Baltimore Ravens: Early Predictions with OTAs Near End
Aug 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback
Asa Jackson(25) runs with the ball after he intercepted the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerbacks (7): Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Kyle Arrington, Asa Jackson, Cassius Vaughn, Tray Walker and Rashaan Melvin
The Ravens added depth to this position with the injury problems they had last year. Arrington and Vaughn were added for depth, and I do not see them being left off the roster. Smith has been making good progress with his injury, so I believe he will return for the beginning of the year.
Safeties (4): Kendrick Lewis, Will Hill, Anthony Levine and Matt Elam
Terrence Brooks has been making good progress, but with the depth the safety position has, he doesn’t have to rush back. I am going to leave him off for now, but he could still make it. I do not think it would be a problem for the Ravens to carry five safeties.
Elam is the surprise. After many questions surrounded his offseason, he seems to be making the best of it. At the beginning of the offseason, I would not have him on the 53-man roster, especially after the added depth.
Baltimore’s defensive coordinator has noticed his efforts in camp.
"“Best camp he has had – bar none, not even close. I expect big things out of Matt, I really do,” defensive coordinator Dean Peas said. “I know there are some critics out there, but I’m just telling you, I think No. 26 is going to be a good football player. I think he’s having a great camp.”"
He seems to be making his case, but a long ways still has to go before he can guarantee his spot. Once contact is permitted, he can show he deserves to be on the roster.
Specialists (3): Justin Tucker (K), Sam Koch (P) and Morgan Cox (LS)
No change is in sight for these guys. They have been together since Tucker came to Baltimore in 2012.
Some of these positions have changed with the additions the Ravens added, while others have remained the same. Certainly, a good bit could change from now until the beginning of the season. But no one would argue that many are not going to change.
Which ones do you think are going to be most likely to change, or the ones that aren’t going to change?