The NFL is closing in on the start of training camp, which will offer an in-depth view of teams’ depth charts and what the potential 53-man rosters could look like down the road. For the Baltimore Ravens, rookies will report on July 15, and veterans will arrive on July 22, and their first full-team practice will be on July 23.
Baltimore’s cutdown to 53 players will be a troubling one. As of now, there are far more than 53 guys on the roster who are deserving of making the cut. Those decisions will become a little bit easier once training camp gets underway, but it will be an all-out brawl for the available spots.
With only OTAs and mini-camp to show for right now, it is impossible to accurately predict the team’s 53-man roster once late August hits. But, based on what we know so far, this is what the initial 53-man roster could look like.
Baltimore Ravens 53-man roster prediction before training camp
Quarterback (2): Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush
Historically, the Ravens have only kept two quarterbacks on their roster. Lamar Jackson is possibly the best quarterback in the league, and the team signed Cooper Rush to a two-year $6.2 million deal this offseason. The Ravens drafted Devin Leary in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but cut him before last season. He likely sees the same fate this year. He could latch onto the practice squad again, but if he showcases a promising future, another team could scoop him up.
Running Backs (4): Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Patrick Ricard
Running back is another position without much to talk about. Derrick Henry and Justice Hill are one of the best running back duos in the NFL, and Keaton Mitchell is finally back to 100 percent. Patrick Ricard is maybe the most underrated player in the NFL and is crucial to Baltimore’s league-leading rushing attack. That leaves 2024 fifth-round selection Rasheen Ali without a spot. The 24-year-old showed potential at Marshall, but his rookie campaign was forgettable. With such a talented room, he has a steep climb for a role in Baltimore.
Wide Receivers (6): Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester
It is hard to see the wide receiver unit not end up with these six players on the roster. The starting group of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins may be the team’s best ever, and Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker are looking to carve out rotational roles in 2025. The final spot here goes to rookie LaJohntay Wester. His playmaking ability makes him too good to pass up, and it sounds like he could be the Ravens’ punt return man this year.
Tight Ends (3): Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
This position group is also a guarantee. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are the best tight duo in the league, threatening opposing defenses with their elite play in the red zone. Charlie Kolar has been waiting to break out for a couple of years now. Having Andrews and Likely on the same team makes it a battle for the young third tight end to see the field, but moving forward, he should start getting more looks. Maybe this upcoming season is the year for Kolar.
Offensive Line (9): Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Emery Jones Jr., Joe Noteboom, Garrett Dellinger, Carson Vinson
Four of the five offensive line starters are locked in, and while left guard is still up in the air, Andrew Vorhees is looking like the favorite. Ravens kept five backups last year, but the versatility of rookies Emery Jones Jr. and Garrett Dellinger could allow them to open up a roster spot somewhere else. The surprise here is former third-round pick Ben Cleveland. He re-signed in Baltimore over the offseason, but with three rookie offensive linemen drafted and the addition of Joe Noteboom in free agency, Cleveland is on the hot seat.
Defensive Line (6): Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, Jayson Jones
Baltimore could use an extra body or two on the interior, and this is a position they should think about overloading on. They have an outstanding starting trio, but the retirement of Michael Pierce leaves a need for more size. They signed John Jenkins in June to help replace the former run-stuffer, but undrafted rookie Jayson Jones should also be in play. Here, Baltimore keeps the former Auburn Tiger, who could be a future piece.
Outside Linebackers (5): Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac
Baltimore usually hangs onto five edge defenders, and these are the five they should run out in 2025. Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Mike Green, and Tavius Robinson will all find a substantial role this season, and Adisa Isaac gets another chance after a rookie campaign lost primarily to injuries. Unfortunately, this also means the end of the road for 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo. Coming out of Michigan, he had all the potential in the world, but injuries have derailed his career. It is a tough pill to swallow, but it never worked out in Baltimore. Maybe he is a possible trade candidate.
Inside Linebackers (5): Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jake Hummel, Jay Higgins
Is there a need for five inside linebackers? Probably not. However, with the uncertainty at the second starting middle linebacker spot, it is better to be safe than sorry. Trenton Simpson disappointed in year two, and rookie Teddye Buchanan is an intriguing prospect, but it is unfair to expect too much from the fourth-round pick. As depth, Baltimore has Jake Hummel contributing on special teams and the undrafted Iowa Hawkeye Jay Higgins in the fray in case Simpson or Buchanan prove to be unplayable.
Cornerbacks (6): Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Bilhal Kone
The Ravens have the best cornerback unit in the NFL. The stacked group might have to overload here. Six feels like a good number. The top three are stars, and offseason signing Chidobe Awuzie should play well in Baltimore, assuming he stays healthy. Second-year pro T.J. Tampa was hoping to have a breakout campaign, but the additions of Jaire Alexander and Awuzie could put restraints on that. Finally, Bilhal Kone beats out his fellow 2025 sixth-round corner selection Robert Longerbeam for the final spot, with his size and instincts giving him the edge.
Safeties (4): Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jalyn Amour-Davis, Sanoussi Kane
Similar to the offensive line, the Ravens can sacrifice a spot here due to some versatility in the defensive back room. Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks can play wherever defensive coordinator Zach Orr needs them, and Jalyn Armour-Davis makes a transition to safety in this prediction. Sanoussi Kane beats out fan-favorite Beau Brade, with Kane likely being the go-to special-teams player.
Tampa, while listed as a corner, could also eventually get some looks at safety because of his size, physicality, and comfort in zone coverage when he is facing the football.
Special Teams (3): Tyler Loop, Jordan Stout, Nick Moore
Undrafted kicker John Hoyland has been making Tyler Loop sweat. However, Loop should take control of the job during training camp. His powerful leg should prove too much for Hoyland to overcome.