Baltimore Ravens: Predicting Which Skill Position Players Make Roster

Wide Receivers

Baltimoreans have been begging for this franchise to draft a playmaker at wide receiver. That guy still is not with the team, but this is hands down the best receiving corps the Ravens have ever had. It’s deep with talent, but only so many can make the team.

In: Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken, Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman, Chris Moore

Really no surprises here, but each will have a crucial role in how this offense operates. Smith, the unquestioned leader, was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his Achilles injury ended his season. We know the kind of competitor he is so a similar season is possible.

More from The Baltimore Wire

• What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
• Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
• Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
• The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
• Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29

Aiken was the unsung hero of last season, stepping up as the top receiver once injuries ravished the Ravens. His role will diminish a bit this season, but Marc Trestman knows he can count on him to make big catches.

All eyes are on Perriman after two knee injuries have slowed down his NFL dreams. He is the one receiver on this team that could become the Ravens top weapon, but until he takes the field, we will never know.

Wallace is a player that could have a monstrous season know that his skill set is matched with a quarterback that can use him. Wallace is a deep threat, but Ryan Tannehill and Teddy Bridgewater did not have the arm to get him the ball down the field. Joe Flacco does and the long ball will be back in the Ravens offense.

Moore has been very impressive during the preseason and is a deep threat himself. He is a terrific option as a fifth receiver that will not need to be rushed into action, but could pay major dividends later on.

On the bubble: Michael Campanaro, Jeremy Butler

For all the grief that Perriman has gotten for being hurt, Campanaro is just as guilty. The coaches love him, but that means nothing if you cannot take the field. He does have the inside edge to make the team because of his abilities to return kicks.

Butler is the type of player that does not do anything spectacular, but makes plays when his number is called. He turned heads in last year’s training camp and has done so again this year. He leads the team in receptions this preseason, but the problem is the numbers are against him again.

Out: Keenan Reynolds, Chris Matthews, Darius White, Chuck Jacobs, Dobson Collins

Reynolds is the biggest name here, but he is struggling during the preseason. He has not looked good when asked to return punts and has failed to haul in a pass. He needs time to learn the position and he will be on the Ravens practice squad as long as no other team scoops him up.

Matthews did some good things for Baltimore late last season, but there is no room for him on the roster. The rest of the group are camp bodies and maybe one sticks around on the practice squad.

Next: Playing Joe Flacco During Preseason Not Worth Risk

Ozzie Newsome, Harbaugh and Trestman are going to have some tough decisions to make in the upcoming week. There are simply too many players to keep with so few spots available. That’s a terrific problem to have.