The first preseason game is never a moment of finality; it is much more the beginning of things. From here, things can change quickly. However, there are a few players who may have locked things down for the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. Who are some players that are now closer to being locked than they were just last week?
5. Del'Shawn Phillips is a valuable asset for the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens clearly like what they are seeing from Del'Shawn Phillips. He only made the roster last year because he was weak at linebacker, and they liked what he did on special teams. Now, the depth chart is deeper, but his status remains the same: he is looking to be inside the roster bubble.
Phillips was listed as a backup, ahead of Trenton Simpson on the initial depth chart. That could be because Simpson was injured and also a rookie who has not proven anything. Still, it also meant he was two slots on the depth chart over guys like Josh Ross and Kristian Welch.
This is great for his roster standing. Phillips started on Saturday due to Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen resting. He was the next man up next to Malik Harrison. Phillips played 58 snaps and was one of the highest-graded defenders. Despite being on the roster bubble, both Ross and Welch played just 17 snaps in comparison. Neither of them is on his level of trust with this coaching staff.
More than that, Phillips saw enough work on special teams to show his value as well. It is easy to see him on the roster after a performance like Saturday.