The Ravens unveiled their first depth chart of the summer with few surprises in relation to what we’ve witnessed in training camp so far.
The depth chart reflects players having long-term injuries, which explains why the likes of Kenneth Dixon and Maurice Canady are listed at the end of their position groups. In many cases, the reserve players included behind the projected starters are listed by seniority.
With the exception of quarterback Joe Flacco being sidelined for the start of training camp, the offensive depth chart reflects what we’ve seen over spring workouts and the first handful of practices this summer. Ryan Jensen has taken most of the reps at the center position in the aftermath of John Urschel’s retirement late last month. James Hurst had been playing the first-team right tackle spot before the Ravens signed veteran Austin Howard on Friday afternoon.
Third-year wide receiver Breshad Perriman being listed as a starter over veteran Jeremy Maclin is more indicative of Baltimore’s plans to use the latter in the slot in three-receiver sets than a suggestion that the currently-injured Perriman is ahead of the former Kansas City Chief in the pecking order. Maclin has regularly lined up as the starter opposite Mike Wallace when the Ravens have used two wide receivers, so one shouldn’t read too much into the arrangement.
Nick Boyle has received most of the reps as the primary tight end, especially now with Crockett Gillmore out for the season with a knee injury. Baltimore is looking for a second trustworthy blocking tight end to emerge as Benjamin Watson will probably be used more in the passing game than as a blocker.
It’s interesting to note that the Ravens have been using Michael Pierce as their primary nose tackle with the re-signed Brandon Williams shifting to the 3-technique defensive tackle spot in the base defense. That says more about wanting to get Pierce on the field rather than a change in plans for Williams, who signed a $52.5 million contract in March. Williams is still likely to see plenty of time at the nose in the defensive-line rotation.
Brent Urban has received virtually all practice reps as the starting 5-technique defensive end spot as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. The organization likes its depth behind the 2014 fourth-round pick, but the job appears to be his to lose as we count down to the start of preseason games.
Matt Judon has dropped weight in his efforts to secure the starting strong-side outside linebacker job and has looked comfortable when dropping into pass coverage. Rookie second-round pick Tyus Bowser and even veteran Albert McClellan could be in the mix if Judon struggles adjusting to more of an every-down role after serving primarily as a situational rusher in his rookie season.
The season-ending injury to Tavon Young and long-term injury to Maurice Canady have complicated the nickel corner spot as veteran Lardarius Webb has been practicing there over the last week. Marlon Humphrey and the currently-sidelined Sheldon Price are both outside corners, so defensive coordinator Dean Pees will be casting a wide net trying to find the right fit for the slot. Veteran newcomer Brandon Boykin and even rookie free agent Jaylen Hill will have their chance to prove themselves there in the preseason.
There’s obviously no drama at the kicker, punter, and long snapper spots, but the return game remains wide open with the 2016 incumbents listed as the kick and punt returners for now. Special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg has used upwards of 10 players in practices, and undrafted rookie wide receiver Tim White has turned some heads early in camp and is one to watch this month.
It’s fun to debate the roster at this early stage of summer, but we shouldn’t read too much into the first depth chart, especially once moving past the first and second teams. The released depth charts are composed by the team’s public relations staff — not the coaching staff — but they are based on practice and game reps, giving fans and media a worthwhile snapshot.
