Russell Street Report Camp Notes Who Makes the Cut? – Roster Projection 2.0

Back at it again with another week of practice and preseason play, Dev Panchwagh and I have set our roster projection 2.0. Cut downs are looming after this Saturday’s game against Washington when the Ravens will trim their roster from 90 to 75 players beginning on August 26th.

Roster Projection 2.0…

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor

Practice squad: Keith Wenning

NOTES: With his recent play, Wenning certainly looks as if he will be headed to the Ravens practice squad for sure with the new 10 player maximum rule recently approved by the league and the NFLPA.

Running Backs (4)

In: Pierce, Taliaferro, Forsett (3) **Rice (roster exemption)

Out: Cierre Wood, Fitzgerald Toussaint

NOTES: With Rice, Pierce and Taliaferro getting all the carries that matter, the Ravens will hang onto Justin Forsett given his experience with Kubiak’s offense for at least the duration of Rice’s two-game suspension. Wood and Toussaint, camp fodder only, fail to make the cut barring injury to the above mentioned.

Fullback (1)

In: Kyle Juszczyk

Out: Shaun Chapas

NOTES: No explanation really needed for this. Chapas has had a nice training camp and preseason but the team will stick with one fullback. Perhaps the Ravens keep Chapas on speed dial as a CYA move if Juice gets injured.

Wide Receiver (6)

In: Torrey Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Jacoby Jones, Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Deonte Thompson

Bubble: Kamar Aiken

Out: Mike Wille, Jace Davis, LaQuan Williams, Jeremy Butler

NOTES: The wide receiver competition will come down to these last two weeks of the preseason no doubt. Last week it appeared as if Aiken had overcome Deonte Thompson but after Thompson’s performance on special teams against Dallas it looks as if he’s solidified himself as the number six receiver. Aiken is not eligible for the practice squad since he’s in his third year, but Butler could be a candidate if he can make it through waivers.

Offensive Line (9)

In: Eugene Monroe, Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, Jah Reid, Ryan Jensen, John Urschel, Gino Gradkowski

Out: James Hurst, Will Rackley, Reggie Stephens, Parker Graham, David Mims, Brett Van Sloten, A. Q. Shipley

NOTES: The o-line seems pretty much locked up depth wise for 2014. Truly the last real spot was a toss up between veteran A.Q. Shipley and second-year player Ryan Jensen. Given that the Ravens rarely cut draft picks, allowing them time to progress, Shipley looks like the odd man out.

Tight End (3)

In: Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels, Crockett Gillmore

Bubble: Phillip Supernaw

Out: Nathan Overbay

NOTES: Even though newly signed veteran tight end Owen Daniels has missed a slew of practices over the last week, it’s doubtful the team carries four tight ends. Between Supernaw and Overbay one should certainly stick around on the PS just in case Daniels legs need more rest.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line (6)

In: Haloti Ngata, Chris Canty, Brandon Williams, DeAngelo Tyson, Timmy Jernigan, A.J. Pataialii

Out: Jamie Meder, Derrick Hopkins, Terrence Cody, Levi Brown

NOTES: The defensive line remains solid with depth and the team should feel pretty good given the losses of Urban and Kapron Lewis-Moore during training camp. Cody was thought to be a bubble player in our last roster projection, he still remain on the P.U.P. list still recovering from offseason hip surgery.

Linebackers (10)

In: Courtney Upshaw, John Simon, Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Pernell McPhee, C.J. Mosley, Arthur Brown, Daryl Smith, Josh Bynes, Albert McCllelan

Out: D.J. Roberts, Nicholas DiMarco, Austin Spitler, Zachary Orr

NOTES: McClellan and Josh Bynes stick around more for their special teams play than their linebacker ability but the duo could be spot fillers if injuries occurs. Out of D.J. Roberts, Nicholas DiMarco, Austin Spitler, Zachary Orr, Roberts could find himself on the practice squad as a result of his decent training camp.

Cornerbacks (5)

In: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Asa Jackson, Chykie Brown, Dominique Franks

Bubble: Tramain Jacobs

NOTES: The battle for the last cornerback spot will come down to Jacobs and Franks. Franks gets the nod given his experience at the position and on special teams. If Jacobs can catch the eye of the coaching staff in these last two remaining preseason games, the Ravens could opt for youth instead.

Safeties (5)

In : Miles, Levine, Brooks, Stewart, Elam **Hill roster exemption

Out: Brynden Trawick, Omar Brown

NOTES: Beyond Stewart, Brooks and Elam, special teams play will determine who makes the final cut at the safety position. While Brown has a knack for being at the right place at the right time in the preseason, his teams ability pales in comparison to that of Trawick, Miles and Levine’s.

Specialists (3)

In: Sam Koch, Justin Tucker, Morgan Cox

Out: Richie Leone

NOTE: The Wolfpack remains for one more season. Leone could catch on elsewhere given his training camp experience learning from one of the best special teams coaches in the league.

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