have no choice but to keep him on the 53-man roster if they wish to retain him.

With Travis Jones still nursing a knee injury, the Ravens might need another body in that defensive line room and Mack has certainly earned it. Don’t be surprised if he survives final roster cuts.

3. Justice Hill, RB, Ravens

With a completely healthy running back room, it’s likely that Justice Hill would’ve been on the outside looking in. That’s not the case here, however.

Gus Edwards is already slated to miss the first few weeks of the season while J.K. Dobbins is still working his way back from his torn ACL. Even if Dobbins suits up for Week 1, the Ravens would like to have as much insurance behind him as possible.

Mike Davis figures to play an important role. Sixth-round rookie Tyler Badie is in the mix as well. But don’t overlook Hill, especially given his special-teams prowess.

Hill still has a role on this roster and I’d expect him to make the team when all is said and done.

2. Ar’Darius Washington, S, Ravens

Of the four players on this list, I’m the least confident in the prediction that Ar’Darius Washington will make the Ravens’ roster. Washington still has plenty of supporters in the front office and on the coaching staff, but he’s been working behind the eight ball this summer.

The former undrafted free agent missed a ton of time due to injury this summer and that significantly affected his chances of making the roster. That said, don’t count him out just yet.

Washington is a versatile defensive back who plays special teams and wouldn’t be guaranteed to clear waivers. The Ravens might want to keep a player like that around.

Would they really choose to keep him over someone like Tony Jefferson, though? It’s at least a scenario the team will consider.

1. Josh Ross, LB, Ravens

Josh Ross has been one of the most impressive players for the Ravens this preseason, and his strong showing may have earned him a roster spot.

Signed as an undrafted free agent this May, Ross spent last year working under Mike Macdonald at Michigan. That connection with Macdonald should go a long way toward helping his case to make the team.

Ross’ primary competition is core special teamer Kristian Welch. The Ravens like Welch and don’t really want to lose another important piece in that special teams unit, but Ross has earned his place on this team.

The Ravens should keep the tradition alive and have another undrafted linebacker make the team this year.