4. Andre Smith, OT, Ravens
It’s easy to forget that Andre Smith is on the Ravens roster, simply because he hasn’t played a game with the team. But he will be one of a couple of players competing for the top swing tackle role this summer.
Smith was originally signed toward the very end of the 2019 season and was brought back to compete for a roster spot in 2020. However, before he could do so, he elected to opt out as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The longtime Cincinnati Bengals right tackle is back this summer, but he faces an uphill battle when it comes to securing a roster spot.
The Ravens signed veteran Alejandro Villanueva to assume the starting right tackle job and will return All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley in the near future.
Behind them, the expected favorite to earn the swing tackle job is 2020 third-round pick Tyre Phillips. Phillips saw significant playing time at guard as a rookie, but the Ravens are going to give him an opportunity to be the team’s swing tackle in 2021.
If Phillips holds his own at tackle, it’s hard to see Smith earning a roster spot.
There are also veterans Michael Schofield and Patrick Mekari who could play tackle in a pinch as well as undrafted rookies Adrian Ealy and Foster Sarell.
Andre Smith has had a long and successful NFL career. But his Ravens career might end before he ever takes a snap with the team.