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Baltimore Ravens: Predicting Which Skill Position Players Make Roster

By Joe Serpico

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Mike Wallace (12) and Kamar Aiken (11) celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Mike Wallace (12) and Kamar Aiken (11) celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Running Backs

Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) and the running backs run across the field during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) and the running backs run across the field during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Of the three groups we are about to discuss, this might be the easiest position to figure out. The Ravens have a wily veteran that should start the season with some young talent behind him pushing for playing time.

In: Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Kenneth Dixon, Kyle Juszczyk

These four players look to be no brainers. Forsett will begin the year as the starter, but he will turn 31 midway through the season. It is no real big secret that the Ravens want to get younger at the position.

That’s where West and Dixon come into play. West has been the star of training camp and the preseason. He looks explosive in and out of cuts and has the build to run over defenders as well. It is great to see the hometown kid taking advantage of the opportunity to play in Baltimore.

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Dixon has bursted through some holes during the preseason and is a terrific pass catcher. The Ravens are looking for ways to get the ball in his hands and have placed him on kick returns as well. Dixon could be the front runner to handle the third-down duties.

“Juice” is arguably the best fullback in the NFL and also a weapon out of the backfield. He will still be a key part of the offense.

On the bubble: Javorius Allen

It is hard to imagine the Ravens giving up on last year’s fourth-round pick, but other than a screen pass he took for a touchdown, he has done little to impress this preseason. He also did not wow anyone with his play once he took over for Forsett last season. Allen and Dixon are similar players, but the rookie does everything better than Allen which makes him expendable.

Out: Lorenzo Taliaferro, Stephen Houston

Taliaferro hasn’t played at all during the preseason after missing almost all of last season. That’s seriously hurting his chances and it wouldn’t shock me if he spends another year on IR or is released. Houston never had a chance of making the team.

Next: Tight Ends

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