The anticipation for the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 campaign is building. Preseason is here, which means in just under a month, the regular season will kick off. We finally have football again.
Of course, the next three weeks won’t provide much for Baltimore’s starting group. Head coach Jesse Minter has said he plans to rest a number of starters. That’ll put the spotlight on backups and those fighting for a roster spot.
For these five players, they need to hit the ground running in the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Baltimore Ravens need to see these 5 players start hot in preseason opener
Corey Bullock
Corey Bullock made the 53-man roster last year, but after an offseason overhaul along the offensive line, he finds himself on the bubble. It’s looking like he’s not even a factor in the center competition, and he might be the fifth option at offensive guard.
Still, Minter has said that he expects Bullock to get chances at both center and guard throughout the preseason. That’s a golden opportunity. His versatility is his calling card, and to claim an active roster spot once again, he needs to prove he can be trusted as a depth option at both spots.
The men in his way? Andrew Vorhees, Danny Pinter, and Jovaughn Gwyn. Bullock will likely have to string together performances that prove he’s the best of that bunch.
Jovaughn Gwyn
Speaking of Gwyn, he’s entrenched in the most important starting position battle remaining: the center position. When Ethan Pocic was signed, everything pointed toward Pocic taking the job. However, age, injuries, and the fact that he was a late-offseason addition have that job up for grabs entering preseason.
Between Pocic, Pinter, and Gwyn, Gwyn has the most to gain. Pocic has the experience; Pinter appeared to be the early pack leader before Pocic’s arrival, whereas Gwyn seemed to be stuck in the back. Saturday night’s game against the Eagles offers a chance for Gwyn to pick up a draft and catch those guys.
And after playing under offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford with the Atlanta Falcons for the past three years, a standout showing this weekend would certainly boost his stock.
Aeneas Peebles
Aeneas Peebles has all the traits to be a preseason star. He’s undersized for an interior defensive lineman, but he brings the explosiveness that can outmatch opposing offensive linemen. His burst, speed, and motor make him a nuisance on pass-rush downs.
Peebles hasn’t gotten the opportunity to break out yet, as he spent pretty much all of his rookie year in John Harbaugh’s doghouse. Under Jesse Minter, though, he should be utilized to his fullest potential. He could turn into a weapon that demands to be unleashed on third-and-long.
Still, none of that will come if he doesn’t turn a corner in the preseason. He must show the coaching staff that he can be a big part of the rotation in 2026.
Kaimon Rucker
Kaimon Rucker is one of those guys on the outside looking as we hit the preseason mark. He made the practice squad last season, but this time around, he’s vying for one of those coveted 53-man roster spots. There’s a genuine opening in front of him, too.
The mission is clear: outperform Adisa Isaac. The top four slots in Baltimore’s outside linebacker unit are already set in stone, but barring any more signings, that fifth one will come down to Isaac, Rucker, and undrafted rookie Ethan Burke.
While Isaac is back and healthy, injuries have been a constant across his NFL career. Given that risk, some tough talks might be had if Rucker comes out on fire in Week 1 of the preseason.
Robert Longerbeam
The Ravens have a deep cornerback room. The common theme is young guys with potential. Robert Longerbeam is among those.
Despite being a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, though, Longerbeam has an uphill climb to making the team. He’s in a race against several young guys for positioning on the depth chart, but for the most part, he’ll be battling Bilhal Kone. They’re both second-year pros coming off major injuries, itching to see the field again.
For Longerbeam, though, his size works against him. He’s a 5-foot-11 corner with boundary skills. Sure, you could kick him into the slot, but then he’s up against a room that already includes Keyon Martin and Chandler Rivers. Simply put, Longerbeam will need to put on a show against Philadelphia.
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