Predicting Baltimore Ravens’ 53-Man Roster in 2013
Predicting the Baltimore Ravens 53-Man Roster in 2013
The defending Super Bowl Champions, Baltimore Ravens, by far have the hardest final 53-man roster to project simply due to the fact that they lost eight starters from the team. Even with how well they drafted suitable replacements, it still provides a challenge in thinking if they are going to make the cut or not. Due to one reason or another, some will.
What really hurts the Ravens is that they lost their heart and soul on defense in legendary inside-linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed, not to mention their brain on offense in center Matt Birk (who might be the biggest void to fill). This team seemingly has several leaders who could and likely will step up into leadership roles and fill the void smoothly even if it is in different ways.
The most talked-about news for the Ravens this season is the monstrously lucrative contract that starting quarterback Joe Flacco signed which makes him the highest paid player in NFL history (for now). There will be questions about his worth until the end of his career now because the amount is so much and it likely prevented the team from being more active in free agency and they will count on the salary cap to jump up greatly in a few years, along with other teams as well.
For better or worse, the Ravens will be an entertaining bunch to watch for all of the 2013 NFL season even if you aren’t a fan of the champs.
Quarterback
Joe Flacco is now the 120.6-million-dollar man for good, bad and indifferent. This position is fairly cut and dry in who is the unquestioned starter.
Quarterbacks: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor and Caleb Hanie
Running Backs
Ray Rice is one of the most underused halfbacks in the entire NFL. The Baltimore Ravens have an excellent change-of-pace back in Bernard Pierce as well. Vonta Leach will plow holes for them morning, noon and night.
Halfbacks: Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce and Anthony Allen
Fullback: Vonta Leach
Receivers
Before the 2013 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens traded away their number-one wide receiver in Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers for a measly sixth-round pick. Second-year wide receiver Tommy Streeter will have to step up his game and make a nice-sized impact. Tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson are a nasty tandem that can receive and block very well.
Wide Receivers: Torrey Smith, David Reed, Tommy Streeter, Jacoby Jones and Tandon Doss.
Tight Ends: Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson
Offensive Linemen
The Baltimore Ravens finally found an offensive line that gelled together toward the end of the season and they looked unstoppable. Their only spot of weakness might be at center where the aforementioned Matt Birk retired on top.
Offensive Tackles: Bryant McKinnie, David Mims, Michael Oher and Jah Reid
Offensive Guards: Kelechi Osemele, Ramon Harewood, Marshal Yanda and Ricky Wagner
Centers: Gino Gradkowski, Ryan Jensen and AQ Shipley
Defensive Linemen
The Baltimore Ravens front three on their defensive line is almost as big as many teams front four in 4-3 defenses. Not only are they huge, they are mean and smart type of defenders who can strike fear into opposing team's offenses and their linemen.
Defensive Ends: Chris Canty, Arthur Jones, Kapron Lewis-Moore, Haloti Ngata and Marcus Spears
Nose Tackles: Terrence Cody and Brandon Williams
Linebackers
It is indescribable in what the loss of sure fire hall of fame member Ray Lewis mean to this team as he was the second player drafted by the franchise behind Jonathan Odgen another hall of fame member. This is the position that gutted the most this offseason, however they did rebound with a nice signing in here.
Outside Linebackers: Terrell Suggs, Pernell McPhee, John Simon, Elvis Dumervil and Courtney Upshaw
Inside Linebackers: Jameel McClain, Albert McClellan, Arthur Brown and Josh Bynes
Defensive Backs
The Baltimore Ravens also lost a few defensive backs including legendary Ed Reed to greener pastures in this offseason as well. However, with drafting smart the last few drafts, the blow was softened greatly.
Cornerbacks: Ladarius Webb, Chykie Brown, Corey Graham and Jimmy Smith
Free Safeties: Michael Huff and Omar Brown
Strong Safeties: Matt Elam, James Ihedigbo and Christian Thompson
Special Teams
The special team members were one of the main reasons why the Baltimore Ravens went and won the Super Bowl last season. Especially the emergence of an unknown kicker who quickly became a star.
Kicker: Justin Tucker
Punter: Sam Koch
Long Snapper: Morgan Cox
