Post 2016 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The 2016 NFL Draft and the bulk of free agency is over and the Baltimore Ravens depth chart is starting to take shape.
There are a lot of question marks that pop up when you look at the Baltimore Ravens depth chart. It could be another down year in Baltimore.
Quarterback
Starter: Joe Flacco
Backup: Ryan Mallett
Joe Flacco should be fully healed by the start of training camp, but expect him to take things slow. Ryan Mallett did some nice things at the end of last season showing that he’s a capable backup in this system.
Running Back
Starter: Justin Forsett
Backups: Javorius Allen, Kenneth Dixon and Lorenzo Taliaferro
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk
This is going to be a running back by committee situation with Forsett at the head. Look for rookie Kenneth Dixon to earn more snaps as the season progresses.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Steve Smith and Kamar Aiken
No 3: Mike Wallace
Backups: Michael Campanaro, Chris Moore and Breshad Perriman
The wide receiver group is surprisingly deep– especially if Perriman and Smith can stay healthy. Chris Moore is a sleeper because he’s extremely talented and has a knack for making plays down the field.
Left Tackle
Starter: Ronnie Stanley
Backups: Eugene Monroe and Alex Lewis
Baltimore added Ronnie Stanley to the mix because Eugene Monroe can’t stay healthy and is inconsistent when on the field. The Ravens will let things play out during training camp, but if Monroe doesn’t win the starting job he could be cut.
Left Guard
Starter: John Urschel
Backups: Vladimir Ducasse and James Hurst
Urschel is rounding into one of the better guards in the league. The issue here is depth as Ducasse and Hurst would represent a major drop off in talent.
Center
Starter: Jeremy Zuttah
Backup: Ryan Jensen
Zuttah is a solid performer who has done a good job anchoring the interior of the offensive line.
Right Guard
Starter: Marshal Yanda
Backups: Vladimir Ducasse and James Hurst
Marshal Yanda is arguably the best guard in the NFL and the leader of this group.
Right Tackle
Starter: Ricky Wagner
Backup: Alex Lewis and Eugene Monroe
Wagner has developed into an above-average starter and one of the staples of the Ravens line.
Tight End
Starter: Ben Watson
Backups: Maxx Williams, Crockett Gilmore and Dennis Pitta
Ben Watson was brought over from the Saints to help stabilize this position. The issue has been Dennis Pitta’s hip injury which as kept him out of the lineup. Maxx Williams disappointed as a rookie, but still has plenty of upside.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Timmy Jernigan and Carl Davis
Backups: Lawrence Guy, Kapron Lewis-Moore, Bronson Kaufusi and Brent Urban
Jernigan has proven that he’s a solid starter when healthy. However, he has dealt with some injuries early in his career. The rotation at defensive end will be interesting to watch as each of these players bring different things to the field.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Brandon Williams
Backups: Carl Davis and Willie Henry
Brandon Williams has quickly established himself as one of the top nose tackles in the NFL. His ability to clog the middle of the field allows the linebackers to freely flow to the football.
3-4 Outside Linebackers
Starters: Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil
Backups: Kamalei Correa, Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon
The Ravens could have an issue generating pressure on the quarterback if Suggs and Dumervil start to show signs of their age. Look for Correa and Smith to see significant action as Baltimore does a changing of the guard.
Inside Linebackers
Starters: CJ Mosley and Zach Orr
Backups: Brennen Beyer and Arthur Brown
Mosley is a stud, but it’s an open competition at the other inside linebacker spot. Maybe this could be the year Arthur Brown finally lives up to expectations.
Cornerback
Starters: Jimmy Smith and Kyle Arrington
Nickelback: Shareece Wright
Backups: Jerraud Powers, Will Davis, Tavon Young and Maurice Canady
Baltimore needs a bounce-back year from Jimmy Smith to avoid major issues in the secondary. Arrington and Powers will likely battle for the other starting spot. Keep an eye on rookie Tavon Young as someone who could steal away Shareece Wright’s nickelback spot.
Safety
Starters: Eric Weddle and Lardarius Webb
Backups: Kendrick Lewis and Terrence Brooks
Baltimore is moving Webb to safety in an attempt to solidify the back end of the defense. It’s a bold move that could end up failing. If Webb doesn’t adjust to his new position Kendrick Lewis will be the next man up.