Ravens release first depth chart a week before preseason opener

The Ravens' first depth chart features no real surprises.

A week before the Ravens open the preseason against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium, the team currently lists Kamar Aiken as the starter at the second receiver spot across from Steve Smith Sr., and Crockett Gillmore as the starting tight end ahead of rookie second-round draft pick Maxx Williams.

If that holds, that means that Aiken will get the first shot at replacing the departed Torrey Smith, while Gillmore will step into the starting role for Owen Daniels, who is now a member of the Denver Broncos, the Ravens' opponent in the Sept. 13 regular-season opener.

Aiken, who is having a strong training camp thus far and looks ready to build off last season's 24-catch, three-touchdown campaign, is the most logical choice to start at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. The two other options - first-round pick Breshad Perriman and third-year player Marlon Brown - are dealing with knee and back injuries, respectively, and both have missed much of the start of training camp.

Perriman, Michael Campanaro (River Hill) and DeAndre Carter are listed as the top backups behind Aiken with Marlon Brown, Jeremy Butler and Daniel Brown slotting in behind Steve Smith.

At running back, Lorenzo Taliaferro is currently the top backup for Justin Forsett and rookie Buck Allen is designated the No. 3 back.

On defense, Timmy Jernigan is atop the depth chart at defensive tackle with Haloti Ngata having been traded to the Detroit Lions. Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb are down as the starting cornerbacks with Kyle Arrington and Rashaan Melvin right behind them. Will Hill and Kendrick Lewis are the starting safeties.

With Jacoby Jones departed to San Diego, the Ravens will have to find new kick returners. Currently, cornerback Asa Jackson tops the depth chart on kick returns with Campanaro handling punts. Carter is also listed as a backup for both spots.

The depth chart is put together by the Ravens public relations staff, specifically for the Saints game. It shouldn't be taken as a definitive look at where a certain player stands. However, it does provide a decent preview of how the Ravens will line up.