LOCK: Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Arthur Jones, Pernell McPhee, Ma’ake Kemoeatu
BUBBLE: Bryan Hall, DeAngelo Tyson
LONG SHOT: Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Terrence Moore, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen
INJURED: Ryan McBean
Skinny: There aren’t any noticeable changes here, but the seventh-round selection Tyson has put together two solid performances in the last two preseason games. I still project him to be on the outside looking in, but he’s earning more consideration than he was a few weeks ago.
LINEBACKERS (15)
LOCK: Ray Lewis, Jameel McClain, Paul Kruger, Courtney Upshaw, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Dannell Ellerbe, Albert McClellan
BUBBLE: Sergio Kindle, Chavis Williams, Nigel Carr
LONG SHOT: Stevie Baggs, Ricky Brown, Darryl Blackstock, Josh Bynes
INJURED: Terrell Suggs (will begin season on non-football injury list and not count against 53-man roster)
Skinny: Carr hasn’t done much to stand out during the preseason other than a holding penalty that negated a punt return touchdown against Detroit last week. Williams is the better special teams player and more deserving of a spot.
CORNERBACKS (8)
LOCK: Lardarius Webb, Cary Williams, Jimmy Smith, Corey Graham
BUBBLE: Asa Jackson, Danny Gorrer, Chykie Brown
LONG SHOT: Jordan Mabin
Skinny: This is the deepest unit on the team, and Brown has worked extensively on special teams as a gunner and key member of the kickoff unit. Graham will also work at the safety position, which makes carrying seven cornerbacks a little more palatable.
SAFETIES (7)
LOCK: Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Sean Considine, Christian Thompson
BUBBLE: Omar Brown
LONG SHOT: Cyhl Quarles
INJURED: Emanuel Cook
Skinny: Losing Cook for the season hurts the special teams and weakens depth at the position as he was slated to be Reed’s primary backup at free safety. With the season-ending injury to Cook, the Ravens might be in the market for another veteran, but Graham’s versatility at the corner position eases some concern at least.
SPECIALISTS (3)
LOCK: Sam Koch, Morgan Cox
BUBBLE: Justin Tucker, Billy Cundiff
LONG SHOT: Patrick Scales
Skinny: After the rookie kicker performed flawlessly in his chance to play the entire game Thursday, there’s no other choice but to go with Tucker. Harbaugh has been vague in his comments regarding what this week will bring, making it clear the Ravens are leaning heavily in the direction of the rookie free agent from Texas. Cundiff has performed well this summer, but Tucker has been exceptional and is deserving of the job.
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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