Baltimore Ravens: 5 Training Camp Battles to watch

Here are 5 positional battles on the Baltimore Ravens for the 2019 NFL season; as training camp is quickly approaching in the coming days.

The Baltimore Ravens look to be one of the more intriguing teams in 2019. Their defense had some turnover in the offseason and year two of a Lamar Jackson-led offense with more pieces around him should be fun to watch. On defense; they have positional battles at defensive line, edge rusher, and inside linebacker with new additions (through the draft and free agency) on both sides of the ball.

On offense, wide receiver and left guard are still question marks, as we should get some more clarity during training camp later this week. Whether they need help with depth as rotational players or true starters, these five positions have the most uncertainty when it comes to the 2019 Baltimore Ravens.

Defensive Line- Rotational Depth

Brandon Williams, the veteran nose tackle, is set in the middle of the defense. However, the Ravens do need someone to step up in their rotation of 3-4 defensive ends. Michael Pierce had a breakout year in 2018 but was put on the non-football injury (NFL) list right before training camp. Till he is ready to practice, this will allow unproven rookies to make their mark, like Gerald Willis (who is an undrafted free agent that could have the best chance to make it on the team out of all the UDFAs the Ravens have). Daylon Mack, another rookie, was also put on on the same list as Pierce with an undisclosed injury.

This positional battle with mostly is between Chris Wormley and Willie Henry, as both have immense potential but need to stay on the field healthy to make a consistent impact. Zach Sieler should be in the mix along with Patrick Ricard as the fullback/ defensive lineman. The 3-4 defensive position should be in a rotation but the main lineup in a 3-4 for the starting defensive line should be Pierce (if he comes off the NFL list), Williams, and Henry/ Wormley.

Edge Rusher- Starter opposite Matthew Judon

For now, Matthew Judon is the returning starter but there is competition in one of the weaker spots for the Ravens at edge rusher. Tyus Bowser and/ or Tim Williams should get the first chance to start opposite of Judon but Shane Ray provides speed at the position on the outside while Pernell McPhee can move around as a pass rusher on the defensive line. Baltimore also put Jaylon Ferguson on the NFL list with a minor hamstring.

To start off, I would give Williams more snaps over Bowser, as he could play both inside and outside potentially, but it should mainly be a rotation with them along with Ray, McPhee, and Ferguson. Markus Jones, Aaron Adeoye and Michael Onuoha, both UDFAs, can play on the defensive line or as edge rushers that can get after the quarterback. UDFAs Otaro Alaka and E.J. Ejiya also have versatility as an edge rusher or potential inside linebacker in some spots.

Inside Linebacker- Starter opposite Patrick Onwuasor

Patrick Onwuasor should be the emerging starter and main inside linebacker but the main competition should be between Kenny Young and Chris Board for the second inside linebacker spot. Young started in a few games with Onwuasor and to start training camp, he should have the edge over Board, who has been a depth and/or rotational player that mostly played special teams. UDFA Silas Stewart could be kept as depth as the fourth inside linebacker, competing with Alvin Jones and Matthew Thomas for that role. It will be interesting how the defense operates under a new tone-setter in the middle.

Wide Reciever- Depth (5th and 6th spots)

With rookies Marquise Brown (who will start on the NFL list prior to training camp), Miles Boykin (who is the last Ravens rookie to sign), Willie Snead, and Chris Moore; the first four receiver positions are pretty much set. However, with some of the starters out to start off camp due to injury, this will give opportunities for other receivers to stick on the roster.

Jordan Lasley, Jaleel Scott, Seth Roberts, Michael Floyd, and Quincy Adebeyojo make up stiff competition for the remaining receiver spots. There is a good chance that either Lasley or Scott will make it while Roberts or Floyd could be the veteran receiver that is kept on the roster, UDFAs Antoine Wesley, Sean Modster, Joe Horn Jr., and Jaylen Smith (who was taken off the NFL list recently coming off an undisclosed injury) could be kept on the practice squad with the amount of depth Baltimore already has.

Guard- Starter opposite Marshal Yanda

The Raven’s weak spot on the offensive line is at left guard, as James Hurst has the experience to start there for now. Alex Lewis was put on the PUP list as he is recovering from shoulder surgery. Jermaine Eluemenor and Ben Powers are the only real threats to start over Hurst but lack the experience that Hurst has. Bradley Bozeman could play guard but is more of a center and provides depth there for the most part. UDFA Patrick Vahe and Patrick Mekari provide some depth along with R.J. Prince at guard.

These five positions are ones to look for on the Baltimore Ravens as training camp is soon approaching along with 2019 NFL season.

Andrew Kim

Write about all things football; including the Baltimore Ravens (my favorite team), College Football, the NFL Draft, and other football related content.