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Baltimore Ravens: How to replace Ryan Jensen at center

By Joe Schiller

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Center Ryan Jensen #66 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Center Ryan Jensen #66 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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1. Stay in-house

The best way to replace Jensen is in-house. This is the same route the Ravens took last season after releasing Jeremy Zuttah and the surprise retirement of John Urschel. Jensen was the third option but ultimately proved to be the best. Two players in Matt Skura and Alex Lewis provide the most realistic options to follow in Jensen’s footsteps at center this season.

Lewis while talented, has suffered a string of injuries that pose a concern. He missed the entire 2017 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. While his health is a question mark, Lewis was impressive his rookie season when on the field.

Skura saw unexpected starts at guard after a number of injuries decimated the offensive line. He’s a center by nature and should have no problem transitioning back to his normal position. The question becomes, can we see a consistent performance up front from Skura for an entire 16-game season? That’s still yet to be seen, but the same could have been said for Jensen last season and look what happened.

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Staying with an in-house replacement is a logical choice and Skura or Lewis are already acclimated to playing under Marty Mornhinweg and Joe D’Alessandris.

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