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What the Ravens' preseason finale revealed about race for roster spots
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- What the Ravens' preseason finale revealed about race for roster spots
The Baltimore Ravens did not receive simple answers in their preseason finale. They received evidence that several of their most difficult roster decisions are difficult for good reasons. Baltimore rested 33 players and defeated the Washington Commanders 41-3, allowing the coaching staff to devote nearly every meaningful snap to players competing for jobs. Joe Fagnano, Adam Randall , LaJohntay Wester and several young defenders used the opportunity to strengthen their positions.
Here is what the finale revealed about Baltimore's primary roster races.
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Joe Fagnano belongs in a three-quarterback discussion
Fagnano completed 19 of 27 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, finishing the preseason 56-of-75 for 509 yards, three scores and one interception.
Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are secure. The decision is whether Baltimore values another position more than the protection of a developmental quarterback who may not clear waivers. Fagnano has made the practice squad route increasingly risky.
Adam Randall has the edge at RB3.
Randall produced 70 yards from scrimmage, rushing five times for 25 yards and catching three passes for 45. Ali had 46 yards from scrimmage and continued to show value as a receiver and special teams contributor.
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Both players can help the Ravens , but Randall has been more productive throughout the summer and offers a bigger dual threat profile. The finale strengthened the argument for keeping Randall behind Henry and Hill, with Ali becoming a priority practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.
The final wide receiver spots remain complicated.
Moore opened the game with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. Wester caught a touchdown and added a 19-yard punt return. Devontez Walker had three catches for 22 yards, while Cornelius Johnson caught Reed's 20-yard touchdown.
Baltimore must determine whether it wants Moore's veteran dependability, Wester's speed and return value, or to prioritize developing younger receivers such as Walker and Elijah Sarratt. Wester helped himself the most because he supplied production in two phases.
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Ty Pezza complicated the tight end math
Pezza caught all five of his targets for 47 yards, leading Baltimore in receptions. Mark Andrews and Durham Smythe occupy the veteran roles, while Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas have built strong summers.
Pezza may still face a numbers problem, but he made himself a priority developmental option and possible practice squad target.
The fifth outside linebacker job may require a difficult cut
Rucker delivered six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Isaac recorded six tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. Burke forced an early fumble that led to a touchdown.
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Hendrickson, Robinson, Green and Young appear secure. Baltimore may keep only one additional outside linebacker, and all three candidates created legitimate reasons to stay.
The cornerbacks are competing for practice squad places
Longerbeam had five tackles, Martin added a pass breakup, and Webb contributed a forced fumble on special teams before breaking up a pass.
The established depth chart leaves limited room on the 53, but Baltimore should want multiple members of this group back. The problem is that strong preseason film also makes those players more visible to the rest of the league.
Gwyn and Pocic remain in the center conversation.
Gwyn started and played 15 snaps over the first two possessions before Pocic entered. Baltimore's offense functioned well with both, rushing for 195 yards and not allowing a sack.
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The finale did not produce an obvious winner. Availability, communication and the final week of practice may determine who starts the opener.
The defensive line remains difficult to project.
Olajiga recorded a sack, while Okoye recovered the fumble that set up Fagnano's touchdown. Aeneas Peebles was still playing deep into the fourth quarter, an indication that Baltimore wanted a final extended evaluation.
The Ravens have established veterans at the top of the group, but the reserve jobs require balancing immediate run defense, pass-rush potential and developmental upside. Friday provided strong film without eliminating the uncertainty.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: What the Ravens' preseason finale revealed about race for roster spots
