Quarterbacks (2): Joe Flacco, Marc Bulger

Analysis: Troy Smith’s numbers should have been a bit better than his 18 for 38, 237 yards, 2 INT’s and a 45.6 QB Rating (thanks to drops by David Reed and Curtis Steele) but the bottom line is that Smith is simply a great athlete playing the position of quarterback. He’s no NFL quarterback. He forces throws, locks in on receivers and if he doesn’t run he’s weak in the red zone. I’m willing to place some of the blame on Cam Cameron whose call at the goal line made little sense and hardly fit the strengths of Smith around the goal line, but his choices deep in Rams’ territory were very rookie-like. Smith should think about changing positions. With those big soft hands and change of direction skills he could become an excellent slot receiver.

Running Backs (4): Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, Jalen Parmele

Analysis: Curtis Steele has promise. He runs very hard, almost in a Marion Barber kind of way. However as a pass catcher he displays little patience. Wilbert Montgomery has chastised Steele during camp to slow down and allow plays to develop. For the moment Steele knows only one speed. He is an excellent practice squad candidate but that said if David Reed makes the cut and given the roster addition of CB Josh Wilson, Steele has a shot. He’s a more explosive running back than Parmele.

Tight Ends (3): Todd Heap, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta

Analysis: Good luck Davon Drew…

Wide Receivers (6): Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Donte Stallworth, Demetrius Williams, David Reed

Analysis: Despite a couple of drops David Reed does show some promise and he might not slide through to become practice squad eligible. Marcus Smith saw very few reps last night at receiver and that could be interpreted in two ways: 1) He’s fallen out of favor with the coaches; or 2) He’s safe. I’m going with No. 1 although admittedly it’s 50-50 with Reed/Smith and it’s possible that both get the axe.

Offensive Linemen (8): Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk, Marshal Yanda, Michael Oher, Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, Tony Moll

Analysis: Given the health or lack thereof of the team’s offensive line, it might be somewhat suicidal to suggest that they keep only eight in this unit. David Hale smells like a IR candidate and the bet here is that the ninth spot for Coach John Matsko’s squad is currently on another roster and when that player is identified, it will cost another bubble player.

Defensive Linemen (8): Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Trevor Pryce, Cory Redding, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, Paul Kruger, Art Jones

Analysis: Lamar Divens and Brandon McKinney are tough cuts to make and I’m sure Ozzie Newsome is working the phones looking for a home for them. Divens has been the better player, McKinney has looked rather slow while Jones has a higher ceiling – therefore he sticks unless he sustained a broken hair follicle that puts him on IR.

Linebackers (9): Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Jarret Johnson, Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain, Antwan Barnes, Prescott Burgess, Jason Phillips

Analysis: McClain looks like the starter next to Ray Lewis given his absence from Thursday night’s preseason finale. Ellerbe has promise and is probably the best backer in pass coverage but that isn’t saying much. This group looks lost at times dropping into zones and they bite  regularly on play action. Gooden and Phillips are the biggest culprits – particularly Phillips.

Secondary (10): Ed Reed, Dawan Landry, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Fabian Washington, Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr, Ken Hamlin, Josh Wilson, Prince Miller

Analysis: Prince Miller has promise as a punt returner and his survival depends on one thing – are special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg and John Harbaugh comfortable with either Carr or Zbikowski returning punts? If so, Miller’s best bet is the practice squad. Look for Miller, M. Smith, Phillips and Reed to fight for the final spot on the roster. Ken Hamlin could be a mild surprise as a casualty here if cost v. potential production comes into question. His special teams presence could help. Cary Williams will be back for Week 3 and one of these players is likely to go.

Special Teams (3): Billy Cundiff, Morgan Cox, Sam Koch