The Baltimore Ravens dominated the preseason again, going 3-0 in their matchups. They won each game with authority, showcasing elite play on both the offensive and defensive ends.
The Ravens are carrying one of the most talented teams into the regular season, but unfortunately, many of their players will be pushed off the roster by Tuesday’s roster cutdown day. Here are three winners and two losers from 2025’s preseason action.
Undrafted cornerback Keyon Martin was a star all preseason long. Although he stands at just 5-foot-9, he was a physical threat against the run and contributed to several key plays in Baltimore’s undefeated run. He made a couple of key tackles for loss against the Dallas Cowboys, including a safety, and had a pick-six against the Washington Commanders.
The 24-year-old faced perhaps the biggest uphill climb of any undrafted rookie with a chance to make the roster, and his preseason performance might be the most deserving of a roster spot among those rookies. The Ravens would need to overload on corners, but he is one worth their while.
Second-year safety Beau Brade was not necessarily bad this preseason. However, his snap share and the quarters in which he was seeing those snaps tell the story of a player who has fallen far behind his defensive back counterparts.
All preseason, Brade was the second or third option at safety. He played fine, but never took a significant step forward to earn the coaching staff's faith. Against Washington, he did not play safety until late in the fourth quarter, spending most of his time at the nickel position.
Last two weeks, we've seen Beau Brade at nickel with Reuben Lowery at safety.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 23, 2025
Certainly suggests Lowery is the No.4 safety and Brade's chances to make team are based primarily on his special teams ability.
He was still a contributor on special teams, so the jury is still out on whether or not he makes the roster, but he looked like a cut option more and more with each game.
Running back Rasheen Ali was consistent for all three games in the past month. He finished with 135 yards on 37 carries and two touchdowns. He was also a weapon through the air with six catches for 26 yards. The biggest win for Ali, though, came from what Head Coach John Harbaugh had to say about him, as he basically guaranteed the 24-year-old a roster spot.
John Harbaugh backs the roster chances of Rasheen Ali again, talking about his quality as a RB and involvement on a lot of starting special teams units — not just kickoff returns.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 23, 2025
Ali earned the coaching staff’s favor with his contributions on special teams. He broke a kick return for a big gain against the Indianapolis Colts and has been a contributor on every special teams unit throughout the preseason.
Former Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary had a chance to comfortably secure his spot on the practice squad, but he blew every opportunity he was given. He could still sneak onto the practice squad, but he did not do himself any favors.
Leary was 25-for-45 through the air, gaining a rather unimpressive 167 yards on those completions. He also failed to throw for a touchdown and threw one interception. His arm was lackluster, underthrowing receivers all preseason long, and he had consistent troubles with timing.
As of now, Leary is Baltimore’s only option for the practice squad, but if a proven veteran gets cut, they could opt to carry someone with a decent track record over Leary. His time is nearly out.
Linebacker Trenton Simpson was silent for most of the preseason, but he was sound on each down he played. He seemed comfortable in coverage drops and filled lanes well in run support. His performance on Saturday against the Commanders brought him into the winner’s circle.
He finished with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while also contributing in the turnover department, forcing a fumble and deflecting a pass that resulted in an interception. The Ravens desperately need a competent second starting linebacker in 2025, and Simpson took the steps to become that.
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