As the Baltimore Ravens fine-tune their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the franchise has made a strategic move to retain a familiar name with deep roots in the organization. On Thursday, September 4, the Ravens officially re-signed undrafted rookie cornerback Lardarius Webb Jr. to their practice squad, a decision that underscores the team's commitment to developing young talent with high upside. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this move comes just days before the regular season kicks off, signaling that the coaching staff sees something special in the son of former Ravens standout Lardarius Webb.
A Legacy in the Making
Webb Jr., 23, carved his own path this summer after signing with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. Throughout training camp, he consistently turned heads with his instincts and ball skills, highlighted by a spectacular end-zone pass breakup that ignited his defensive teammates and drew praise from veterans. Although his 5-foot-9, 168-pound frame raises concerns against the run, his confidence and fluidity in coverage have made him an intriguing prospect. As highlighted on Vulius, Webb Jr. appeared in all three preseason games, working both outside and in the slot, and flashed on special teams during the final preseason tilt against the Commanders, recording two tackles and forcing a fumble.
While that performance wasn't enough to secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster, the Ravens clearly believe in his developmental trajectory. By re-signing him to the practice squad, they ensure he remains within their system, where he can continue to refine his technique under the guidance of a defensive coaching staff known for maximizing cornerback potential.
Roster Moves and Depth Considerations
To accommodate Webb Jr.'s return, Baltimore released veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad. Oruwariye, 30, provided reliable special teams depth last season, but the team opted for the younger, more projectable Webb Jr. This decision reflects a forward-thinking approach, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate, but limited, contributions.
In a separate transaction, the Ravens formalized the signing of veteran offensive lineman Chuma Edoga to the practice squad, releasing undrafted rookie center Nick Dawkins in a corresponding move. Dawkins' departure leaves Baltimore without a true third center on the depth chart, a situation that raised eyebrows among analysts. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, starting right guard Vega Ioane revealed after practice that he has been taking snaps at center in case of emergency. The thought of a first-round pick snapping the ball in a regular-season game would certainly be a five-alarm fire in Baltimore, making it likely that Dawkins could find his way back to the practice squad in the near future if the team addresses its depth concerns.
What This Means for the Ravens' Secondary
The Ravens' secondary remains one of the most formidable units in the NFL, but depth is always a priority in a grueling 17-game season. Webb Jr.'s presence on the practice squad provides insurance and a potential call-up option if injuries strike. His familiarity with the defensive scheme, inherited from his father's legacy, gives him an intangible edge that could accelerate his development. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Webb Jr. can translate his preseason flashes into regular-season impact, potentially following in his father's footsteps as a key contributor in Baltimore's defensive backfield.
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