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Roster Bubble Profile: James Hurst

By Chris Schisler

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman James Hurst (74) walks across the field during the a break during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman James Hurst (74) walks across the field during the a break during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Hurst: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

James Hurst is a player fighting for a spot on the Baltimore Ravens roster. The left tackle was am undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. Before getting injured, Hurst was a highly coveted prospect; this led the Ravens to believing they got a steal. Hurst has struggled mightily when he has been on the field.

Related Story: Ravens: Predicting The First 15 Roster Cuts

The Case For Hurst

Hurst is a young player who could still develop. Hurst is a big body. With a 6’5″ 312 pound frame, he has the ideal length and size. Left tackles are as hard to find as quarterbacks. That’s why cutting Hurst could potentially be a mistake.

Hurst needs to be coached up. With time it is possible that he could become better. Depth on the offensive line is always a good thing, even if you have to build it up.

The Case Against Hurst

At this point we know what Hurst is. He’s a player that you really can’t trust at the left tackle position. Hurst may have the ideal dimensions of a left tackle but he doesn’t put them to good work. Hurst is the reason Joe Flacco got hurt. You don’t want history to repeat himself.

At the end of the day, can you ever trust Hurst? Alex Lewis gives me more confidence as a back up and he’s a rookie. Heck I’d even put Ryan Jensen or Vlad Ducasse on the left side before Hurst. You can’t trust him at left tackle. That’s not an opinion it is a fact.

Back ups are back ups for a reason, but you need them to be able to hold down the fort. Hurst struggles with speed off the edge. He lost a step since his injury. The Ravens have a ton of competition for roster spots. There is doubt surrounding Hurst. There is therefore no spot for him on the bench.

Next: Why The Baltimore Ravens Offense Could Be Amazing

If it were up to me, Hurst would not make this team. There are going to be tough decisions for the Ravens. There are bubble players the Ravens will be desperate to keep. I’m not sure if Hurst is one of them. Like I said before, we know what he is.

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