One of the Baltimore Ravens’ most intriguing battles heading into their preseason finale is at pass rusher. The team revamped the group, but there remains a question mark lingering over the final spot. Will it go to Adisa Isaac or Ethan Burke?
Another way to phrase that: Will the Ravens continue to bank on the upside of a disappointing third-rounder, or will they prioritize the productive undrafted rookie? Isaac is coming back for what he hopes will finally be a healthy season while Burke is looking to make a lasting impression.
Burke could turn the tide with one more statement game. He’s been a stud in August, and honestly, based on what he’s put on film, he deserves a 53-man roster spot. A finishing touch against the Washington Commanders could turn those roster hopes to gold.
Baltimore Ravens rookie Ethan Burke has one more chance to push Adisa Isaac off the roster
Ethan Burke has done it all in preseason and training camp. He’s pressured the quarterback (1 sack and 2 pressures), forced a fumble, and has made his presence felt on special teams. Heck, he’s even congesting throwing lanes with his 6-foot-6 frame, too.
Still, Adisa Isaac appears to have a high standing with the coaching staff. Following Tuesday’s practice, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver had good things to say about Isaac.
“In the limited exposures we’ve had out here to him, he’s played well,” Weaver said. “He’s done a lot of good things, both rushing the passer, being physical in the run game…I am so proud of that kid and what he’s done to this point.”
Isaac has potential. It’s just that he hasn’t had a real chance to show it. His development has been slowed at every turn, and at this point, it might be time to move on.
The Penn State product has yet to prove he can escape the grasp of the injury bug. Last year, it was an elbow injury that turned into a season-ender, and in 2024, it was a nagging hamstring issue. Sure, he’s healthy now, but can he stay on the field?
With that being an unknown, the perfect storm is brewing for Burke to claim an active roster spot. He’s quite clearly separated himself on the field, and throughout his collegiate career at Texas, he had a clean bill of health, missing just two games. That should put him in position to upend Isaac on the depth chart.
A complete showing in the preseason finale would likely set that in stone. Another sack, consistent pressure, and competence on run defense are the type of performance that would get it done. And continued teach-tape on special teams would be the nail in the coffin for a player whose 2026 role won't be much more than a special-teamer.
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