Ravens Roster Gamesmanship

Ravens Cuts

The Ravens trimmed down to the league mandated 53-man roster at 4PM yesterday. It represents Step 1 in formulating the roster for their season-opener on September 5 in Kansas City. More than likely there will be more roster machinations involved before then, orchestrated by the team’s diabolical GM Eric DeCosta.

There were a few surprise cuts, but nothing all that eye-popping. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu made the team over Corey Bullock and Darrian Dalcourt, both of whom outplayed the digressing Sala. But it’s tough not to dismiss the politics. Sala is a draft pick while Bullock, a former Terp and Dalcourt from the Crimson Tide, were both undrafted.

Politics are in play at wide receiver as well. Devontez Walker was a big nothing-burger this summer, exhibiting raw-at-best football instincts. Walker has size and speed but so did other WR’s before him selected by the Ravens with mid-round picks such as Miles Boykin (3rd), Jaleel Scott (4th) and even 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman. All these players had physical measurables that never amounted to measurable production on the field.

But Walker was a 2024 4th-round pick, so he wasn’t going anywhere as the Ravens passed on keeping Dayton Wade on their roster of 53. Wade is a natural football player who from my chair, can contribute more than Deonte Harty. But as mentioned, this roster pruning isn’t complete. Maybe Wade makes his way onto the practice squad. The same for Bullock and Dalcourt. We can only hope.

A Couple Other Roster Trimming Observations

* Bump Cooper, Jr. played well throughout camp and showed up during the preseason games. He has a highly competitive spirit, something you love to see in corners. Hopefully he gets through to the practice squad. He’s a nice depth piece.

* The Ravens kept five safeties, all of which deserved to be on the 53-man roster. But you have to wonder if DeCosta is looking to deal from strength in order to help fortify the team’s Achilles heel – the offensive line.

* The Ravens will need to add a running back. There were a few decent ones cut yesterday including Frank Gore, Jr., Matt Breida and Isaiah Spiller.

* By noon today, Wednesday, August 28th, the waiver period for players released in the final cutdown expires. By 1:00 p.m., teams can begin signing players to their practice squads which consist of 16 players. That’s 512 players who will be signed to keep their NFL hopes alive.

O-Line

I’ve beaten this drum over and over. The lack of attention and cap resources invested in the offensive front is borderline appalling. I’ve also beaten the drum that the Ravens brain trust has forgotten more about football than I’ll ever know. But to think that newbies Vorhees, Faalele (assuming he’s the starter) and Rosengarten can help the team get the most out of Derrick Henry is naïve at best.

And while we’re on the subject of the offensive line, shouldn’t you start your best five? And isn’t Patrick Mekari among them? Enough with this positional versatility. This isn’t basketball where the 6th-man comes off the bench to provide some instant offense. Mekari isn’t Kevin McHale!

Last thought on the guys who are supposed to protect Lamar Jackson…

We’re all assuming that a healthier Ronnie Stanley and his new attitude, team-friendly incentives and a fitter physique is going to return him to Pro Bowl form. What if he doesn’t?

Mark Andrews

Anyone worried about Mark Andrews? Ever since his car accident back on August 14, Andrews hasn’t been seen on the practice field. And as late as yesterday, he still hasn’t appeared despite the game prep now in place for the Chiefs next Thursday night.

John Harbaugh has said repeatedly that Andrews is fine. But does anyone take Harbaugh’s words at face value when it comes to injuries?

Until the beat writers report that Andrews is a full participant at practice, color me concerned. You should be too!

Ravens Receivers

The next time you hear that the Ravens are loaded at wide receiver, will be the first time you hear that the Ravens are loaded at wide receiver. And guess what? You won’t hear that this season either. And that has some fans clamoring for one of the 49ers’ malcontents, Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk is seeking to jump in on the very bullish market for wide receivers. You’ve heard his name linked to the Steelers ad nauseum. Word is that the Steelers have a contract worked out for Aiyuk but compensation to the Niners falls short of what GM John Lynch expects in return.

We don’t really know if a player like Aiyuk will provide an adequate return on a sizeable investment here in Baltimore. The Ravens just aren’t built that way. That’s not to say that it wouldn’t work but at the same time, you’d have to think that his productivity in San Francisco in that dynamic offense, cannot be replicated in Todd Monken’s offense. The 49ers offense is a Learjet while the Ravens, relatively speaking, is that prop plane carrying advertisements along the coast of Ocean City.

What is interesting is the Steelers strong interest in Aiyuk. This is a team that typically plays it close to the vest when it comes to free agency or trades. This is a team that turns water into wine when it comes to drafting wide receivers. This is a team, that through their strong interest in Aiyuk, is in it to win it NOW! And that may be influenced by the fact that they have two solid quarterbacks (on paper) who combined, carry a $4.4M cap charge on the Steelers books. If they both tank, the Steelers will need a new plan. If one succeeds, the price for their new franchise QB goes up significantly in 2025.

Oh, and by the way, Aiyuk isn’t worth CeeDee Lamb money – not even close!

ESPN Sources: Cowboys and All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb reached agreement today on a record four-year, $136 million deal that now makes him the second highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. The deal includes a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever given to a wide receiver.

Tory… pic.twitter.com/sROENDZJ22

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2024

For all the “49ers having to start all over with Brandon Aiyuk negotiations because of CeeDee Lamb’s deal” posts … pic.twitter.com/pRlYZeXeMR

— Simon Samano (@SJSamano) August 26, 2024

Sources: The Steelers have a verbal agreement in place with the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk. All the terms of the deal and contract details are being hammered out now. The WR is coming to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/LdueV9dSNT

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 7, 2024

Sources? Andrew Fillipponi should take Jason La Canfora off his favorite contacts list.

Hits to The Heart

The Ravens will take the field with heavy hearts in 2024. The losses of Jacoby Jones and coach Joe D’Alessandris were daggers to the team’s soul. The team plans to dedicate the season to their memories. Speaking of which, here’s a classic from Jacoby. It’s worth the minute-plus watch. Have a great day everyone!

Jacoby Jones talking about the first time the Ravens put him at kick returner is awesome. pic.twitter.com/l7QOZOo9y2

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) August 27, 2024

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