The Baltimore Ravens have many tough decisions ahead of them as NFL roster cutdown day looms. Several position groups are stacked with talent, and the team will ultimately have to leave some talented players off the roster.
While some could be brought back to the practice squad, others may not receive that opportunity and may be claimed off waivers by another team. When it comes to depth, Baltimore will aim to strike a strong balance between proven contributors and young players who can make significant strides and develop.
One veteran who could be on the chopping block is defensive lineman Brent Urban. After signing back with the Ravens in early August, Urban is entering his eighth season with the team. However, he faces competition from C.J. Ravenell, a fast-rising player looking to claim his roster spot.
C.J. Ravenell could make Brent Urban expendable
Heading into his second season, Ravenell looks like a completely different player. After being cut following last year’s preseason, he latched on with Baltimore’s practice squad. Through two weeks of the 2025 preseason, there is only one word that can be used to describe him. Dominant.
The 25-year-old has been a one-man wrecking crew in the first two weeks. He has racked up six tackles, six hurries, six stops, and one quarterback hit. While he has yet to tally a sack, Ravenell has shown intriguing traits against both the pass and run.
Pro Football Focus has graded him as one of Baltimore’s best players this preseason. In the team’s Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts, he turned in a 76.2 overall grade. In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, he posted another above-average grade at 77.0. At 68 total snaps, the Ravens are giving him every chance to prove himself, and he is making the most of the opportunity.
Despite his outstanding preseason, the roster spot will not come easily, as the beloved veteran Urban stands in his way. Although Urban has not been as flashy, he remains vital to the team’s run defense. At 6-foot-7, 309 pounds, the 34-year-old possesses an inherent ability to absorb blocks and clog running lanes. There is a chance he will get cut and return on a handshake deal, though.
Being that Urban signed extremely late in the offseason, it is more than likely that he can make it through waivers and back on the team’s practice squad. From there, the Ravens could call him up from the unit on gamedays if they see fit, and possibly add him to the 53-man roster later in the year if players land on injured reserve.
Nonetheless, Ravenell should be on this team in 2025. If the Ravens cannot clear a slot for him, another team will likely claim him off waivers.