When trying to project the Ravens’ final 53-man roster, most fans could easily predict about 40 spots – give or take a few – because most players are obvious virtual locks.

But that leaves a lot of grey area for the remaining 13 or so.

CBSSports.com’s Jason Butt projected the entire 53-man roster, noting there’s still time for a few changes. Feel free to look at his complete roster, but I’ve pulled out six predictions about decisions coaches may not have even made themselves and it will be interesting to see if they hold true.

And for those of you trying to win the You Pick The Team presented by New Era contest – a trip to see the Ravens play the Chargers in San Diego on November 25^th – these predictions could either help or hurt you (I can’t say I agree 100 percent with them all, but they’re pretty good). So use your own judgment with these predictions, and take it easy on Butt if he steers you down the wrong road.

Prediction 1: The Ravens will keep three quarterbacks on the roster, adding veteran Curtis Painter.  “Coach John Harbaugh’s stated that Baltimore likes the idea of using Taylor more within the offense this year,” wrote Butt. “Taylor’s athletic and could be a wildcat quarterback this year. Plus, his arm strength and accuracy have improved. By keeping Painter, Baltimore would feel more comfortable about using Taylor more.”

Prediction 2: Neither Anthony Allen nor Damien Berry, the two early favorites to backup Ray Rice at the beginning of the offseason, will make the team. The two rookies, Bernard Pierce (No. 2) and Bobby Rainey (No. 3), are currently outperforming the more experienced backs, but that could change … “There’s still a lot of time for Allen and Berry to make a run,” wrote Butt. “There’s also a chance Baltimore seeks a veteran free agent if it feels none of the young running backs are ready to become Rice’s primary backup. If that’s the case, Rainey and Berry could wind up on the scout team and Allen could be looking for another team.”

Prediction 3: Baltimore keeps six receivers (you can guess the first three) with LaQuan Williams, Tandon Doss and rookie free agent Deonte Thompson getting the final three spots. That means sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter is out and David Reed is a possible IR candidate. “Streeter’s a project, a 6-5, 220-pound body with blazing, straight-ahead speed. Thompson’s more versatile, but had some issues dropping the ball in college,” wrote Butt. “Thompson’s outperformed him early but Baltimore doesn’t like to cut its draft picks.”

Prediction 4: Eight of the (likely) nine roster spots for the offensive line are a lock, but that final spot comes down to four players: Ramon Harwood, Tony Wragge, Justin Boren and Jack Cornell. Harewood gets it.  “Harewood, a sixth-round draft pick in 2010, has been banged up but appears the healthiest he’s been since coming to Baltimore,” says Butt. “He would also give the Ravens another body at tackle, with Osemele and Reid being swing guys.”

Prediction 5: Linebackers are the victim of keeping three quarterbacks. Danelle Ellerbe is in, but he could be pushed by Chavis Williams or Nigel Carr. “For now, Ellerbe remains in but needs to prove he belongs through the remainder of the preseason,” wrote Butt. “Williams could be a victim of Baltimore’s desire to keep three quarterbacks, and someone deep on the depth chart at another position would have to be released to make room.”

Prediction 6: Billy Cundiff is the kicker by default. “Cundiff gets the edge for now since there’s no indication what Harbaugh and his staff will do at kicker,” wrote Butt. “But it should be noted that Tucker has out-kicked Cundiff in practice. There’s still a lot of time before a final decision will be made but this battle could go down to the wire.”

Pees The Master Of Disguise?

Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron revealed the toughest defensive coordinator he’s ever had to scheme against.

And he’s had to face this opponent every day in practice this offseason: Dean Pees.

“Dean, I’ve known about Dean, and known Dean for a long time. When he was in New England, I went against him several times. He’s the best I’ve gone against,” Cameron told reporters yesterday. “And the reason I tell you that is because you can’t decipher – or he’s very difficult to decipher – what they’re trying to do.”

With the Ravens’ top pass rusher Terrell Suggs sidelined for an indefinite amount of time this season, plus losing defensive end Cory Redding to free agency, Pees’ ability to camouflage his defense is exactly what the team needs right now.

“The Ravens defense might need to become the masters of disguise to manufacture a fierce pass rush this season,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson. “Generating pressure through more elaborate blitz packages and overloads is likely to be a large part of the equation.

“For Pees … hiding his intentions is pivotal.”

Pees was more humble about his ability to fool an offense. He gave credit to smart coaches and quarterbacks around the league for their football smarts. He said the key to disguise is putting in a coverage that looks exactly like a blitz.

With younger, less-experienced players stepping up this year – Paul Kruger, Courtney Upshaw, Pernell McPhee, Arthur Jones and Terrence Cody – the Ravens will rely heavily upon their new defensive coordinator.

“Known for his cerebral approach, Pees has an instant recall of opponents’ tendencies gleaned from studying countless hours of game tape,” wrote Wilson. “The Ravens are counting on Pees’ football acumen.”

No-Huddle Is The Right Plan Of Attack

You saw it Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Ravens are using more no-huddle offense, which quarterback Joe Flacco “loves.”

And while the Ravens offense didn’t perform it to the best of its ability in its debut, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley likes the team’s decision to use it more often.

“The increased use of the no-huddle offense is the right plan of attack with Baltimore’s Joe Flacco,” he wrote.

“Flacco doesn’t gush often. So when he says he loves the no-huddle, this is significant. Flacco has a comfort level with the no-huddle and the shotgun because that’s what he ran for most of his time at Delaware.”

Hensley added that some of the fifth-year quarterback’s best moments last year came in the no-huddle, shotgun attack, including the winning drive at Pittsburgh and the almost-winning drive in the AFC championship.

“Despite Flacco’s support, I’m not sure how much more the Ravens will use the no-huddle attack this season,” the AFC North blogger wrote. “The Ravens used no huddle on 7 percent of their offensive plays, which already put them in the top half of the league.”

Highlights Of Harbs’ Fan Chat, Including Kicker Decision

In case you missed it, Coach Harbaugh chatted online with fans yesterday afternoon, answering questions for 30 minutes.

Here are some highlights (full transcript):

Lucas: What’s your opinion on the Cundiff and Tucker competition?

Harbs: It’s a good one. It’s a tight race. The great thing about it is that they’re both doing really well. I’m not concerned about it because they’re both doing well. They’re both going to be kicking for a team this year in the NFL. You let it play out and let the decision make itself.

Kelly rippeon: Do you think [Terrell] Suggs will play in the 2012-2013 football season?

Harbs: Yes, I do.

Jen: Coach is it concerning that you have to play the steelers twice in 3 weeks knowing its always a hard hitting game that takes alot out of the team?

Harbs: The Steelers have to play us twice in three weeks too, so I guess that evens it out.

Thomas: Coach have you ever seen Ray Lewis down or blue in the four years you have been with the Ravens? He always seems to talk and jump around on the sidelines.

Harbs: Never. Never seen Ray let disappointment or frustration get the best of him. When he does feel he’s being challenged he’ll get quiet. He’ll pray. That’s good advice for all of us.

Mohamed: Do you feel that Flacco has the potential to become within the top 3 quarterbacks this year?

Harbs: Absolutely.

Quick Hits

• “There apparently won’t be a Round 3 in the training-camp fight between wide receiver Antonio Brown and cornerback Ike Taylor,” wrote Hensley. “After their second skirmish of camp, Brown said he and Taylor went to breakfast on their day off and ‘ironed out our differences.’”[ESPN] 
• @jeffzrebiecsun: Torrey Smith was really slowed by sprained ankle [Monday] in practice so him not being out there [Tuesday] is no surprise. #Ravens [Twitter]
• @Ravens: Cam Cameron said that Michael Oher & Marshal Yanda graded at nearly 100 percent in last week’s game. [Twitter]
• @Ravens: Cam Cameron said they have not yet determined how long the starters will play on Friday. [Twitter]
• @mzenitz: According to Ed Lee at the Sun, Tucker now 82-of-87 during camp. Cundiff 74-of-89. [Twitter]
• Gross! … @TMO_90 [DE Terrence Moore]: I’ve worn the same shirt for the past four days and I.. don’t.. care…. #CampLife [Twitter]
• @AnquanBoldin: Congrats to my friend @LarryFitzgerald on winning the Arthur K. Arkush Humanitarian Award. Tremendous accomplishment. [Twitter]
• @Dgorrer36: Some of my teammates are “jerks” im not gone say no names @Crushboy31 [Twitter]
• @Crushboy31 [Bernard Pollard]: @Dgorrer36 lol how am I a “jerk” because I corrected you? You’re out! I hope you catch a full body cramp tonight while you sleeping… [Twitter]
• @Dgorrer36: @Crushboy31 the things u say sometimes just make me want to punch u n yo big lips….lol [Twitter]
• @Crushboy31: @Dgorrer36 lol!!! My lips are normal size. [Twitter]
• @brendon310: Never been scared of thunder b4. Until today!! Sleeping in the basement tonight [Twitter]
• @brendon310: Every one calling me a baby. You guys would be wearing diapers! Lol I been I’m hurricanes less violent than these storms tonight [Twitter]

Will running back Steven Jackson play? Will quarterback Sam Bradford’s finger injury hurt him? How is their club taking the NFL’s recent memo concerning faking injuries to stop a no-huddle offense?

Here are the highlights with Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Bradford:

Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo

“Well, in the game that [he was injured], going back to the Philadelphia game, we felt like we stuck with what we had planned during the week, and I think that’s important to have a backup [running back] that you feel can assume the same load as your starter. The one thing about Cadillac [Williams], going back to that game, is he had to prepare himself like a pro, so when he stepped in their – you know, we certainly missed Steven and what he brings to our football team – but we were able to execute the offense as normal.”

Is Bradford playing beyond his years?
“Yeah, in a lot of ways that would be true. I think he would tell you – if he was on the phone call here and you had a chance to talk to him – he’d tell you that he has a long way to go. And in some regards, he does. And the reason I say that is Sam is a perfectionist, he’s a competitor, he wants to do things at the perfect excellence level, not just very good. And he expects to be in Year Six now, and that’s just the way he thinks; that’s the way he operates. He’s got to coach the coaches in that way, and I like that fact that he does think like that.”

Was there any hesitation about starting a rookie quarterback last year right off the bat?
“At the time we came to training camp, we had a veteran quarterback in A.J. Feeley, [and] we obviously had a rookie that we drafted with the first pick overall. So, I think that everybody knew that eventually we wanted him to take this thing over, and it was just evident to us at a certain point. I think it came… It kind of really came to a peak when we played the Patriots in the third preseason game and Sam took the opening drive down… They scored on the opening kickoff, and we turned around and drove it. There were some things in that drive and throughout that game that said, ‘Hey, he may go through some ups and downs, but it’s time to put him in there.’ And at that point, when we made that decision, there was no looking back, and we haven’t turned back since.”

What do you think about the NFL announcing that they’ll keep a closer eye on players faking injuries, but not yet handing down any punishments or sanctions?
“Well, I accept that. The league has decided to go that route. I’m OK with that. You know, football is football. We just go out and play the game, and however the game goes and however it flows, we’ll deal with it. So, we’re not really looking back at that. We’ll just accept whatever the league decides.”

Will you use a no-huddle offense because Bradford excels in that formation?
“Well, I don’t know. I think our offense functions in it fairly well. I think he certainly has the confidence with it; he did it at Oklahoma. It was a little bit different there. He was looking over to the sidelines and they have what you call a ‘menu system’ in college, or at least at Oklahoma, because Sam and I have talked a lot about that. It’s not something we do all the time. I don’t know whether we’ll do it this week or not, but he has been effective in it, and anything we can be effective in we probably run.”

QB Sam Bradford

How much of a disadvantage do you have coming off a Monday night game and having a shorter week?
“Yeah, to be honest, this is the first time that I’ve really experienced a game after a Monday game. Obviously, today was a little bit different for us. I’m not sure how much of a disadvantage it’s going to be, I just think we’re going to have to put in… I think our hours are going to be a little different. I think during the year, at least last year, I got so into my schedule and I knew exactly what I needed to do and when I needed to do it, that you kind of get into that routine.

“Whereas this week, I think some of the hours are going to be different; some early mornings, later nights, trying to make sure that you get everything watched that you need to get watched and study everything you need to study. Considering we didn’t have Monday afternoon to watch, and then Tuesday still dealing with game film from New York, so I think [we] just need to put in a little more time this week.”

What do you like about the no-huddle style of offense?
“It just forces the defense to think faster – make their calls faster. You know, they don’t have as much time to react to what we’re doing. They don’t have as much time to get their calls in. It forces them, for the most part, to play with one personnel group. It doesn’t allow them to sub much. I feel like, if we do get a drive going in the no-huddle mode, sometimes we can wear out defenses. We may have to go 10 or 12 plays at a very quick tempo, and it’s tough on those big guys. And when they can’t sub, it makes it even harder.”

What will be the difference in the offense without Jackson playing?
“It’s a big difference. Yeah, I’m not going to lie and say that when he steps out of the game we don’t miss anything, because we do. Steven’s a good player. He’s been a good player in this league for quite a few years now. Just having his presence in our huddle helps us. Not having him last week definitely wasn’t a good thing for our offense.”

Is your injured finger still bothering you?
“No, it’s something of the past. [It] really didn’t bother me at all on Monday night, and I really haven’t had any soreness from that game. So, I think that’s something that I’ve moved past now.”

How much did the Giants’ late-injury timeouts affect the rhythm of your offense?
“Obviously, we would have… I would have liked to have gotten another play in. Not saying that we would have scored, but it would have been interesting to see where we would have got the ball on that next play. I don’t think it threw us off our rhythm. I played in the no huddle in college. I’ve faced teams that will call timeouts when they couldn’t get substitutions or something like that. It’s just something as an offense that you have to overcome. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to overcome it. I don’t think it took us out of rhythm. It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t get the touchdown.”

St. Louis ran a no-huddle, hurried-up offense that led a Giants player to eventually topple to the turf and sparked a national debate about faking injuries.

The Ravens were watching, and they’ve already talked about the Rams’ no-huddle offense, Head Coach John Harbaugh said.

“It’s something they’ve done both games so far and they’ve done it really well,” Harbaugh said. “So, the ability just to get the communication done and get lined up, all those things are going to be really important.”

Harbaugh said the Ravens will particularly practice their communication this week. He explained that it’s difficult to practice, however, because they also want to work on getting the right look, both offensively and defensively.

Sometimes the offense can help the defense by speeding up things, but “you really can’t replicate it in practice at this time of year,” Harbaugh said.

The Rams broke out their no-huddle offense twice on their first drive against the Giants. They ran for four yards once, then were incomplete on a pass, and put the no-huddle away.

It came back out in St. Louis’ second drive, and worked better that time. The Rams didn’t huddle for five plays that went for a combined 52 yards. Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford completed passes of 26 and 17 yards in the no-huddle offense.

The Rams marched down to the Giants’ 7-yard line and had a second-and-2, but were halted there when Giants safety Deon Grant and linebacker Jacquain Williams suddenly dropped to the turf.

Grant remained down and the game – and the Rams’ offensive momentum – had to be stopped. The Rams didn’t get another yard and had to settle for a field goal.

The series has been a frequent source of debate recently, with media pundits calling for a way to stop faking injuries. Currently, there are no rules in place because it cannot be determined whether it was a real injury or not.

The league has taken action to discourage players from faking an injury, sending a memo to all 32 teams on Wednesday, according to NFL.com.

“Should the league office determine that there is reasonable cause, all those suspected in being involved in faking injuries will be summoned promptly to this office in New York to discuss the matter,” the memo said. “Those found to be violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the game. Discipline could include fines of coaches, players and clubs, suspensions or forfeiture of draft choices.”