Dennis Pitta and 4 Baltimore Ravens Backups Who Could Start for Other Teams

To become a championship-caliber team, you need depth at several positions, just in case injuries try to derail your season prematurely.

That's exactly how the Baltimore Ravens roster has been built heading into the upcoming season. Around Baltimore the phrase "next man up" is often used, and it's because of the quality of talent general manager Ozzie Newsome has discovered over the years.

Here are some of the players on the Ravens roster that could possibly start for other NFL teams.

Dennis Pitta, Tight End

I remember going to training camp a couple years ago and watching Dennis Pitta catch literally every single ball thrown his way. Very few tight ends in the league have better hands than Pitta, a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Ed Dickson is the "starter" in Baltimore, but the two typically split reps.

I feel strongly that if Pitta were given the starting gig all by himself, he could be one of the most productive tight ends in the league.

His chemistry with Joe Flacco will only lead to a bigger role in the Ravens offense this season. 

Teams Dennis Pitta Could Start For

Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams

Cary Williams, Defensive Back

With the NFL looking more and more like a real-life version of Madden, slowing down a team's passing game is the biggest priority for NFL defenses.

One of the deepest positions of the Ravens, the secondary boasts three starting-caliber cornerbacks, including the pride of Washburn, Cary Williams.

The only reason Williams isn't starting for the Ravens is that the team has two promising youngsters ahead of him.

However, facing receiving corps like those of the Steelers, Giants and Patriots means Cary Williams will see the field quite often 

Teams Cary Williams Could Start For

New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers

Bernard Pierce, Running Back

I know what you're thinking: "Dude, Pierce is only a rookie! How do you know he'll be any good in the NFL?"

First off don't call me dude. Second, from the highlights I've seen of him, I'm pretty sure he's got the skills to be legit at the next level.

Several scouts have said that if Pierce had returned to Temple for another year, he would have been a first-round pick in 2013.

His size and ability to break tackles are things which NFL teams drool over.

Teams Bernard Pierce Could Start For

Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals,  

Pernell McPhee, Defensive End

A good pass-rusher is worth his weight in gold.

When the Ravens selected McPhee in the 2011 NFL draft, few fans had high expectations, but he's proven to be a future impact performer in Baltimore.

Despite not starting a single game in his rookie season, he finished with six sacks, and with Terrell Suggs sidelined with an Achilles injury, McPhee will be leaned on heavily in 2012 to attack opposing QBs. 

Teams Pernell McPhee Could Start For

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs