12 Ravens with most to gain in preseason finale vs. Commanders

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The Baltimore Ravens will complete their preseason Friday night when they host the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. The final score will be secondary to the individual evaluations occurring throughout the game. Baltimore must reduce its roster to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, leaving bubble players with one final opportunity to strengthen their cases.

Coach Jesse Minter has indicated that the Ravens could use a best-player-available approach for their final roster spots rather than strictly following positional quotas. That means players are not only competing against teammates at their positions. They are competing against every player near the bottom of the roster.

Here are 12 Ravens with the most to gain Friday night.

QB Joe Fagnano

Fagnano has been one of Baltimore’s biggest preseason success stories, completing 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota after another productive performance in the opener.

The question is whether the Ravens will carry three quarterbacks or attempt to move Fagnano through waivers and onto the practice squad. Another efficient performance could make exposing him to the waiver process increasingly dangerous.

RB Adam Randall

Randall missed the second preseason game while working through an undisclosed physical issue. If available Friday, the rookie will have an opportunity to solidify his standing as Baltimore’s third running back.

The converted wide receiver offers size, receiving ability and developmental upside. Showing that he can contribute on special teams would strengthen his case for one of the final roster spots.

RB Rasheen Ali

Ali’s special-teams experience gives him value, but he has also missed time with an undisclosed injury. The Ravens must determine whether they need to carry both Ali and Randall behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill.

A strong performance as a runner, returner and coverage player would remind coaches why Ali has remained part of Baltimore’s plans.

TE Josh Cuevas

Cuevas strengthened his position by catching three passes for a team-high 46 yards against Minnesota. He showed athleticism and the ability to secure difficult throws down the field.

Matt Hibner appeared to have the advantage in the competition for the third tight end role after the preseason opener. Cuevas responded in Week 2. Friday gives him a chance to continue building momentum and earn a larger offensive role.

C Jovaughn Gwyn

Danny Pinter’s season-ending knee injury reopened the competition at center. Gwyn and veteran Ethan Pocic remain listed as co-starters on Baltimore’s unofficial depth chart.

Gwyn can make the decision more difficult by handling Washington’s defensive front, delivering consistent snaps and directing the protection without communication errors.

OL Corey Bullock

Bullock is competing for one of the final offensive line spots behind a group that appears mostly established. His ability to play center and guard gives him a path to the roster, especially after Pinter’s injury reduced Baltimore’s interior depth.

Friday will be Bullock’s final opportunity to prove his versatility is more valuable than keeping an additional player at another position.

DL Aeneas Peebles

Peebles has consistently created penetration during the preseason and appears close to securing a roster spot. Baltimore’s uncertainty surrounding Nnamdi Madubuike could also increase the need for another interior pass rusher.

Peebles can remove any remaining doubt by producing another disruptive performance against Washington.

DL Rayshaun Benny

Benny is part of a crowded defensive line competition that also includes Peebles, John Jenkins and C.J. Okoye. The Ravens will not have room for everyone.

Benny needs to show that he can defend the run, collapse the pocket and contribute on special teams. A quiet performance could leave him vulnerable when Baltimore begins making cuts.

OLB Ethan Burke

Few players have improved their standing more than Burke. The undrafted rookie recorded a sack, forced a fumble and made several disruptive plays against Minnesota.

Burke is challenging Adisa Isaac for a potential fifth outside linebacker spot. Another productive night would make it difficult for the Ravens to risk losing him on waivers.

OLB Adisa Isaac

Isaac entered the NFL as a third-round pick, but injuries have prevented him from establishing a consistent role during his first two seasons.

Baltimore’s investment gives Isaac an advantage, but draft status cannot protect him forever. He needs to create pressure and prove he can contribute on special teams while attempting to hold off Burke.

CB Robert Longerbeam

The Ravens have one of the NFL’s deepest cornerback rooms, creating a difficult situation for Longerbeam. Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa and Chandler Rivers appear secure, while Keyon Martin and Bilhal Kone have strengthened their cases.

Longerbeam needs an impact play against Washington to convince Baltimore that keeping another young cornerback is worth adjusting the numbers elsewhere.

S Silas Walters

Walters recovered from an uneven start against Minnesota to record an interception. He remains behind Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins and Keondre Jackson in a competitive safety group.

His clearest path to the roster is through special teams. Another takeaway would help, but his work in coverage and on the kicking units could ultimately determine whether he remains in Baltimore.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 12 Ravens with most to gain in preseason finale vs. Commanders

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