10 bubble players to watch in Ravens' preseason opener vs. Eagles

The Ravens will rest Lamar Jackson and several established starters during Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, creating extended opportunities for players fighting near the bottom of the roster.

Baltimore’s roster depth will make the competition particularly difficult for undrafted rookies and developmental veterans. Their performances on offense and defense will matter, but special-teams production could carry even greater weight when the Ravens begin separating closely grouped candidates.

The opener will not decide every roster battle. It can establish momentum and determine which players receive additional opportunities during joint practices with Minnesota.

Here are 10 Ravens bubble players to watch against Philadelphia.

Joe Fagnano, quarterback

Fagnano’s path changed when Baltimore placed Skylar Thompson on injured reserve and signed Austin Reed. The undrafted rookie has spent the entire offseason learning Declan Doyle’s offense, giving him an important familiarity advantage over Reed. With Jackson sitting out, Fagnano could receive his first meaningful opportunity to show command of the huddle, accuracy and sound decision-making. Baltimore may carry only Jackson and Tyler Huntley on the initial roster, leaving Fagnano to compete for a developmental practice-squad role.

Rasheen Ali, running back

Ali enters a critical third season after receiving only 17 regular-season carries through his first two years. Rookie Adam Randall’s arrival created direct competition for the No. 3 job behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Ali offers more experience and a return ability, but he must protect the football and demonstrate he can produce consistently from scrimmage. Special-teams value could ultimately provide his best route to the roster.

Chris Moore, wide receiver

Moore returned to Baltimore with an established reputation as a dependable reserve receiver and special-teams contributor. That experience gives him an advantage over several younger candidates, but it does not guarantee a roster spot. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt and Devontez Walker lead a crowded group. Moore must show that his blocking, coverage ability and offensive reliability make him more valuable than keeping another developmental receiver.

Ty Pezza, tight end

Pezza faces one of the most difficult roster paths among Baltimore’s undrafted rookies. Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe and draft picks Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas are ahead of him in the tight end competition. Pezza’s background as a receiver gives him offensive versatility, while his 24 college special-teams tackles provide a possible path forward. He must demonstrate that he can block, cover kicks and handle multiple assignments to warrant continued development.

Nick Dawkins, center

Baltimore’s decision to sign veteran Ethan Pocic made an already crowded center competition even more challenging for Dawkins. Pocic, Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn are competing for the starting job, leaving Dawkins to fight for a reserve position. The former Penn State captain must deliver clean exchanges, communicate protection calls and hold up against Philadelphia’s interior defenders. Guard versatility would strengthen his argument for a roster or practice-squad place.

Aaron Graves, defensive line

Graves produced 16½ sacks and 25 tackles for loss during his Iowa career, giving the undrafted rookie an intriguing résumé. Baltimore’s defensive line depth, however, leaves little room for specialists. Graves must show that he can maintain his gap against the run while converting his college pass-rush production into pressure. His motor and ability to contribute on special teams could help him remain in the developmental conversation.

Ethan Burke, outside linebacker

Burke’s 6-foot-6, 267-pound frame gives Baltimore a developmental edge defender with significant physical tools. The Ravens already have Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, Zion Young and several other outside linebackers competing for snaps. Burke must use his length to set the edge, convert power into pressure and finish plays in the backfield. He will also need to prove he can contribute on multiple special-teams units.

Dominic DeLuca, inside linebacker

DeLuca joined the Ravens after recording 66 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks during his final season at Penn State. Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan occupy the top of the depth chart, leaving DeLuca to compete with Jay Higgins IV, Carl Jones Jr., Reid Williford and Jamon Johnson. His instincts and physicality should translate, but special-teams coverage and open-field tackling will determine whether he can distinguish himself.

Lardarius Webb Jr., cornerback

Webb carries a familiar name in Baltimore, but his roster opportunity must be earned independently of his father’s Ravens legacy. The undrafted rookie recorded 11 interceptions and 25 passes defended during a college career that included several programs. Baltimore’s injuries at cornerback should create additional preseason snaps. Webb must show disciplined coverage, dependable tackling and return or coverage value on special teams to rise within a deep secondary.

Jahquez Robinson, safety

Robinson is competing for one of the final spots behind Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins. The undrafted rookie offers useful size at 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, but Baltimore also has K’Von Wallace, Keondre Jackson and other young safeties fighting for reserve roles. Robinson must communicate cleanly, avoid coverage errors and tackle consistently in space. His ability to contribute on kickoff and punt units will be central to his case for the roster.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 bubble players to watch in Ravens' preseason opener vs. Eagles