The Baltimore Ravens gear up to face the Washington Commanders in their preseason finale this weekend. While some players have secured regular season spots after two games, many are still competing for a place in the NFL.
Most of the depth chart is set, but the Ravens still have a need for depth at several positions, and they are still trying to sort that out. Here are two position battles that will have the coaches’ full attention going into Saturday.
2 Ravens position battles taking center stage against the Commanders
Interior Offensive Line
Baltimore’s interior offensive line group could be a mess in 2025. Tyler Linderbaum is holding down the center spot at a Pro Bowl level, but the team’s guards are unproven, making the need for depth more crucial. Head Coach John Harbaugh highlighted that it will be tough to keep 10 linemen, and it is more likely they will keep nine. It is down to Nick Samac, Corey Bullock, Darrian Dalcourt, and Garrett Dellinger.
Bullock seems like the favorite after two games. He has provided great leadership for the second team at center and is also a versatile piece who can play both center and guard. He has delivered above-average play and is capitalizing on the opportunities he is being given. The Ravens have utilized similar versatility with Dalcourt, jumping out in pass blocking reps, but he is definitely behind Bullock in this battle.
Samac is entering his second season with the team and looks to be a pure center. However, he has struggled to make a significant impression this year, with the competition intensifying. As for Dellinger, he was a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, but has not been playing with the second-string unit. If no one stands out against the Commanders, it should be Bullock’s job come regular season time.
Inside Linebacker
Roquan Smith is Baltimore’s only proven inside linebacker. Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan are going to fight for reps over the course of the regular season, but pending his performance on Saturday, an undrafted rookie could come out of nowhere and steal the job sometime down the line.
Jay Higgins has been one of the best players in the NFL this preseason, excelling in every way imaginable. Despite the standout play, he faces a tight battle for a roster spot. In his way is special teams ace Jake Hummel. Harbaugh loves his special teams play, and if Higgins cannot prove he can provide that on Saturday, Hummel should be a lock for the initial roster.
The Ravens could also keep five inside linebackers. It would be an overflow of talent in that room, but Higgins is simply too good to lose. The Commanders' game will be a crucial test for Higgins, and if he does not showcase his potential for a third straight game, he could be a roster cut in the next couple of days.