Ravens: Bradley Bozeman has earned an extension this season

The Baltimore Ravens have a few key players to worry about extending in the near future, Lamar Jackson being, of course, the most prominent. But one player who should not be overlooked is Bradley Bozeman.

It’s still early, but Bozeman is on pace for the best season of his career. And the Ravens would be wise to extend him before the end of the 2021 season.

A sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Bozeman took over as the full-time starting left guard in his sophomore NFL season and held his own as a dependable starting guard over the last two years.

The Ravens moved him back to his natural center position — the position he played in college — ahead of the 2021 season, and he’s quickly rewarded them for that decision.

Through three weeks, Bozeman has been one of the team’s best overall players. As such, he’s earned his new contract.

Bradley Bozeman has been one of the most consistent Ravens players through three weeks

Pro Football Focus grades aren’t everything, but they do provide a solid basis for how well a player might be playing. Bozeman’s 81.7 PFF grade is the best of any player on the Ravens roster and ranks second among all centers in the NFL.

His 81.7 run-block grade is ranked third at his position while his 73.8 pass-block grade is the second-best among centers. He’s quite literally been one of the best pass-blocking and run-blocking centers in football this season.

Bozeman has allowed just one pressure, hasn’t allowed a sack, and has not been flagged a single time through three weeks. His best game arguably came this past week against the Detroit Lions when he was given a PFF grade of 82.7 that ranked him as the best center that week.

Consider the fact that this is the first time Bozeman is playing the center position in four years and that he’s played alongside three different left guards since Week 1 and it highlights just how impressive his performance has been.

The Ravens have struggled to find a long-term solution at center over the last few years. But no more Matt Skura or Patrick Mekari — it’s Bozeman’s time now.

Bozeman has solidified what was a major position of weakness for the Ravens last season. And he’s done so by elevating his play from an average starter to one of the best players at his position.

Bradley Bozeman has earned a new contract. And the Ravens will likely reward him with one in the near future.