With camp underway, there is no doubt the Baltimore Ravens will be keeping tabs on who the potential cut candidates are ahead of the 2023 season.
While the obvious names might be the lesser-known players, such as UDFAs or roster-filling journeymen, there are always some big-name cuts too. As the team begins to consider who they want in their final 53, who are the Ravens’ potential surprise cut candidates in 2023?
5 Baltimore Ravens Surprise Cut Candidates 2023
Melvin Gordon III (Running Back)
Melvin Gordon III signed with the Ravens recently to bolster depth and competition. It appears that has succeeded, with Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell both stepping up in camp.
As it stands, Gordon appears the odd man out in the backfield. While he offers good veteran presence, Mitchell appears more explosive and dynamic. There is a good chance that Baltimore elect to stick with Mitchell as their fourth running back, waiving Gordon in the process.
This cut could be complicated if J.K. Dobbins’ situation deteriorates. The star running back is currently sitting out of Ravens practices as he wants a new contract. However, it appears that Baltimore’s front office are reluctant to budge. As such, if Dobbins opts to sit out of the 2023 season, Gordon may have to be kept.
So… if J.K. Dobbins holds out for the season, this is how the Ravens running back depth should look like:
1. Gus Edwards
2. Melvin Gordon
3. Justice Hill
4. Keaton MitchellAnything different from this order in your opinion?
— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) August 1, 2023
Ben Cleveland (Guard)
Many touted Ben Cleveland to be Baltimore’s starting left guard after the loss of Ben Powers. However, Cleveland has failed to step up and his stock is falling drastically.
It appears that the former third-round selection has been ousted by Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (Baltimore’s hidden gem) and John Simpson. With Aumavae-Laulu and Simpson preferred over Cleveland, there is a good chance that he will be cut.
Patrick Ricard (Fullback)
Patrick Ricard has been a mainstay on the Ravens offense for many years. He was a favorite with Greg Roman but was also a consistent fan favorite too.
Despite this, Ricard could face being cut. Todd Monken’s new offense does not appear to use a fullback much meaning Ricard’s position is essentially defunct.
In order to remain on the roster, the 29-year-old will need to establish himself as even more of a Swiss army knife and special teams contributor. The former undrafted free agent has been known to play defensive line, meaning he could vie for reps there. He has also been used along the offensive line at times during camp.
Should Ricard be able to establish even more versatility, there is a good chance he will be kept. However, if John Harbaugh still only views the Pro Bowler as a multi-purpose fullback, he will likely be cut. This is especially the case given that Ben Mason, a cheaper alternative, is sitting behind Ricard.
Pat Ricard the offensive lineman? "With Pat you never know," said John Harbaugh. Ricard was taking some of his first snaps today in his practice return (PUP-hip) with the o-line. pic.twitter.com/wiEnsvqLgd
— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) August 7, 2023
Tylan Wallace (Wide Receiver)
Tylan Wallace was regarded as a potential breakout candidate in 2022. However, he has failed to live up to expectations.
This year, Baltimore revamped the receiving room. They made three new, key additions in the forms of Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and Zay Flowers. All three have impressed at camp.
With the new additions, alongside Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman, it is hard to see a way for Wallace to make the final 53. If Wallace wants to survive the final cuts, he will need to step up more during the remainder of camp.
Tyus Bowser (Edge Rusher)
Tyus Bowser has yet to properly participate in camp as he is recovering from an injury sustained during the 2022 season. However, he could be an interesting cut candidate.
As it stands, Bowser is projected as the starting edge rusher opposite Odafe Oweh. However, both Oweh and David Ojabo have impressed during camp. The pair have formed a good partnership, proclaiming that they want to be “dominant” in 2023.
With Oweh and Ojabo rising in stock, Bowser would be left as the third edge rusher, meaning he could be dismissed. Malik Hamm has also impressed coaches, meaning he could be used as a backup pass rusher anyway.
Bowser is unlikely to be cut just because of his experience and consistency. However, if Ojabo and Oweh continue to ascend, there is a chance that Bowser will (at the very least) be benched.
Other Potential Baltimore Ravens Cut Candidates for 2023
Gus Edwards would be another surprise cut candidate. Edwards has been a favorite of Ravens fans for a while now thanks to his hard running and nose for the endzone. However, with Monken entering, a re-jig of the running back room that favors more ‘scat backs’ might be a reason to cut Edwrads.
The other receiver that would be a big-name cut would be James Proche II. The wideout has underwhelmed during his time in Baltimore and, despite improvements this off-season, does not appear to be ready to compete with the first team receivers.
A name that some Ravens fans will have forgotten about is Josh Ross. Ross made waves in 2022’s off-season and was even given green-dot duties. However, he appears to have struggled to build on that this year. With Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen and rookie Trenton Simpson being deployed as off-ball linebackers, Ross could be a cut candidate.
Tyler Huntley is the final name to watch. Currently, he is the second quarterback, ahead of Josh Johnson and Anthony Brown. However, Johnson has displayed more familiarity with Monken’s offense than Huntley. Meanwhile, Brown’s arm is slightly stronger. For these reasons, the 2022 Pro Bowler could be a surprise cut candidate.
Tyler Huntley giveth and taketh away.
In 11s, he completes a pass to Charlie Kolar for a 45-yard touchdown.
Next play, red zone from the 10-yard line and he targets Kolar. Ball floats behind and it’s intercepted by Jaquan Amos.
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 27, 2023
Main Photo: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
