Baltimore Ravens: Predicting the Final 53-Man Roster

After two preseason games, the Baltimore Ravens roster is starting to take shape. No major cuts have been made, but several players have already sealed a roster spot.

Here's an idea of what the final 53-man roster could look like for the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course, there are still two preseason games left, so there's about a 100 percent chance this set of 53 players will change.

Offense

Quarterbacks

1. Joe Flacco

2. Tyrod Taylor

3. Curtis Painter

Neither Tyrod Taylor nor Curtis Painter has separated himself as the team's backup quarterback, which could ultimately lead to both of them making the team.

Running Backs 

1. Ray Rice

2. Bernard Pierce

3. Bobby Rainey

4. Vonta Leach

Rice, Pierce and Leach are locks, leaving just one open roster spot in the backfield. Rookie Bobby Rainey has separated himself from the pack in the first two preseason games, and he is more than deserving of a roster spot.

Wide Receivers

1. Anquan Boldin

2. Torrey Smith

3. Jacoby Jones

4. LaQuan Williams

5. Tandon Doss

6. Deonte Thompson

The first five receivers are all locks for the final roster, leaving just one open receiver spot. The receiver on the team most deserving of the sixth receiver role is rookie Deonte Thompson, who has outperformed fellow rookie Tommy Streeter so far this season.

Tight Ends

1. Dennis Pitta

2. Ed Dickson

3. Billy Bajema

Third-year tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson will rotate as starters this season, and veteran Billy Bajema has earned the third tight end job for the Ravens. Expect Bajema to have a role similar to what Kris Wilson had last season.

Offensive Line

1. Marshal Yanda

2. Matt Birk

3. Michael Oher

4. Bobbie Williams

5. Bryant McKinnie

6. Kelechi Osemele

7. Jah Reid

8. Gino Gradkowski

9. Ramon Harewood

The only offensive line roster spot up in the air is the ninth and final one. Third-year offensive tackle Ramon Harewood could win it, as both Jah Reid and Kelechi Osemele can play guard, leaving out a need for another interior lineman. 

Total roster spots: 25

Defense

Defensive Line

1. Haloti Ngata

2. Pernell McPhee

3. Terrence Cody

4. Ma'ake Kemoeatu

5. Arthur Jones

6. Bryan Hall

7. DeAngelo Tyson

With Ryan McBean possibly out for the season due to an ankle injury, both Bryan Hall and rookie DeAngelo Tyson will likely make the roster. There's also a chance the team could keep only six linemen in order to add an opening for another position. However, the team will most likely stick with seven.

Linebackers

1. Ray Lewis

2. Courtney Upshaw

3. Albert McClellan

4. Paul Kruger

5. Sergio Kindle

6. Jameel McClain

7. Brendan Ayanbadejo

8. Ricky Brown

The only surprise here is the inclusion of Ricky Brown. Dannell Ellerbe has underwhelmed so far this season, and there's a chance the Ravens could either release him or trade him before the season starts. That would open the door for either Brown or Nigel Carr.

Secondary

1. Ed Reed

2. Lardarius Webb

3. Jimmy Smith

4. Cary Williams

5. Corey Graham

6. Bernard Pollard

7. Christian Thompson

8. Omar Brown

9. Asa Jackson

10. Sean Considine

Omar Brown's stellar play so far in the preseason appears to have earned him a roster spot. That means the team may have to keep one less cornerback than expected, leaving Danny Gorrer as the odd man out. However, if Brown disappoints in the final two preseason games, he may lose his roster spot and Gorrer could gain it back.

Total roster spots: 25

Special Teams

1. Justin Tucker

2. Sam Koch

3. Morgan Cox

The only uncertainty on special teams is who wins the kicking battle. Despite veteran Billy Cundiff being the incumbent, it appears rookie Justin Tucker has done enough in the preseason to win the kicking competition in Baltimore.

Total roster spots: Three