After Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens' center position became a glaring hole. Signing Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter didn't give the Ravens a clear-cut starting option. As such, most folks expected the Ravens to use one of their 11 draft picks to fill this undeniable need -- but they didn't.
And now, Gwyn or Pinter could feasibly enter the year as the team's starting center. Baltimore's other options include Corey Bullock, undrafted free agent Nick Dawkins, or moving one of their guards over to center. Surely, the Ravens' starting center competition will be debated for the rest of the offseason. Nevertheless, Gwyn could have a leg up, in part due to his connection with the new Ravens' offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford.Â
Gwyn and Ledford spent three years together with the Atlanta Falcons. While it will certainly be a competition, Gwyn's connection with Ledford could prove to be an advantage. Furthermore, Gwyn is three years younger than Pinter and more of a natural center than Bullock. All together, these factors could tilt this starting job in Gwyn's favor.Â
Jovaughn Gwyn has a chance to earn the Baltimore Ravens' starting center role
After the draft, general manager Eric DeCosta made it clear that it will be an in-house competition for the starting center job.Â
"I do think we'll have a plan at the position, I feel confident in saying that. I think we have a couple guys here that will compete for that position," DeCosta said.Â
Ravens fans are wondering whether Baltimore will sign a veteran such as Graham Glasgow or attempt to make a trade. Regardless, DeCosta's comments make it seem clear to me that the Ravens are riding with this group, and someone will have to earn the job this summer.Â
All of these players have some level of risk. Pinter is a career backup and will be 30 before the start of the season. Bullock has looked great in both of his preseason years, but has just 13 regular season snaps. Likewise, for Gwyn, who has 11 regular season snaps.Â
There's no denying banking on one of these three unproven centers (or position change) is risky, and plenty of fans aren't happy with DeCosta's strategy. While this stance is understandable, it's also clear that Gwyn has a genuine chance to earn the starting center position, and that's something that nobody expected when Baltimore signed him.Â
By drafting Vega Ioane in the first-round, Baltimore bolstered its interior line, yet their center position remains an undeniable flaw. Hopefully, DeCosta's bold strategy to avoid drafting a center or signing a more established player pays off, and Gwyn (or another player) proves to be a hidden gem.Â
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