In Part 1 of the Baltimore Ravens Roster Power Rankings, we examined the guys who will have trouble making the finals roster. The guys on today’s list will have no such trouble. Rather than playing to save their jobs, these guys will be fighting for a snaps. These are the backups and core special teamers, the glue of the team that many fail to notice.
Discuss in the BSL Forums here…
This is Part 2 of a three-part series.
Safe Bets
48. Brent Urban, DE
As a fourth-round pick just a year ago, the Ravens have an active interest in seeing what they have in the 6’7″ Urban. If he learns to play with better leverage, Urban could be a difference maker. He will compete with Lawrence Guy, Carl Davis, Timmy Jernigan and Chris Canty for reps.
47. Tray Walker, CB
As a fourth-round pick, Tray Walker has an easy road to the roster, but don’t expect him to contribute anywhere but special teams early in his career. His level of competition was subpar, and he didn’t really dominate. This was an upside pick.
46. Nick Boyle, TE
Considering that Dennis Pitta is actually on the practice field for the Ravens at OTAs, Nick Boyle’s value drops a little bit. As a fifth-round pick Boyle’s roster spot is assured, and if Pitta is out, he’s an ideal third tight end. As a prospect, Boyle is similar to Crockett Gillmore a year ago: He looks like a blocker but he’s a better receiver than blocker at this point.
45. Albert McClellan, LB
A core special teamer and steady depth, McClellan’s roster spot should be secure. McClellan can play inside or outside at linebacker, and he did get some reps in the red zone last year. He has starting experience as well, having started 11 games in 2012.
44. Matt Elam, S
At this point, Matt Elam’s success is a pride thing for the Ravens. They could be set at safety with Will Hill and Kendrick Lewis, but Elam is still considered a competitor for the starting strong safety spot. Regardless, considering the cap ramifications of letting a first-round pick go, Elam’s roster spot is secure.
43. Lawrence Guy, DT/DE
Lawrence Guy plays with nice aggression and strength, things that got him on to the field last year. He will have more competition this year for reps, but his steady play could keep him a factor.
42. James Hurst, T
James Hurst struggled when pressed into action as an undrafted rookie. There is no way around that. But he also flashed some upside. Clearly the Ravens thought higher of him than they did Jah Reid last year, so Hurst will probably stick around. And he may yet amount to something. Remember Rick Wagner’s first action against the Denver Broncos? He was overwhelmed, but with a year in the system, things improved. Maybe that will be true for Hurst as well.
41. Robert Myers, G
A highly-touted fifth-round pick, Robert Myers is a massive man at 330 pounds. That’s how the Ravens like their guards, so Myers is a great fit in Baltimore. He probably won’t beat out John Urschel for the primary backup job, but Myers has upside.
40. Asa Jackson, CB
Though Asa Jackson struggled last year, he has some natural cover skills that should earn him a roster spot. Being one of the few players on the roster with return experience helps his cause as well.
Important Backups/Core Special Teamers
39. Matt Schaub, QB
The Ravens upgraded their backup quarterback spot in a big way by signing Matt Schaub. He is the best backup the Ravens have had since Marc Bulger, and he should provide a good sounding board for Joe Flacco.
38. Terrence Brooks, S
Terrence Brooks was arguably the Ravens’ best cover safety last year until Will Hill came on strong late in the season. Brooks has great speed and instincts, and his clean but brutal hit on Delanie Walker changed the tone of that game and helped the Ravens win. Brooks could end up on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning he would sit out at least the first six games of the season.
37. Anthony Levine, CB/S
Anthony Levine held his own at cornerback last year despite being a safety. Paired with his excellent special teams skills, Levine is the kind of player the Ravens want filling out their roster.
36. Kamar Aiken, WR
Speaking of great special teamers, Kamar Aiken consistently made his presence felt in that regard. He also provided value as a quality fourth receiver, running savvy routes and catching the ball consistently.
35. Javorius Allen, RB
Considering Marc Trestman’s love of pass-catching backs, Javorius Allen has a good chance to get on the field early in his career. Allen is probably the fastest of the Ravens’ running backs and has good acceleration. He probably won’t be quite the runner that Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro are yet, though.
34. Marlon Brown, WR
Marlon Brown is one of just two receivers on the roster with starting experience in the NFL, which has value. After a down year last year, Brown has a lot to prove, but his savvy routes and size always have value.
33. Za’Darius Smith, OLB
If there is any team that knows how to use DE/OLB tweeners, it is the Baltimore Ravens, so Za’Darius Smith landed in a perfect situation. He has been criticized for his lack of great athleticism, but his measurables are significantly better than Pernell McPhee‘s were as a rookie. Smith plays with similar hustle, so he could get on the field immediately in passing situations.
32. Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB
Lorenzo Taliaferro had some good moments as a rookie, and if his fitness level is any indication, he’s ready to improve on that in Year 2. Read more on the battle between Taliaferro and Javorius Allen here.
31. Morgan Cox, LS
There isn’t much to say about Morgan Cox, and that’s a good thing. As reliable as a long snapper gets, Cox is a key part of the Ravens’ special teams.
30. John Urschel, G/C
That John Urschel is listed as a guard and a center on the Ravens’ website bodes well for the talented second-year player. Urschel excelled in his handful of starts last year, showing a mean streak in the ground game. He will be the primary backup on the interior of the offensive line.
29. Carl Davis, DT
Carl Davis has the ability to play any of the three defensive lineman spots, making him a valuable asset for Baltimore. If he had a more consistent motor in college, he would have been a first-round pick. Falling to the third round may have been just the thing to kickstart that motor.
28. Crockett Gillmore, TE
With ideal size and soft hands, Crockett Gillmore is the perfect complement to Maxx Williams or Dennis Pitta. Gillmore impressed with his blocking last year, and he could be called on to start if Williams and Pitta aren’t ready.
27. Courtney Upshaw, OLB
Courtney Upshaw is an above-average run defender and surprisingly decent in coverage. He brings minimal pass rush, though, with no moves to shed blockers. He is on a contract year this year, so now would be the time for him to step up.
26. Maxx Williams, TE
Nobody would have been that surprised if the Ravens had taken Maxx Williams in the first round. Getting him in the second was a steal. He plays a lot like Jason Witten, showing great skill as both a blocker and a receiver. We’ll see how he adjusts to the pro game.
25. Kyle Arrington, CB
A legitimate nickel cornerback was probably the most important need this offseason. When the Ravens didn’t come away with one in the draft, it was concerning, at least until Kyle Arrington became available. Arrington can play inside or out, making him an ideal backup and a perfect option as a nickel corner.
Shawn began his writing career with Bleacher Report as a Ravens featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer. He moved on to write for Yahoo! and work on the Ravens Central Radio podcast. Most recently, he was an Editor at the Baltimore Wire. Shawn is a 2013 graduate of the Catholic University of America.