4 Key Takeaways From Ravens’ Roster Cuts

The Ravens made their final roster cuts last week, joining the rest of the league in shaping their teams for the upcoming season. With a lean squad of 53 players, several surprising decisions were made. Let’s dive into four key takeaways from Baltimore’s moves!

Haven’t Added Any Offensive Linemen

Head Coach John Harbaugh has made the bold choice to stick with his current offensive line without adding any new faces.

The projected group includes left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left guard Andrew Vorhees, right guard Daniel Faalele, right tackle Roger Rosengarten, and center Tyler Linderbaum. Veteran Patrick Mekari might also play a crucial role, especially at right tackle.

Depth is key, with ten offensive linemen on the 53-man roster – a mix of new talent and seasoned veterans. Ben Cleveland and Josh Jones add valuable experience, while second-year player Sala Aumavae-Laulu and rookie Nick Samac give promise for the future.

With no trades made, it seems the Ravens are committed to their in-house options but remain open to potential opportunities on the waiver wire.

Six Safeties Made the Roster

The Ravens have secured six safeties, demonstrating their depth in the secondary—a smart move considering the fierce competition.

Among the standout names are Beau Brade and rookie Sanoussi Kane, both undrafted and seventh-round picks, respectively, who impressed during preseason. Brade’s perseverance paid off, while Kane showcased his tackling prowess against the Eagles, positioning himself as a potential special teams asset.

Their competition with Dameron “Pepe” Williams, a 2022 fourth-round pick, highlights the stakes; Williams struggled in the preseason finale and faced a tough path after missing nearly all of last season due to an ankle injury. With strong options like Kyle Hamilton, Eddie Jackson, and Marcus Williams, the Ravens’ loaded safety lineup sets them up well for the season ahead.

Beau Brade Is the Feel-Good Story of Local Cuts

Beau Brade’s journey to the Ravens’ roster is nothing short of inspiring. As the only undrafted rookie to make the cut, this safety from River Hill High School and the University of Maryland embodies perseverance.

After leading the Terps in tackles for two consecutive seasons, he was projected to be an early Day 3 draft pick. So you can imagine his shock when he went undrafted. Yet, this local hero didn’t let that deter him; he signed with his hometown team, eager to learn and showcase his skills.

Despite an ankle injury hampering his start, Brade shone during the preseason, racking up 19 tackles, including two for loss. For a kid who idolized Ray Lewis and dreamt of watching the Ravens thrive, making the 53-man roster is a dream come true.

Two Quarterbacks

This season, the Ravens are taking a different approach by keeping only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. Lamar Jackson will lead the charge, with veteran Josh Johnson stepping in as the backup.

Last year, they had three, which provided some security with an extra emergency option on NFL game days. However, after the preseason, the team temporarily waved goodbye to rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary—who struggled, finishing with two interceptions and a fumble—and undrafted rookie Emory Jones. Leary is now on the team’s practice squad.

Leary’s numbers (15-of-28 for 95 yards) weren’t enticing enough to land him on the final 53, while Jones showed promise with an 8-of-10 performance, including a 56-yard touchdown. There’s still the possibility that Leary or recently reacquired Tyler Huntley could be elevated to the 53 at some point. You may recall that the NFLPA vetoed the emergency third quarterback rule, meaning that managing the game’s most vital position just got a bit more challenging.

With these two new additions to the practice squad roster, the Ravens have a dynamic and versatile quarterback lineup. The Super Bowl is in their sights, and their betting odds NFL to win the title have only improved.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/09/03/street-talk/roster-cuts-2024/