Courtesy: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
NFL rosters are nearly 70 percent larger right now (90 players) than they will be when the final cut is made (53 players).
Now that the draft is over, coaches can begin studying their personnel in earnest. Free agents, draft picks and veterans from last year will compete for one of the precious 53 roster spots.
It’s no surprise the Baltimore Ravens wanted to get younger and more athletic, particularly on defense. Although that’s a good goal to have, that goal comes with no guarantee a prospect will deliver.
On offense, the Ravens are pretty much intact. They traded Anquan Boldin, but locked up Joe Flacco on a long-term teal. They were also able to re-sign left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who can be very effective when he’s “on.”
In 2012, Baltimore was 17th in total defense and set a team record for points scored (398). Do the math.
Thanks to ourlads.com, we’re able to get a peak at the Ravens’ current depth chart. Although the final cuts are likely to be made on Aug. 30 (the day after the final preseason games are played), these next 116 days will pass easier with banter about who will make it and who won’t.
Quarterbacks
Analysis
The Ravens have been going with just two quarterbacks for a few years now, and with good reason. Flacco has yet to miss a start and Tyrod Taylor is an adequate backup.
There really isn’t much to say here because of Flacco’s impressive durability. Baltimore may keep four quarterbacks in camp, but don’t expect more than two to be kept after the final cut.
Running Backs
Ray Rice (running back)
Bernard Piece (running back)
Anthony Allen (running back)
Vonta Leach (fullback)
Kyle Juszczyk (fullback)
Analysis
You know about Ray Rice and Vonta Leach, and you should know about Bernard Pierce. As a third-round pick last season, Pierce spelled Rice and gained an average of 4.9 yards per carry. He rarely (if ever) went down after first contact and always maximized yardage.
Anthony Allen is a key special teams player, as evidenced by his blocks on Jacoby Jones’ kick returns for touchdowns. He can also tote the rock in a pinch.
Kyle Juszczyk isn’t a normal rookie fullback. He can play in the slot or as an H-back. Having him on the roster this year is wise due to the fact Leach is a free agent after the 2013 season.
Wide Receivers
Analysis
No longer can Baltimore fans complain about their receivers not being fast enough or not being deep threats.
Torrey Smith is the No. 1 starter. Jacoby Jones would be the second starter if not for the fact the Ravens would like to keep him fresh for returning kicks and punts.
Six receivers is a lot, but since Boldin is gone and since there may only be two tight ends kept, the extra wide receiver could come in handy.
Tight Ends
Analysis
Flacco and Dennis Pitta have developed quite a rapport, and Ed Dickson is no slouch himself.
The Ravens’ tight ends have to be tough, versatile and solid pass-blockers. They aren’t called upon to be game breakers, but they must also be dependable when their time comes, and Pitta and Dickson are just that.
It’ll be interesting to see how this situation plays out, because after the 2013 season, both of these players will become unrestricted free agents.
In other words, there’s a fair chance this will be the last season both Pitta and Dickson are Ravens.
Offensive Line
Analysis
Courtesy: Patrick Smith/Getty Image
If you watched the Ravens in the playoffs, you saw Flacco become a superstar and you saw his offensive line absolutely shine.
Led by nasty guards Marshal Yanda and Kelechi Osemele, Baltimore’s run game and pass game went to another level in the postseason, when the ideal offensive line was configured.
Michael Oher is a very good right tackle, but has struggled on the left side, which is why it was key the Ravens retained Bryant McKinnie.
Gino Gradkowski takes over for Matt Birk at center, and from all indications, he looks to be taking everything in stride.
Ramon Harewood is 6’6″, 340 pounds and started five games last season. He’s still an inexperienced player who needs to get reps. Jack Cornell, Rick Wagner and Ryan Jensen are in the same boat, as they look like they have what it takes to make the team, but just need some in-game experience.
