OTL: Ravens 53-Man Roster Projection

The Ravens will wrap up the preseason Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium against the Washington Commanders. By Sunday at 6:00 p.m, the Ravens will have their official 53-man roster announced for the 2026 season. As we sit just a few days away, here’s my prediction for the initial roster for the beginning of the Jesse Minter era.

Quarterbacks (2)

 Lamar Jackson

 Tyler Huntley

There were really two locks in the quarterback room entering camp a few weeks ago, and as we sit less than a week away from cut day, nothing has changed. Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, as expected, will be the two quarterbacks for the Ravens this upcoming season, especially following backup quarterback Skylar Thompson’s trip to the IR. Joe Fagnano was very impressive during the preseason, but I don’t see it being enough to take a valuable roster spot. If he clears waivers, Fagnano has more than earned a practice squad position.

Running Backs (4)

 Derrick Henry

 Justice Hill

 Rasheen Ali

 Adam Randall

The Ravens running back room is obviously led by Derrick Henry, but it’s the supporting cast that gets a little questionable. Justice Hill has been a serviceable third-down back throughout his career, but under a new coaching staff, will he be tasked with the same responsibilities? Rasheen Ali hasn’t seen much playing time in his career, and Adam Randall is still a project under construction. There wasn’t much pop from any of the UDFA’s to warrant a roster spot, as we’ve seen in the past.

Wide Receiver (6)

 Zay Flowers

 Rashod Bateman

 Ja’Kobi Lane

 Tez Walker

 Elijah Sarratt

 LaJohntay Wester

The wide receiver room entering year nine for Lamar Jackson is arguably the best group of weapons he’s had since entering the league in 2018. You could make the argument that there was really just one lone receiver spot available entering camp. LaJohntay Wester’s special teams upside has pretty much locked him into that WR6 role. If Ja’Kobi Lane can manage even half the production he had during camp, the Ravens receiver corps could be in store for a big 2026.

Tight End (4)

 Mark Andrews

 Durham Smythe

 Matthew Hibner

 Josh Cuevas

Mark Andrews is the lone returning tight end to the position group in 2026, after the departure of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Durham Smythe comes over from Chicago with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The Ravens invested two draft picks on tight ends in this past April’s draft, and a strong preseason game from each of them has Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas set to start the year on the 53. Hibner has had a strong camp and could find himself developing a role as the season progresses. It’s one of many position groups that’ll have some questions to begin the season, but the veteran leadership within could be beneficial to the two rookies in their path to development.

Offensive Line (9)

 Ronnie Stanley

 Roger Rosengarten

 Vega Ioane

 John Simpson

 Ethan Pocic

 Emery Jones Jr.

 Carson Vinson

 Andrew Vorhees

 Jovaughn Gwyn

The Ravens offensive line has seen a bit of a revamp this offseason. A first-round pick invested in the guard position, John Simpson signed in free agency, and some potential under-the-radar signings at center. With the season-ending injury to Danny Pinter, the offensive line looks locked in, outside of who exactly will be starting Week 1. Emery Jones Jr. and Andrew Vorhees have had their struggles in preseason, but their experience gives them the upper hand on those who will be cut. Jovaughn Gwyn has also made his case to be the starting center in the season opener in Indianapolis.

Defensive Line (5)

 Travis Jones

 Calais Campbell

 John Jenkins

 Broderick Washington

 Rayshaun Benny

*DL Nnamdi Madubuike to begin on IR

It’s hard to imagine Nnamdi Madubuike dressing up for Week 1, especially when he hit the sled for the first time in camp just this week. With Washington’s restructured contract, it’s hard to imagine the Ravens cutting him, despite yet another quiet preseason. With potentially my most controversial pick, I’m taking the upside and familiarity under Lou Esposito, and keeping Rayshaun Benny over Aeneas Peebles. Calais Campbell missed the early parts of camp, but it’d be hard to imagine him not ready for Week 1.

Outside Linebacker (5)

 Trey Hendrickson

 Tavius Robinson

 Mike Green

 Zion Young

 Ethan Burke

There was really only one outside linebacker spot left when training camp began. Adisa Isaac was the assumed man to take the position, but after a stellar camp and preseason, UDFA Ethan Burke has staked his claim on the last spot. A change of scenery might be exactly what Isaac needs, having battled injuries throughout his first two years in the league. The top four is expected to be the rotation, but Burke’s special teams ability and performances throughout camp give him the upside in my view.

Inside Linebacker (4)

 Roquan Smith

 Teddye Buchanan

 Trenton Simpson

 Jay Higgins IV

Possibly the thinnest position for the Ravens, the inside linebacker spot will rely heavily on Roquan Smith and a Trenton Simpson breakout, while Buchanan works himself back to 100%. Jay Higgins has shown an ability to play in the NFL, but at what capacity? They could look to bring someone in following roster cuts, but for now, the Ravens ILB room appears to be set.

Cornerbacks (7)

Nate Wiggins

Marlon Humphrey

Chidobe Awuzie

T.J. Tampa

Chandler Rivers

Keyon Martin

Bilhal Kone

Baltimore’s cornerback room is one of the deepest positions on the roster, and part of a secondary looking to erase an embarrassing 2025. T.J. Tampa has been a standout all of camp, and should get some serious looks this season. Kone has also recovered well from his season-ending knee injury in the first preseason game a year ago. It’s a corner room that has had a very strong performance in camp and both preseason games, and has the depth you love to see on the eve of the season.

Safeties (4)

Kyle Hamilton

Malaki Starks

Jaylinn Hawkins

Keondre Jackson

The second half of a hopeful secondary on the turnaround: the Ravens safety room is possibly the most intriguing on defense this year. Jesse Minter shined with three safety looks with the Chargers, and now having Kyle Hamilton at his disposal, things could get even more interesting. Jackson has been impressive in his two years in Baltimore, and hasn’t done anything worth losing that last safety position.

Specialists (3)

Tyler Loop

Ryan Eckley

Nick Moore

Tyler Loop will be the man in this group with the eyes most on him when the season gets underway in just a few weeks. The leash has to be short, making the early stages of the year important for the second-year kicker. Ryan Eckley has had an up-and-down preseason, but his ability to bounce back from a blunder in Week 1and follow it up with a better performance in Week 2 is promising. At long snapper, it’s Nick Moore; it’s his position till the day he retires.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2026/08/27/out-to-lunch/53-man-projection/