Should the Ravens address center in the 2022 NFL Draft?
By John Jenkins
On March 28, 2022, John Harbaugh was interviewed after the NFL owner’s meetings. He was asked for his thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens’ center position among other things. His response likely caused angst among the team’s fan base.
Harbaugh indicated that Patrick Mekari would “step right in, probably,” as the starting center. He went on to say that he “highly doubt(s)” that the team will address the position through free agency.
Harbaugh continued to elaborate by saying the following:
"“The draft, obviously, is an option…but we have great options right in our locker room right now. And Pat Mekari, Trystan Colon, those guys have done a great job for us. Love the way those guys play. Love the way they develop. And of course Pat, he’s played lots of football. And he can do it. He’ll step right in, probably, as the starter, and then Trystan will compete. And we’ll see where we’re at from there.”"
In February, Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta told the media that strengthening the offensive line would be a “point of emphasis.”
He acknowledged that, “For us to be the very best offense we can be, we’ve got to have a strong, commanding offensive line that can control people at the point of attack.”
He predicted that the Ravens would “probably add two guys, possibly, potentially.”
The Ravens strengthened their offensive tackle depth when they signed Morgan Moses. He will likely start at right tackle with Ja’Wuan James backing him up.
Kevin Zeitler will no doubt anchor the right guard position while the left guard position has several options which include Tyre Phillips, 2021 draft pick Ben Cleveland, and Ben Powers.
While Harbaugh demonstrated confidence, it seems strange that DeCosta promised to improve the offensive line, yet allowed Bradley Bozeman to walk with Mekari and Colon being the best options.
Should John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta be so confident? Should DeCosta be content with the team’s current options?