As the Baltimore Ravens head into their Week 3 preseason matchup with the Washington Commanders, everything is on the line. Countless players could be playing their final game with Baltimore, and many of those could be on their way out of the NFL if they cannot deliver a high-quality performance. Others are fighting feverishly for a spot in the rotation, rather than being depth pieces throughout the 2025 season.
Following the game, the Ravens front office and coaching staff will be faced with numerous tough decisions. It is not anything they have not been through before, but this year more than any will see many talented players depart and be snatched out by other teams. For these three players, some have a chance to carve out a significant role in Baltimore this year, and others have their backs against the wall in a fight to make the 53-man roster.
3 Ravens to watch closely in preseason clash with Commanders
David Ojabo
Of players who could contribute in 2025, Ojabo probably has the most on the line. Following Adisa Isaac’s elbow injury, the door has swung open for Ojabo to secure his spot on the roster. Nothing is guaranteed, but it is looking increasingly likely that the former Michigan star will get one last chance. If he impresses in this opportunity, his role could grow into something much bigger.
Ojabo is entering a contract year. If he looks elite against the Commanders, he should wiggle his way into the rotation. The snaps may not be substantial, but they should be enough to give him a chance to flash his potential in 2025. It all starts in the matchup with the Commanders, though.
Baltimore native Malik Hamm is on the outside looking in, acting as the only true competitor to Ojabo for the final pass rusher spot. It is improbable, but if he outperforms Ojabo significantly, then he could potentially steal the job. Regardless, everything is in Ojabo’s hands, but it is up to him to bring it.
T.J. Tampa
Second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa is in a fight for playing time in 2025. He has quickly been shifted to the near-bottom of the corner depth chart after veteran additions of Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander. He could also be caught behind former Alabama standout Jalyn Armour-Davis, a third-year player who has earned plenty of praise from coaches in camp.
Tampa is coming off an uninspiring showing in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He showed tendencies that have nagged him since his college days at Iowa State, including a lack of top-end speed and difficulty locating the football once he is caught behind. He registered a 48.7 overall grade in that game, per Pro Football Focus.
Baltimore needs Tampa to establish himself as a trustworthy option this year. Alexander and Awuzie have dealt with injury issues in recent years, and rookie Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam are already out for the season. Tampa’s game against Washington will hopefully be the first step in that development.
Jay Higgins
Despite an elite preseason thus far, rookie linebacker Jay Higgins is still on the hot seat against the Commanders. Head Coach John Harbaugh loves his special teamers, and that could be the only thing holding Higgins back from securing a roster spot next week.
The Ravens will likely hold onto six inside linebackers heading into the regular season. Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, and Teddye Buchanan have locked up spots, and Jake Hummel seems like a favorite due to his role on special teams. However, only $100,000 of his one-year contract is guaranteed. If Higgins can surpass Hummel on the depth chart, Baltimore should have no problem moving on from him.
Everyone knows what Higgins can do in the middle of the field. The question is: what can he contribute to special teams? He should be given a runway to showcase his abilities, and if he can succeed in that spot against the Commanders, he should have a spot in Baltimore.