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John Urschel Faces A Make Or Break Season

By Chris Schisler

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard John Urschel (64) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard John Urschel (64) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a vacancy at the center position, John Urschel has a golden chance:

John Urschel is the most experienced option the Ravens have at the center position. Urschel has started a handful of games at center. This makes Urschel the obvious front runner for the job. It’s a big crossroads in his career. He either takes control as a starter or he gets pegged as a career backup in the NFL.

Last season the Ravens went with Vlad Ducasse instead of Urschel to fill in at right guard. This could be because Urschel was plan B behind Jeremy Zuttah. However it couldn’t be thrilling for Urschel to see Ducasse get those snaps. It’s not like Ducasse was rocking out in the trenches.

Now there is an open competition to be the Ravens’ center. It would be a bad look for former Penn State Nittany Lion if he couldn’t lock up the job. It would be a bad look for Urschel, if Nico Siragusa was converted into a center, and started right away.

The outlook for this competition can still change. If the Ravens sign Nick Mangold, he is going to start. There would be no shame for Urschel in this scenario. Mangold is one of the best players at the center spot in the last decade. He may not be even close to his prime but you don’t bring him in to sit on the bench.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: In House Options For Center Position

At this point last year, I felt confident that Urschel would replace Kelechi Osemele. I never thought it would be an upgrade, but I knew it could work. That didn’t happen. Now I am not entirely confident that Urschel will replace Jeremy Zuttah. From day one I have seen his potential, now he must make it happen on the field. It’s a make or break moment for Urschel. This is his best chance at winning a starting position for the purple and black.

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