10 Ravens bubble players under the most pressure against the Vikings

The Baltimore Ravens used two joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings to evaluate most of their established starters and key contributors. Saturday’s second preseason game will shift the attention toward players still fighting for employment. Baltimore’s initial 53-man roster is beginning to take shape, but questions remain at quarterback, running back, offensive line, defensive line and throughout the secondary. Special teams contributions will also influence several decisions near the bottom of the depth chart.

These 10 Ravens enter the second preseason game with significant pressure to produce.

Fagnano strengthened his case during the preseason-opening victory over Philadelphia, completing 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Baltimore could carry only Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on the active roster. Another efficient performance would help Fagnano argue for a third quarterback spot while making him a priority for the practice squad if he is waived.

Ward joined the Ravens after Rasheen Ali’s injury created another opening in the backfield. The veteran enters a competition that includes Adam Randall and several younger reserves.

Moore returned to Baltimore during training camp, but the Ravens already have several receivers positioned ahead of him. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman lead a group that also includes Devontez Walker and multiple promising young players.

Mark Andrews and Durham Smythe occupy the top of the tight end depth chart, while Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas have draft investment working in their favor.

Pezza must prove he can contribute as more than a receiver. Blocking, special teams and assignment discipline will determine whether he can challenge for a roster spot or position himself for the practice squad.

Danny Pinter’s season-ending injury changed Baltimore’s situation at center, but it did not guarantee Bullock a roster spot. Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn now appear to be the leading options at the position.

Bullock can improve his chances by demonstrating that he can play both center and guard.

Okoye is competing in a crowded defensive line room featuring Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, John Jenkins and Broderick Washington.

His size and developmental upside remain intriguing, but Baltimore needs dependable reserves who can contribute immediately.

Burke faces difficult roster math at outside linebacker. Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green and Zion Young hold prominent positions, leaving limited space behind them.

Burke did not receive early special teams work in the opener, making his opportunities against Minnesota especially important.

DeLuca is trying to break into an inside linebacker group led by Roquan Smith, Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson. Jay Higgins IV also entered camp with an advantage because of his previous special teams work.

Defensive production would help DeLuca, but his clearest path runs through special teams, the position that developed his reputation at Penn State.

Longerbeam played well against Philadelphia, but Baltimore’s cornerback depth may work against him. Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie and T.J. Tampa Jr. are established, while Chandler Rivers and Keyon Martin have strengthened their standing.

Longerbeam needs another productive performance in coverage and must demonstrate value on special teams to overcome the numbers.

Wallace was signed to compete for a cornerback or a reserve safety role behind Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins. Keondre Jackson’s strong preseason opener added more pressure to that competition.

Wallace offers NFL experience, but Baltimore must decide whether that outweighs the developmental value of its younger defensive backs. A dependable game on defense and special teams would strengthen his argument.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 Ravens bubble players under the most pressure against the Vikings