Head coach John Harbaugh and Baltimore Ravens have gone undefeated so far in the preseason with a 3-0 record. Harbaugh recently agreed to an extension to year 2019 which shows the owner’s confidence in him.
BALTIMORE, Md. — With this he must properly evaluate the talent on the roster and make the tough decisions. Some positions have already been solidified but others like inside linebacker and few offensive lineman are still up for judgment. With only a little under two weeks remaining until Week one begins, I will lay out the players that are in good standing to make the final 53 man roster.
CB Jaylen Hill
Injuries to cornerbacks Tavon Young and Maurice Canady forced the Ravens to dig deep in the undrafted pool this season to find gems. Luckily, Jaylen Hill fell right into their lap. The former DB from Jacksonville State went through the entire pre and post-draft experience without much attention from any NFL teams. After the Ravens called him into rookie mini-camp he impressed everyone with his tenacity.
During the preseason, he showed that the team made the right call. Hill has been leading the team in solo tackles so far with nine and added 2 interceptions in 3 games. From being barely noticed to a lock to make the team, look out for Jaylen Hill in the future.
#Ravens "Jaylen Hill with the INTERCEPTION and his teammates LOVE it! pic.twitter.com/WXHqh3JUUu"
— AFC NORTHERNERS (@afcnortherners) August 27, 2017
DE Brent Urban
Brent Urban is a capable defensive end that has the size and stature to produce in the NFL. His career started off rocky with injuries by tearing his ACL in year one. Also, last season, a torn bicep held him out the first 8 games of 2016. But his first game back Urban showed promise by blocking the Browns potential game-winning field goal that was returned for a touchdown.
This year Baltimore has more depth at defensive line so this preseason is big for Urban. He produced more than the others notching 7 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. Surely, Urban will get more snaps this season and looks to continue the same impact.
LB Patrick Onwuasor
In his second season with the Ravens, Patrick Onwuasor has been performing well and could earn a starting spot. Former inside linebacker Zachary Orr was forced to retire due to a neck injury and his position needs to be filled. Onwuasor along with 2nd round draft pick Kamalei Correa and special team stand out Albert McClellan are set to battle for the open starting spot.
But McClellan recently tore his ACL and is out for the season so the two-year players will battle it out. Onwuasor has been making a name for himself this preseason totaling nine tackles and a forced fumble. Adding Onwuasor’s breakout preseason performances with his experience by starting one game at linebacker last season, he’s primed to take the starting spot over Correa.
QB Josh Woodrum
The biggest surprise of the Baltimore Ravens preseason is quarterback Josh Woodrum from Liberty College. Starting QB Joe Flacco injured his back in training camp and that made the Ravens look for other QB depth. Ryan Mallet is the current backup but he’s underperformed all preseason and his job is up for grabs.
By the looks of it, Woodrum is ready to take it with his consistent performances so far. He accumulated 4 total touchdowns this preseason and even had a perfect passer rating in his debut game. Many pundits were unsure of his talent after not signing polarizing QB Colin Kaepernick but Woodrum has proven the Ravens were correct.
Josh Woodrum, QB1 pic.twitter.com/R9U1vOkt9b
— Tyler Jackson (@TJack94) August 18, 2017
WR/RB Keenan Reynolds
Former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds is competing to make the 53 roster with Michael Campanaro for starting punt returner. Even though he’s had limited snaps, Reynolds has made a couple breakout plays. One being the 46-yd punt return against the Washington Redskins.
While Campanaro is a fan favorite, Reynolds has bigger upside and has stayed healthier so far. Reynolds isn’t a lock to make the team but the Ravens roster could use an electrifying player capable of making the big play. Campanaro is very much the better receiver but special teams is where Reynolds could make real difference and make the team.
Check out SSI Athlete and @Ravens WR @kreynolds_19 almost take this punt to the house!! Keep it up Keenan! @CoachKavanaugh pic.twitter.com/2tQ6jWG9e5
— Sport & Speed Team (@SportSpeedTEAM) August 11, 2017
