After an offseason of uncertainty regarding the Baltimore Ravens' center position, Jovaughn Gwyn ultimately won the starting job over Ethan Pocic. Through three seasons, Gwyn has played just 11 snaps and hasn't started a single game.
Even though Pocic is coming off a serious Achilles injury, this is a bold vote of confidence for Gwyn from the Ravens, since Pocic has started nearly 100 games in nine years. Likewise, when the Ravens first signed Pocic, most people (including myself) assumed that he'd walk into the starting center gig. Still, Gwyn performed well throughout training camp and preseason as Pocic continued to ramp up post-injury.
After being named the starting center, Gwyn had several key figures in the Ravens' organization hyping him up.
Lamar Jackson said, "I've got 100% confidence in him."
Jesse Minter similarly noted, "We've got a lot of confidence in him."
As such, Gwyn must prove the Ravens right in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jovaughn Gwyn's play is a major question mark for the Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' center position is a clear area of uncertainty on an otherwise stacked roster. Yes, Gwyn looked awesome in preseason, but he still needs to prove he can perform against starting-level defenses. Moreover, starting someone who has never started and is a former seventh-round pick is inherently risky for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Baltimore upgraded its guard room by drafting Vega Ioane and signing John Simpson. Unfortunately, shaky center play from Gwyn could make interior offensive line play a fatal flaw again.
Interior pressure is incredibly difficult for any quarterback to deal with, even an elite one like Jackson. If Gwyn can't hold up in pass protection, this will be an issue once again. Gwyn's role in maximizing the Ravens' run game with Derrick Henry will also be key.
Last season, the Colts' defense ranked fifth in pressures, meaning they'll provide a formidable challenge for Gwyn and the rest of the Ravens squad. Football is all about attacking your opponent's biggest weakness, and you better believe that the Colts will be attacking the unproven Gwyn.
If the Colts pull off an upset, there's a strong chance that Gwyn will be a key reason why.
While Minter expressed confidence in Gwyn, he also noted that this is a Week 1 decision. Thus, if Gwyn struggles against the Colts, his time as a starter will likely be short-lived.
The bright side is that the Ravens could have a diamond in the rough with Gwyn. Even if he doesn't have a lot of prestige, he could be a quality player. Clearly, the Ravens liked what they saw in training camp, and Gwyn flashed his upside in preseason. Without a doubt, the onus will be on Gwyn to prove the Ravens right and show that he's a worthy starting center during Sunday's game.
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