The Baltimore Ravens have just two days to trim from 90 players to their finalized 53-man roster. With 37 players set to be cut in just a few hours, some are really easy decisions the coaching staff won’t think twice about. Others aren’t quite as simple for Baltimore to cut thanks to a number of reasons.
Let’s take a look at the five toughest decisions the Ravens have to make with their 53-man roster this weekend.
S, Brynden Trawick
Trawick looked like he was one of the more obvious cuts before Thursday’s preseason game against the Washington Redskins. He shined in that one, tying for the most tackles on the team and notched an interception to close out the game.
Trawick was brought in as a special teams ace, something he earned a Pro Bowl nod for in 2017. But without showing much on defense, it looked like he was on the outside looking in. However, a good showing against Washington and his experience with the team now makes him someone the coaching staff is going to have to talk about before making a decision.
As a player on the bubble, that’s as much as you can ask for.
CB, Maurice Canady
Canady originally made the team as a rookie back in 2016 thanks to an impressive preseason. He’s stuck around each year but has managed to end each season on injured reserve as well. With the Ravens adding more depth at cornerback through the draft and free agency, Canady was put firmly on the roster bubble this season.
Canady hasn’t played well at all this preseason but an injury to Tavon Young still gives him hope of making the Ravens’ 53-man roster again. The question Baltimore has to answer is if they can trust him to stay healthy and play like they’ve seen him play previously, or if there’s another defensive back worthy of the roster spot instead.
LB, Otaro Alaka
Alaka was around the ball regularly this preseason, as his team-leading 16 tackles showcase. Though he didn’t make any big plays personally, he showed enough to be worthy of further consideration. And when looking at the lack of depth at inside linebacker, it only further helps Alaka’s case for making the Ravens’ 53-man roster.
If Baltimore believes they can stash him on the practice squad, he’s definitely earned a spot. But with his play this preseason and the number of teams looking for linebacker depth, Alaka might simply have played himself onto a 53-man roster somewhere.
QB, Trace McSorley
I don’t think McSorley could have done much more to give himself a shot of making the 53-man roster this year. He showed improved development through each preseason game and is an interesting prospect in Baltimore’s unique offense. Coach John Harbaugh said McSorley had “earned the right” to be in the team’s plans this year but it’s not quite that simple.
McSorley takes up an important roster spot as the third quarterback. There’s a little strategy to figuring out his spot on this team, whether it comes on the roster or practice squad. Some of that has to do with whether the Ravens feel he’d be poached from the waiver wire before he ever got to the practice squad or if they could sneak him over there.
If Baltimore wants to keep McSorley around, they’re going to have to be creative with how to make it happen. He could make the Ravens’ 53-man roster initially only to head to the practice squad later once Baltimore feels they can sneak him over.
RB, Kenneth Dixon
I’ve been critical of Dixon this offseason. It’s clear he has a ton of talent and I truly believe he could be a starter in this league. But he just can’t stay healthy.
Dixon entered this offseason needing to showcase his talent and stay healthy enough for Baltimore to believe he could be a capable backup. But once again, Dixon missed some practices and a game due to injuries. Even if the final preseason game, Dixon came limping off the field after a play. While he returned shortly, it’s just a reminder of Dixon’s injury history.
But it’s not like Dixon is fighting for a starting spot with the Ravens. He’d likely be the fourth running back on the roster and spell either Mark Ingram or Gus Edwards at times while being additional insurance for any injuries. The question is if Baltimore feels they need a fourth running back that offers nothing on special teams in favor of more depth elsewhere.
