Baltimore Ravens: A look at the center competition
By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Ravens have a three man battle going on at center
After trading away Jeremy Zuttah to the 49ers, the Baltimore Ravens have a hole to fill at center. Zuttah has a decent three seasons in Baltimore, but it was time for both sides to move on. Along with right tackle, this is one of the biggest needs the Ravens still have.
Early in the offseason there was thought that the Ravens were going to sign Nick Mangold. They brought him in for a visit, but the two sides did not agree to a deal. This is most likely because of Mangold’s health. He’s dealt with a number of injuries recently. That’s what lead to his release this offseason.
With Mangold pretty much out of the picture, who takes over at center? Right now, the Ravens have a three-man competition going on for the starting spot.
Who are the candidates?
Ryan Jensen- Jensen has spent most of his career as a backup lineman. The majority of starting snaps he’s seen has been at guard. It’s a bit of a surprise to see him working at center, but with Lewis and Yanda at guard, there’s not need for him there. He’s definitely got the frame for a center. It’s just all about being able to snap and block efficiently at the same time.
Related Story: Should the Baltimore Ravens sign Ryan Clady?
John Urschel- Like Jensen, Urschel has spent most of his young career as a backup. Urschel is the most experienced lineman out of the group when it comes to playing center in the NFL. He started seven games at center during the 2015 season when the Ravens were plagued with injuries. Urschel held his own, but had still had some issues. It seemed like his timing with Joe Flacco on the snap was off at times. However, Urschel is arguably the most intelligent player in the NFL. That is important, especially at center, where you are the signal caller of the line.
Matt Skura- Skura comes in as an undrafted free agent out of Duke. The Ravens have a history of finding some great undrafted free agents and Skura could be another example of this. He’s described as not the most athletic center in the world, but has sound technique. This reminds me of Matt Birk, who was great with the Ravens. Birk was a lot older at the time, but the similarities are still there. Even if Skura doesn’t win the job, the Ravens could keep him for depth on the line. Jensen and Urschel both have the ability to play guard and one could have to move there if Marshal Yanda or Alex Lewis get injured.
This is good competition
No matter who wins the center position, it is great to have this kind of competition going on. New offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris has raved about the three working hard and bringing everything to the table at center. They are going to get better because of this competition and that’s what you want. There is still one more day of mandatory minicamp and training camp has not even started up so it’s way too early to tell who will come away with the starting job.
Next: Baltimore Ravens minicamp: Early headlines to watch
My guy feeling tells me Urschel will come away with it, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Skura have a strong training camp. He is a natural at the position and if he can make the early transition to the speed of the NFL, there’s a possibility we see him get some first-team snaps.