Ravens Training Camp Profile: Center/Guard, Matt Skura
From undrafted free agent to starting offensive lineman, Matt Skura has certainly seen an interesting career unfold in front of him.
Matt Skura certainly isn’t the flashiest name out there, nor is he someone who should be considered a staple on the offensive line. Instead, Skura is admirable and does the job that needs to be done.
More from Ravens News
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
With a plethora of injuries along the Ravens interior offensive line last season, Skura stepped up to the plate and did his best. Certainly far from a Pro Bowler, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who gave more effort than Skura did for the Ravens in 2017.
Skura, a former undrafted free agent (2016) out of Duke, was a roster bubble player going into 2017. The Ravens seemingly had their guards set in stone between Marshal Yanda and Alex Lewis. Then disaster struck and both wound up on Injured Reserve. With little options to choose from, the Ravens asked Matt Skura to take a starting role at guard.
From there, Skura would start in 12 games during the 2017 season at right guard. While he wasn’t great, he could’ve done much, much worse. And for that, we thank him for his efforts.
But now with the 2018 season close to being underway, it’s time we wonder what’s in store for Matt Skura. Is there even a roster spot available to him? The answer here should be yes, for this reason alone:
Next-man-up mentality:
When push came to shove, Matt Skura embraced his role. Skura was able to step into the position left by future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda and hold it down to the best of his abilities. Not many could walk into that spot and embrace the challenge the way Skura did.
Going into 2018, the Ravens are hopeful they won’t have to throw Skura into the fire like that again. With Yanda and Lewis returning to the line-up healthy, Skura should go back to his role as a back-up. That’s exactly where he belongs, but in the best way possible.
Next: Free Agency: Remaining free agent options the Ravens should sign
At this point, Matt Skura has earned a spot on the Ravens roster. No he’s not a starter, but he also isn’t someone the Ravens should give up on. Men like Skura have decent careers in the NFL not for their play, but for their determination and mentality. If something where to happen to the offensive line once again in 2018, I’d be happy to see Matt Skura in the corner waiting to step up and be the man once again.