The reigning league MVP, quarterback Lamar Jackson, won’t play in the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. You almost certainly won’t see Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Tyler Linderbaum, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, either.
Without quarterback Lamar Jackson, the current MVP of the league, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener on Friday night. It is also quite doubtful that Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Tyler Linderbaum, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton will be present.
There are numerous plots. Now that the coaching staff has game reps to assess, how will the offensive line develop? Will participants in the alleged “bubble” boost or depress their stocks? Regarding the new kickoff regulation, how will the Ravens handle it? Who from the rookie class appears prepared to jump right in and help?
By late Friday night, the definitive responses to those queries will not be easily accessible. In any case, there will be plenty of chances for both the newcomers and the contenders on the roster to leave a lasting impression.
Here are 10 players to watch:
Rasheen Ali, RB: It is not like the rookie Marshall product, selected in the fifth round, has not practiced well. He has had great burst and made a few excellent receptions out of the backfield, aside from a fumble. However, second-year undrafted free agent Owen Wright has outperformed Ali in practice if there is a real race for the No. 3 running back slot behind Henry and Justice Hill. By the conclusion of their opening preseason game, the Ravens had cut or traded three of their previous four fifth-round selections. Therefore, Ali’s selection by Baltimore on the third day of the draft does not ensure a slot for him. He will need to merit it. He possesses the kind of big-play potential that a preseason breakout could bring
Ben Cleveland, an offensive lineman: A few months ago, it was thought that Cleveland would be the front-runner to start at guard. At least not yet. It has not worked out that way. To remain on the roster, the 2021 third-round pick could need to demonstrate his ability to play center. Cleveland is filling in for 2023 Pro Bowl pick Tyler Linderbaum, the starting center, and is expected to start at center on Friday. Cleveland, who does not seem to have earned the coaching staff’s complete trust, has the chance to demonstrate that he is adaptable enough to provide Baltimore depth at many positions. That seems essential to him landing a backup role.
Daniel Faalele, G. Moving Faalele from tackle to guard is obviously more than just an experiment, as the Ravens have demonstrated. Since training camp started, he has had every opportunity to land the position at right guard. This Friday will be his most recent opportunity. Even if Faalele has improved somewhat, it seems like the Ravens are taking a big risk by selecting the 2022 fourth-round pick as their best option at right guard. At minimum, he would feel less anxious if he performed well during the preseason. The burden on Faalele will increase if Cleveland, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and Tashawn Manning perform better than he does.
Travis Jones, Digital Technician: Jones may or may not play a significant amount against the Eagles. The coaching staff will want to make sure that the 2022 third-round pick is as healthy as possible come September because he has looked so impressive in practice. He appears to be an essential member of the Baltimore defense all of a sudden. He was a rotational player his first two seasons, though, and is still a young player. He still has a lot to learn, but these game reps ought to help. It would be intriguing to watch if Jones can dominate the Eagles’ interior linemen, as he has been doing against his teammates for a large portion of camp, if he plays.
Travis Jones is expected to be one of the key contributors along the Ravens’ defensive line this season. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
Devin Leary, quarterback: Leary will probably get a look even though Josh Johnson is anticipated to start against Philadelphia. From the draft, the rookie sixth-round selection has lived up to the hype. He can make all the throws and has a clear arm talent. But it is been difficult to be consistent. Leary’s situation is altered by the new rule that permits teams to name a quarterback from the practice squad as the backup on game days. The Ravens will probably have to keep him on the 53-man roster if he performs really well during the preseason rather than taking a chance on losing him to waivers. Should he perform poorly, they most likely will not mind waiving him via waivers and, should he clear, keeping him in the mix for the practice squad.
OLB David Ojabo has looked like a player who is still finding his feet and getting some rust off throughout the first three weeks of training camp. That is to be anticipated. After two years, the 2022 second-round pick has participated in five games. He had ACL surgery eight months ago. Considering the serious injuries he has suffered in his brief career, it is a noteworthy development that he has been a full participant from the first day of camp. But Ojabo will eventually have to start establishing himself and moving on in his career. Even in the preseason, some success on the field might serve as a launching pad. The young edge rush group on the Ravens needs to mature.
Rosengarten Roger, OT: It is unclear if second-round rookie Rosengarten or seasoned Patrick Mekari would start at right tackle on Friday. This week in practice, they have begun dividing up the reps. Rosengarten will play a lot on Friday and over the preseason, though. He seems to be adjusting to life in the pros well and has looked excellent for the most part this summer. The power and speed of NFL edge rushers will be something the Ravens want to watch him handle. He should start in Kansas City’s opening game if he holds up well and has a strong preseason.
ILB Trenton Simpson (2023): The clear starter beside Smith, Simpson has not done anything in training camp to make Baltimore reconsider designating him as Patrick Queen’s successor. But Simpson needs real playing time, therefore it is likely that he will be a starter who sees a lot of preseason action. As a rookie, Simpson only saw 46 defensive snaps. He has to go outside, settle in, and start playing quickly. As he gains experience, he will undoubtedly make mistakes, but now is the right moment to correct them.
Tylan Wallace, wide receiver: It seems like every year this happens because people think Wallace is on a “bubble” and needs a successful preseason to stay in the game. One or two receiver places are available for the grabbing. Wallace does well on special teams. He is a trustworthy punt returner. He is a devoted teammate who has no trouble covering kicks or blocking on the outside. In practice over the past week, he has improved. He still needs to make plays during contests. Deonte Harty is still the frontrunner to win the return job despite his lack of practice, while Wallace is ranked below at least four other receivers on the depth chart. He must continue to accumulate positive days.
CB Nate Wiggins: This summer, Wiggins has undoubtedly displayed the qualities of a first-round selection. Every day, Wiggins has demonstrated his speed, swagger, and skill set while playing with assurance and a competitive spirit. He has not always been flawless. He has occasionally been caught working as a freelancer and has a tendency to get a little too handsy. This is the reason these preseason workouts are so crucial. Wiggins must demonstrate to the coaching staff that he is prepared to get onto the field and take center stage right away. Wiggins may receive even more playing time early in the season as a result of Arthur Maulet is knee injury, which forces Humphrey to play more in the slot. Cornerback rookies will be put to the test. Pretty soon, we will find out how big Wiggins is.
(Top photo of Rasheen Ali: Nick Wass / Associated Press)
