Baltimore Ravens UDFAs That Could Make the Final Roster

No better destination exists for undrafted free agents than the Baltimore Ravens. Seemingly every year an undrafted rookie makes an impact in Baltimore. In 2014, Zach Orr and James Hurst made an impact. In 2013, Marlon Brown caught 49 balls and seven touchdowns. In 2011, Josh Bynes and Albert McClellan caught on. Both would go on to start. So for guys like DeAndre Carter and Nick Perry, there is more hope in Baltimore than on perhaps any other team.

Discuss in the BSL Forums here…

The path to the roster is clear: Excel on special teams, and the Ravens will find a role for you. That’s how Orr, Bynes and McClellan made it. That’s how UDFAs will need to make it this year, as the Ravens are deep enough that there are few holes on the roster.

Let’s take a look at the undrafted rookies who are vying for a roster spot this year.

DeAndre Carter, WR

How does a receiver with a 16-catch, 273-yard, four-touchdown game on his resume sound? That’s DeAndre Carter, the 5’8″ receiver out of Sacramento State, and every catch was detailed in the video above.

Pros: Acceleration, speed, hands, sharp routes, kick return experience

Cons: Size, level of competition (Division I-FCS), doesn’t break tackles

Carter’s ability to accelerate and decelerate was obvious in his 16-catch outburst, especially on the many comeback and hitch routes he ran. And his kick return ability is a big plus. Still, can Carter compete against the much bigger and better competition in the NFL?

So far, so good. Steve Smith has been impressed per the Ravens’ official website. Further, Carter has been returning kicks during minicamps, which will be his best chance at making the roster.

Odds of making the roster: Best among the team’s UDFAs, but still not likely. A probable practice squad candidate.

Nick Easton, C

Very few have heard of this guy, but that could change in training camp when the pads go on and the linemen get to do their thing. The Ravens have had good luck with Harvard centers in the past (Matt Birk), and Nick Easton has the goods to turn that into a trend. Check out that pancake block on the defense’s No. 46. Aggression, good hand placement and lower body strength were all critical there.

Pros: Solid base (rarely pushed back in pass protection), aggressiveness (lots of pancake blocks), lateral movement, upside

Cons: Hand placement (could get called for holding on a lot of blocks), doesn’t get much drive, level of competition

The Ravens don’t have a need at center, with Jeremy Zuttah holding down the fort and John Urschel the presumptive center of the future. Still, there is always room for more offensive line depth, which Easton could provide. And who doesn’t want a guy who can do this (watch No. 57)?

Odds of making the roster: Next to none, but love him as a practice squad candidate

Nick Perry, S

Ozzie Newsome loves him some Alabama prospects, so nabbing a starting safety from his alma mater as a UDFA obviously got some fans excited. And why not? Perry has the measurables and the pedigree. But why did he go undrafted?

Well, he didn’t exactly stand out at Alabama, for good or for bad. And his pro day was middling, having run a 4.67 and repping 225 just seven times.

Pros: Size (6’1″, 211 pounds), level of competition

Cons: Speed, strength, few splash plays

Perry did get some love from Sports Illustrated (as did DeAndre Carter), but right now, most interest in Perry is based on what school he attended. He needs to prove he can be a special teams demon, which is his best chance at the roster.

Odds of making the roster: Entirely dependent on his special teams play

Maybe another rookie UDFA will distinguish himself with special teams play (typically, linebackers and safeties are the best bets to do that), but those are the three with the best chance to make some headlines this offseason and find a role in Baltimore.