Baltimore Ravens: Early Predictions with OTAs Near End
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back (29) is congratulated by quarterback (5) after his 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks (2): Joe Flacco and Matt Schaub
This position is quite possibly the easiest to predict. The Ravens’ starter who has never missed a game is without a doubt going to start, but this year, they have a veteran backup, which has not been in Baltimore for several years. With Flacco’s consistency, they have no reason to shift from the past and carry more than two quarterbacks.
Running backs (4): Justin Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Javorius “Buck” Allen and Fitzgerald Toussaint
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It’s obvious who the starter is, but the running backs behind are bit more up in the air. I have heard nothing but good things from Taliaferro during OTAs, so I’m putting him in the backup position. But with minicamp and training camp still to come, he could lose the position to the rookie.
The Ravens could choose to go with just three running backs, but I cannot be positive they will until the positions shape up a bit more.
Edit: Kyle Juszczyk would be added as the fullback in replace of the fourth running back. They do utilize the fullback, so cannot forget about him.
Wide Receivers (5): Steve Smith Sr., Breshad Perriman, Marlon Brown, Kamar Aiken and DeAndre Carter
Aiken has been having excellent OTAs, so I am giving him the benefit of the doubt at this point. The first three receivers are most certainly locks unless something unfortunate occurs, which we will not speak of.
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Carter is competing for the returner position, and with the absence of Michael Campanaro and Aldrick Robinson, he could fit into the last spot. If he does not win the returner position, he could miss the roster entirely.
Tight Ends (3): Dennis Pitta, Crockett Gilmore and Maxx Williams
You may be questioning this. The doctors haven’t given an exact timetable for when he could return, and he himself does not know when. But I am going out on a limb with the way he has been playing during OTAs and think when he can begin contact during minicamp, Pitta will be on his way to returning this season.
"“I’m optimistic,” Pitta said. “I feel good. But obviously it’s a process. I have an idea in mind of where I’d like to be in a couple months, but at the same time you don’t know. I know what it felt like to do this one time. I’ve never known what it felt like to do it twice.”"
In the case he cannot play, rookie Nick Boyle can slip into the third spot behind fellow rookie Williams. I have high hopes that Pitta will be able to return to give Flacco one of his favorite targets back.
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