Earlier in the offseason, we looked at three starting positions on the Baltimore Ravens where the job is not given to a specific player yet. While the preseason is not a full perspective, and it only was one game, we definitely saw trends that may show us who has the lead in specific position battles. Who took advantage in week one and may have the edge to start for the Ravens when the regular season kicks off?
3. John Simpson is currently winning the Baltimore Ravens left guard job
The starting left guard job has been an interesting battle with a roller coaster ride of emotions. It started with Ben Cleveland looking like the starter. John Simpson was just a veteran brought in to push him, and Sala Aumavae-Laulu is a sixth-round rookie. Neither was supposed to win the job.
By OTAs, it looked like it became a battle between SAL, and Simpson, as Cleveland was pushed out. This showed more than ever in the preseason. Cleveland did not take a single snap at left guard, showing that it is a two-man competition.
After one game, it is easy to think that Simpson is the leader in the clubhouse. Simpson started this game and got the work with the more notable lineman. While he played a bit fewer snaps than SAL, Simpson got his snaps against the better group of Eagles defenders.
Even against the weaker set of players, SAL looked like the worse lineman than Simpson. It was his rookie debut, and he is a day-three pick, so this should be no shock. Still, after the practice reports, there were thoughts that Aumavae-Laulu would play well, but it looked like the power of the NFL was a new jolt for him.
There is still time, but as of now, Simpson is ahead on the depth chart and looks better against better competition. It is hard to say that he is not winning right now.
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.
1. Is Travis Jones ready to start over Michael Pierce?
This starting job is less significant than others, mainly because the duo will probably split the work no matter what. Still, there is a question about who will lead the split and who will be out there when they run their first plays out of base this season.
Michael Pierce is the veteran and incumbent. However, he is aging and has not been healthy for a full year since 2020. So, it is not a shock that he did not play in the preseason. Still, if the Ravens have it their way, Travis Jones will pass up Pierce on the depth chart anyway.
Travis Jones is a former third-round pick entering his second season with the Baltimore Ravens. With Pierce and his age and injury history combined with Jones and his youth and up-and-coming ability, the team would love for Jones to take control and be the future. It also would ease the workload of Pierce, and it may keep him healthier and playing his best.
So, Saturday was a great sign because Jones was one of the best players on the field. He played 29 snaps and added pressure and two run stops. That is great for his role. If a second-year breakout is in store for Jones, then the team is in good hands on the defensive line. This was the vibe we got from Jones and his first preseason game.