Baltimore Ravens Cut Roster to 53
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center A.Q. Shipley (68) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Turk has made his rounds as the Baltimore Ravens have cut their roster down to 53. Some of the cuts were expected, but there were some relatively big names let go as well.
Let’s take a look at who got the boot and bid farewell to those who did not make the active roster.
Levi Brown, DL
Levi Brown was a longshot to ever make the roster, and the undrafted rookie failed to distinguish himself in the preseason. He only received 23 snaps, and he never stood out in those snaps.
Derrick Hopkins, DL
Despite being the Ravens’ highest compensated undrafted free agent, Derrick Hopkins failed to make the final roster. He flashed upside in the preseason, but not consistency. Hopkins would be a logical candidate for the practice squad.
D.J. Roberts, LB
With the Ravens’ depth at linebacker, Roberts would have needed a miracle to make the final roster. To make it past the first round of cuts was a minor victory for the undrafted rookie linebacker.
Nathan Overbay, TE
An excellent performance against the New Orleans Saints was not enough to save Nathan Overbay’s chance at a roster spot. After a pretty solid preseason, though, Overbay has a good chance to catch on somewhere, be it the Ravens’ practice squad or elsewhere.
The Ravens were set at center, with Jeremy Zuttah and Gino Gradkowski entrenched as the top two on the depth chart. Reggie Stephens, who was on the Ravens’ practice squad last year, never really had a chance to be more than a camp body.
Fitzgerald Toussaint, RB
Like Overbay, Fitz Toussaint was excellent against the Saints, but it was not enough to make the final roster. Toussaint impressively overtook Cierre Wood on the depth chart, and his stock is still rising. If Toussaint doesn’t make the Ravens’ practice squad, it will be because another team snatched him. With excellent speed and agility, Toussaint has a bright future ahead of him.
A.Q. Shipley, OL
The first shocker, A.Q. Shipley started nine games last season and is now on the outs in Baltimore. True, Shipley played poorly last year, but he was hardly the only problem on that offensive line. Shipley will likely sign somewhere else and continue to be a decent depth guy.
Ryan Jensen, OL
If Shipley’s release was the biggest shock, Ryan Jensen’s was the biggest disappointment. Fans and analysts alike were excited to see a guy touted by many as an aggressive mauler, but all Jensen proved to be was mediocre. Maybe his struggles were caused by rust, as he missed all of last season, but after his struggles this preseason, Jensen will have a hard time catching on elsewhere.
Keith Wenning, QB
Keith Wenning’s inconsistency in training camp and the preseason is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, his struggles make adding him to the practice squad much more likely, as opposing teams will be less likely to add him. On the other hand, the Ravens wanted to see enough from Wenning to actually make the team. Brief flashes of immense talent aside, Wenning was pretty awful and failed to secure a roster spot the Ravens seemed to want to give him.
A.J. Pataiali’i, DL
Perhaps the most impressive name on the Ravens’ training camp roster, A.J. Pataiali’i failed to be one of the most impressive players. Despite imposing size, Pataiali’i did not hold up well to blockers. He could be one of several defensive linemen considered for the practice squad.
Phillip Supernaw, TE
Though outplayed by Nathan Overbay, Phillip Supernaw was cut later, indicating he may be favored for a practice squad spot.
Sammy Seamster, CB
One of several players competing for a roster spot in the defensive backfield, Sammy Seamster never stood out in the preseason. Part of that was a matter of reps, as he only received 22 reps. But he seemed to be outplayed by Tramain Jacobs.
Tramain Jacobs, CB
Speaking of Jacobs, though the Ravens cut him, Jacobs has a future in this league. Jacobs rarely got beat despite playing a good amount of reps in the preseason. He has some natural coverage ability, but needs seasoning. A year on the practice squad could do wonders for the undrafted rookie.
John Simon, OLB
Whoa! The Ravens rarely release high draft picks so soon, but evidently they did not see enough out of Simon to justify a roster spot for him. To be honest, his lack of improvement was concerning. He just did not display enough skill in any phase to justify a roster spot.
Jamie Meder, DL
Like Hopkins and Brown, Meder was a rotational defensive lineman during the preseason who had an uphill battle for a roster spot. Meder held up well against blockers but did not stand out, resulting in his release.
Parker Graham, OT
No surprises here. Parker Graham struggled through most of the preseason, despite having prototypical size and strength for the tackle position.
Dominique Franks, CB
I really don’t get this one. I thought Dominique Franks had outplayed Chykie Brown in the preseason, but I guess Chykie’s special teams ability and Ravens’ experience won out. Franks will probably catch on elsewhere.
Derek Cox, CB
After a one week audition, the Ravens elected not to keep Derek Cox. He played well enough in New Orleans to warrant a second look for some other teams though.
The Ravens also put Jeremy Butler on injured reserve, kept Terrence Cody on the physically unable to perform list, and list Ray Rice and Will Hill as reserved-suspended.
I want to point out that though the Ravens currently have just four cornerbacks, five defensive linemen and a whopping seven receivers, there is no reason for alarm. The team is still fluid. There will be more moves made. Possible trades, additions and subtractions. So relax and enjoy the ride.