The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2026 season with a ton of excitement. Fans are eager to see the Jesse Minter era kick off, and now, the NFL schedule release has added more buzz. They have an easy start to the season, and the team should take full advantage of that.
There is still one problem with the roster, though. Their center spot is still left unanswered after the departure of Tyler Linderbaum. At this point, while a trade has been rumored, it seems like it’ll be a preseason battle between the likes of Jovaughn Gwyn, Danny Pinter, and Corey Bullock. That’s not a great sign.
Although Baltimore’s Week 1 opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, isn’t a juggernaut, they’re still a competitive team. And for that current center flaw, well, whoever wins that job is going to have a tough assignment. It’s going to be a major litmus test.
Baltimore Ravens draw veteran test for overwhelming flaw in Week 1
Whoever the Ravens start at center in Week 1, whether that be Gwyn, Pinter, Bullock, heck, maybe even undrafted rookie Nick Dawkins, it’s not going to look great on paper. The most experienced player of that group is Pinter, and he’s logged just 10 starts throughout his five-year career, only three of which have come at center. The highly-questioned spot on Baltimore’s offensive line looks even worse when you see who they’ll be lining up across from on opening weekend.
Along the interior of their defensive line, the Colts should have the veteran duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart starting in Week 1. Sure, both are on the backend of their careers, but they remain talented contributors.
Stewart will be the main concern for the center, as he’s the nose tackle. Luckily, they won’t have to worry about Stewart too much as a pass rusher. That’s not his forte. He is a very good run defender, though, and eats blocks to free up opportunities for his teammates. You add in the fact that 2026 is a contract year for him, and he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder to kick off the new season.
Buckner could become the center’s problem situationally, and he’s also playing in a contract year. And while he might not be in Pro Bowl form anymore, Buckner’s still an above-average player. Add in 10 years of NFL experience, and he’s the type of player who can ruin any inexperienced starter’s day.
Undoubtedly, the Colts will be looking to exploit that flaw as much as possible. Maybe one of Gwyn, Pinter, Bullock, or Dawkins will surprise us this year; however, it’s safe to say the middle of Lamar Jackson’s offensive front is looking gloomy right now. It’s probably not going to look much better once Week 1 arrives, either.
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