Baltimore Ravens: Why Undrafted Rookies Will Make Bigger Impact Than Draft Picks

Watching the Baltimore Ravens this preseason has been a unique experience, as the no-name players on the team are the ones making the biggest impacts on the field so far.

For this reason, the Ravens' group of undrafted free agents might just make a bigger impact than the players they actually drafted.

First, let's take a look at some of these undrafted free agents.

At this point, Bobby Rainey and Justin Tucker are both locks to make the final roster. Tucker has won the kicking competition with Billy Cundiff, so he is the first undrafted rookie to lay claim to a roster spot.

Just because Rainey's roster spot isn't guaranteed doesn't mean that he should be sweating. Rainey has been the second-best running back for the Ravens so far, aside from Ray Rice obviously.

While third-round pick Bernard Pierce is still likely to get reps as the backup, Rainey has played too well not to earn a spot. In fact, Rainey even earned reps with the first team against the Jaguars. Meanwhile, Damien Berry only played in mop-up duty, and Anthony Allen has barely played at all this preseason.

Though Rainey and Tucker are the surest bets to make the roster, they are not the only undrafted rookies who have earned roster spots.

The full list of players that have a good chance at making the final roster includes Deonte Thompson, Omar Brown, Nigel Carr, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen and Jack Cornell. Those who don't make the final roster are virtually guaranteed spots on the practice squad as well.

Thompson was the star of minicamp, and he broke out in a big way in the Ravens' first preseason game. His three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown helped spark the Ravens to a comeback win.

The current depth chart has Tommy Streeter listed ahead of Thompson, but Thompson has received more reps in the preseason, and he has done more with those reps. The Ravens have a hard decision to make, but Thompson looks to be a good bet to make the final roster.

Omar Brown is a virtual lock to make the final roster thanks to the Ravens' injury situation. With Emmanuel Cook out for the season, Brown will provide crucial depth.

While the Cook injury helped Brown's situation, his play has been the deciding factor in earning him a likely roster spot. Brown has been a true difference maker, with an interception, several fumble recoveries and a key onside kick recovery.

In fact, Brown has looked like starting material. Don't be surprised if Brown becomes a starter a few years down the road.

Nigel Carr has looked like a pure linebacker in preseason action, leading the team in tackles and regularly making stops. Carr was one of the first undrafted rookies to catch the team's eye, and he continues to impress. Carr might have trouble making the final roster, but he is at the very least a lock to make the practice squad.

Ishmaa'ily Kitchen was helped immensely by the injury to Ryan McBean. Kitchen, however, has played well enough to earn consideration for a roster spot in his own right.

Finally, Jack Cornell has been a surprise as a tackle and a guard for the Ravens. They love his versatility and toughness. While Cornell could be forced off the active roster by the numbers game, he too looks like a sure bet for the practice squad at least.

All in all, expect immediate contributions from Tucker, Rainey and Thompson on offense, with Brown and Carr potentially making some big plays on special teams. On defense, Brown looks to be the only undrafted rookie in line for serious reps, potentially spelling Ed Reed.

Compare this to the Ravens' actual draft picks. Courtney Upshaw has not yet earned a starting role, while Kelechi Osemele has been the star of the Ravens' rookie class so far. 

Bernard Pierce has been dealing with injury. While he looked good against the Jaguars, he may have to split carries with Rainey. 

Christian Thompson hasn't done much either way and is mostly an unknown at this point. It's worth mentioning that he's been outplayed by Omar Brown to this point.

Asa Jackson has looked good as a returner, but he hasn't stood out on defense. His contributions will likely come mostly on special teams this year.

Tommy Streeter has seemingly lost ground to Deonte Thompson, and he will have to fight just to make the final roster.

Finally, DeAngelo Tyson has done little to distinguish himself either way as well. He did notch a sack in the waning minutes of the Jaguars game, but his role remains unclear.

In sum, the Ravens are expecting big contributions from at least three or four of their undrafted free agents, but only Pierce and Osemele look to contribute immediately from their draft class.

This is certainly a unique situation that the Ravens find themselves in, but it guarantees they will be loaded with young talent for years to come.