It’s time for the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason finale. It’s been an uber-successful stretch, where fans have learned a ton about what the Jesse Minter era will have to offer. Countless players have stood out, too.
Those preseason standouts have sparked debate about how Baltimore should build its 53-man roster for 2026. There’s so much talent, and not enough roster spots to occupy it all.
For these four players, the competition has gotten so tight that there’s little to no room for error in the Ravens’ preseason matchup with the Washington Commanders.
4 Baltimore Ravens in a desperate push to make the 53-man roster
Gerad Lichtenhan
The Ravens have let Gerad Lichtenhan take full control of the right tackle spot this preseason. He’s played nearly every snap there. Unfortunately for him, he’s had mixed results.
Week 1 was a clean outing for Lichtenhan, but Week 2 brought questions. He struggled with the blitz and got tagged for three holding penalties.
Lichtenhan isn’t in the most favorable position to win his way onto the 53-man roster. He’s almost certainly trailing Carson Vinson, and needs Baltimore to carry four offensive tackles if he wants to suit up in the regular season.
Even worse, undrafted rookie Diego Pounds might be breathing down Lichtenhan’s neck for a practice squad spot. If Lichtenhan rides the struggle bus again, he could become an afterthought behind Pounds.
Kaimon Rucker
Kaimon Rucker is pushing hard for a roster spot. There appears to be an opening for a fifth pass rusher on the Ravens’ roster, and it’s an opportunity Adisa Isaac is in the midst of fumbling.
Entering Week 3 of preseason action, it’s a three-man dash to the finish line. It’s one where Rucker is in third place. Isaac’s been on the team since 2024, and Ethan Burke’s been an absolute menace over the past two weeks. As for Rucker? He’s been very good, but nothing spectacular.
Rucker must put together a truly dominant performance in the finale. If not, it’ll probably be the practice squad again for him.
Rayshaun Benny
I want to say Rayshaun Benny has the odds leaning in his favor. He was widely considered a draft steal, and he’s gotten praise from his coaches and teammates, most notably Calais Campbell. Realistically, though, Benny’s back is against the wall due to a cruel numbers game.
The defensive line is loaded with depth, and with Nnamdi Madubuike nearing a full return from injury, Benny is in a tough spot. He’s likely the seventh player in that rotation right now. Unless the team overloads in the trenches, he’ll need a standout showing on Friday.
If the Ravens don’t add an extra interior defensive lineman, Benny will have to prove his upside is a more valuable asset than the floor of a player like Broderick Washington or John Jenkins.
Corey Bullock
Corey Bullock might have new life. Once a player who seemed like an easy cut, the pressure isn’t as overwhelming anymore. Don’t get me wrong, he still needs to be pretty much perfect against the Commanders, but there’s at least a path that’s possibly open for Bullock.
Baltimore’s center situation is a mess; Danny Pinter was placed on season-ending IR on Wednesday, Ethan Pocic is coming off an Achilles injury, and Jovaughn Gwyn has little to no experience.
And at guard, Andrew Vorhees is once again showing he’s unreliable. The Ravens will likely keep two backup guards, and with Emery Jones Jr. taking one, Bullock could sneak in and nab the other.
Bullock has experience playing center, guard, and tackle, too. That could make the difference in this competition.
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