Jimmy Smith’s suspension could open the door for the Ravens’ bubble players Minutes before the Ravens’ third preseason game http://www.ravenscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-tavon-young-jersey , the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reported that cornerback Jimmy Smith is facing a multi-game suspension. This was significant news for Baltimore as Smith is their top cornerback, but it appears they have the depth to handle his absence for multiple weeks. When Smith missed the final four games of the 2017 season, the Ravens’ secondary did not struggle to the level that they did in previous years without him. The loss of Smith provided an opportunity for Marlon Humphrey to receive more snaps, and he took full advantage of that opportunity. Humphrey was impressive in his first NFL start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. He only allowed six completions for 37 yards on 12 targets, including two receptions for seven yards to Antonio Brown on five targets, per Pro Football Focus. With Humphrey likely becoming the team’s top cornerback in this scenario, Brandon Carr would be the No. 2 cornerback. He was inconsistent for much of the 2017 season, but he is an ironman. Carr has started every game in his 10-year NFL career. The return of Tavon Young as the team’s primary slot cornerback paired with the versatility and emergence of Maurice Canady and Anthony Averett would give Baltimore a talented secondary despite Smith’s absence. The Ravens did bring in cornerback Bashaud Breeland, which could show that they may not be content with the cornerback position without Smith. However, given the strong play of Anthony Averett in the preseason, their perception of their depth at this position could change. Since suspended players do not count towards the 53-man roster, the Ravens would seemingly have an extra roster spot. With players like Kamalei Correa, Robert Griffin III, Breshad Perriman, Tim White, Janarion Grant http://www.ravensfootballauthentics.com/sam-koch-jersey-authentic , Darren Waller, Maxx Williams, Bronson Kaufusi, and Albert McClellan all on the roster bubble, the Ravens could keep an additional player at a different position because of this suspension.7th receiverThe Ravens have an interesting dilemma at the wide receiver position. Outside of the top four receivers, no player has emerged in the competition. Jordan Lasley, Jaleel Scott, Breshad Perriman, Gus Edwards, Tim White, Zach Sieler, and Janarion Grant are all fighting for two, or maybe three, spots. With Scott and Lasley likely safe, the seventh receiver spot could be awarded to the winner of the returning competition. They could keep Perriman, who has posted the best numbers out of all of the bubble wide receivers this preseason and let Chris Moore handle the returning duties. Third quarterbackThe Ravens have not kept a third quarterback on their roster since 2009 http://www.ravensfootballauthentics.com/james-hurst-jersey-authentic , but Griffin III could change that. He has been solid throughout the preseason, and if Baltimore does not feel comfortable with Lamar Jackson being the only backup, he will be on the team. Fourth tight endMark Andrews, Nick Boyle, and Hayden Hurst are all destined for the 53-man roster. After those three, the Ravens could keep a fourth tight end, which they have done in previous seasons, but it was unclear if they would be afforded that luxury this year. Maxx Williams has had a quiet preseason thus far, but he has flashed potential in years prior and could be worth keeping. Darren Waller has a high ceiling given his rare height, speed and athleticism, but his off-the-field issues have plagued him. He could add a different element to Baltimore’s passing game.Sign up for Baltimore Beatdown FanPulse!Versatile linebackerIt would be a surprise if Kamalei Correa and Albert McClellan both missed the 53-man roster. With this new roster spot, the Ravens could keep both of them. They each provide value on special teams and versatility as they can play outside or inside linebacker. Fourth running back Kenneth Dixon had an impressive preseason performance against the Colts, but his track record shows that he is far from reliable at this point. Given his injury history, the Ravens may opt to keep a fourth running back for added insurance. Baltimore could sign a free agent running back or keep Gus Edwards, who has had a solid preseason. Extra defensive line helpThe Ravens have plenty of depth on the defensive line, and the final spot is likely between Zach Sieler and Bronson Kaufusi. Baltimore could opt to keep both players for extra depth as they have done this in previous seasons. Kaufusi also showcased his versatility as he can play outside linebacker as well. He has had a strong preseason http://www.ravensfootballauthentics.com/brent-urban-jersey-authentic , while Sieler has also flashed at times as well.Four predictions for Ravens-Colts Week 2 preseason game The Baltimore Ravens are set to play in their third preseason game on Monday night, and they will face the Indianapolis Colts in the final game of Week two. Below are four predictions for this game. 1. Joe Flacco throws two touchdownsBaltimore’s first-team offense looked sharp on their lone drive against the Rams in week one. Joe Flacco led the Ravens’ offense on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a Patrick Ricard touchdown. Flacco and the rest of the projected starters will likely play at least two or three drives, and he will light up the night. 2. Zach Sieler and Patrick Ricard each record a sackSieler is in a tight competition along the defensive line to earn a roster spot, and he had a fantastic showing in Week one. He was consistently in the backfield as he recorded one sack and played a part in stopping the run. Sieler will record a sack against the Colts’ shaky offensive line. Patrick Ricard has turned heads with back-to-back strong showings in the preseason. He is making an impact offensively, but it his defensive performances that have been more impressive. Ricard has shown the ability to shed blocks and stop running backs in the backfield. Against the Colts, he will record a sack en route to continuing to cement himself as a rotational player along the defensive line. 3. Jaleel Scott catches a touchdown passBaltimore selected two wide receivers in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jaleel Scott and Jordan Lasley, and they have struggled immensely thus far in the preseason. Both have struggled with creating separation and drops. Scott will flash against the Colts and remind the Ravens why they selected him. He is a big, physical wide receiver who excels in the red zone. 4. Kamalei Correa will have another quiet nightComing off of his monster Hall of Fame Game showing, Correa disappointed against the Rams. In week two of the preseason, he will continue to struggle. Correa has been receiving reps at inside and outside linebacker, but he will fail to build his case for a roster spot. Correa was a non-factor against better competition, and that will continue on Monday night.
