The Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster has to be set by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. That means the next few days will be anxious ones for many players, both for those at the beginning of their careers in the NFL and those closer to the end. That even includes many of the Ravens’ 2019 NFL draft picks.
Ultimately, no player in this league is safe or guaranteed a roster spot. We’ve seen surprising cuts every year, regardless of the money they’re owed or where they were drafted. In fact, Baltimore has signed a few former first-round picks this offseason that never panned out with their original teams.
So let’s take a look at all of the Ravens’ 2019 draft picks and rate their chances of making Baltimore’s 53-man roster.
First round (No. 25): Marquise Brown, WR
The Ravens spent a first-round pick on Brown in April’s draft. It would be fair to say that they’ve not exactly enjoyed an immediate return on their investment.
Brown has been hampered by the after-effects of his Lisfranc surgery all offseason and he’s only played in one preseason game. He caught three passes in that game against the Eagles, but only amassed 17 yards. The Ravens are hoping for much more when Brown is fully healthy but had to be happy to finally get him on the field at all before the regular season.
Brown’s talent and draft pedigree make him one of the safest roster locks of all. He’ll see the field plenty as a rookie and is also a player the Ravens will give plenty of time to develop into their No. 1 receiver.
Chances of making the roster: 100%
Third round (No. 85): Jaylon Ferguson, OLB
Ferguson replaced Terrell Suggs atop the NCAA sack list during his time with Louisiana Tech, racking up 45 quarterback takedowns. The Ravens are hoping he can replace Suggs once again, this time as a leading part of their pass rush after spending a third-round draft pick on him this year.
Ferguson suffered a concussion during the joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles, although he has since been cleared to return to the field. He recorded a tackle for loss in both of his preseason games and with the Ravens in need of pass rushers after offseason departures, Ferguson is a player they hope can make an impact as a rookie.
Regardless of how Ferguson played this preseason, Baltimore recognizes he’s a bit of a project, as are almost all third-round picks. He’ll take a few years to really round into his own, meaning he’s going to make this team.
Chances of making the roster: 100%
Third round (No. 93): Miles Boykin, WR
Boykin has been exactly as advertised this offseason, impressing during training camp. He also looked the part in his limited preseason action, posting five catches for 83 yards in two games including a 44-yard reception against the Eagles.
Despite being taken two rounds after Brown, you could certainly argue that Boykin has looked the more ready to be a starter out of the two so far. He’s not going anywhere, except up the depth chart.
Chances of making the roster: 100%
Fourth round (No. 113): Justice Hill, RB
The Ravens are projected to be among the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL this season. Mark Ingram is the favorite to gobble up most of the carries, but Hill has done more than enough to convince people that he can carve out a role for himself on the Ravens’ offense.
Hill has rushed 27 times for 90 yards this preseason (3.3 yards per attempt), while also chipping in with four receptions for another 24 yards. He doesn’t look like a true every-down bell-cow back, but his speed and burst make him a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. He offers a more varied skill set than Ingram or Gus Edwards and could find significant playing time this season. He’s a player that fantasy owners should be looking to get on the end of their rosters heading into the season.
Chances of making the roster: 90%
Fourth round (No. 123): Ben Powers, G
With the trade of guard Jermaine Eluemunor to the New England Patriots, Powers’ roster spot seems pretty well locked up, though the competition for the starting left guard job is still open. On Tuesday, coach John Harbaugh said the job will “remain a competition until somebody establishes themselves as the established starter.”
James Hurst, Bradley Bozeman, Patrick Mekari and Powers all figure to be in the running to start at left guard for Week 1. Right now, it’s just a matter of stacking practices and playing well in this final preseason game to determine which guy gets the nod to start the regular season.
While Powers might not have a roster spot locked up quite yet, he’s played pretty well this preseason and looks to be on the path to a starting job at some point.
Chances of making the roster: 75%
Fourth round (No. 127): Iman Marshall, CB
Marshall has not been able to get on the field in games or practice lately, although just what is keeping him out remains something of a mystery. On Tuesday, coach John Harbaugh told reporters Marshall was injured and wouldn’t be healthy to start the season, though he didn’t go into specifics about the injury.
“He’s injured, and he’s not healthy to start the season, either. We’ll have to see where that goes. If he was healthy to play on Thursday, he certainly would, but he won’t be healthy to play on Thursday. We’ll just have to decide what’s best for the organization and best for the player. He’s definitely in our plans, long term. And short term, even, [he] could be.”
In order for Marshall to be given the IR-designated-to-return status, he has to first be on the Ravens’ 53-man roster. Marshall can go to injured reserve without it, but it would end his 2019 season before it ever began. It puts Baltimore in a weird position where they might need to either end his season early or waste a roster spot simply in the hopes he could return later this year.
Regardless of the timing there, it seems as though Marshall won’t be on the Ravens’ 53-man roster for long, if at all this season.
Chances of making the roster: 25%
Fifth round (No. 160): Daylon Mack, DT
The Ravens love to have depth along their defensive line and Mack certainly helps them in this regard. The rookie may have forgotten to bring pastries to a team meeting earlier this offseason, but the Ravens will be hoping he is able to bring a serious physical presence whenever he is called upon in relief of starters like Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce.
Mack likely won’t see a ton of playing time this season. But with how the Ravens rotate their defensive linemen, Mack should see the field at some point this season.
Chances of making the roster: 60%
Sixth round (No. 197): Trace McSorley, QB
McSorley has gotten better with each week of the preseason. He went 9-of-22 for 85 yards and an interception in his first preseason game. But his last two games have seen him go 27-of-41 (65.8%) for 277 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. McSorley even nabbed our Player of the Game award in the third preseason game.
Robert Griffin’s injury has allowed the Ravens an extended look at McSorley this offseason and his form suggests that they make a break with their usual formula and keep three quarterbacks on the roster. It’s worth mentioning that McSorley has been working to show off his versatility, even returning punts, as he looks to crack the roster.
On Wednesday, coach John Harbaugh told reporters McSorley had “earned the right” to be in their plans this season. Whether that means he’s cemented himself onto the Ravens’ 53-man roster or they’ll try to put him on the practice squad remains to be seen, but it’s a positive for the sixth-round rookie.
Chances of making the roster: 60%
