3 Baltimore Ravens players who improved their chances of starting in 2023

2. Ar'Darius Washington may start in the slot for the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens slot position is one of the big mysteries in football this year. Kyle Hamilton held down the slot towards the end of last season, and he is now starting at strong safety. He may slide into that role at some point, but the team needs a starter in the slot.

Pepe Williams was supposed to be the answer, but he suffered an injury that may be serious. Arthur Maulet does not appear to have a serious injury, but he is out right now with some bumps and bruises. It left Ar'Darius Washington to play all but three snaps in the preseason opener on defense. He also played on special teams.

One thing that is notable is that Washington played 47 snaps in the slot while he also played 24 as a safety. That is a pretty strong split, and it shows his versatility. The Ravens may like that because Washington can go to safety, and Hamilton can slide into the slot again. The mixing and matching may give him an edge over Williams and Maulet if they are healthy.

Washington may win the job by default, but fans have to acknowledge that he played well on Saturday as well. He is just as close to earning the job as the competition is to hand to him.