Training camp exposes harsh reality for Ravens rookie in over his head

The rookie is in troubled waters.
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive line goes through drills during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive line goes through drills during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

NFL training camp is a crucial opportunity for rookies and fringe roster players to showcase their talents and lock down a spot on the 53-man roster. However, it also reveals a harsh reality that will eventually force players off the team ahead of the season. The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of star power and depth, which has made it difficult for their rookie class to become comfortable.

The Ravens drafted 11 players in the 2025 NFL Draft. While their front office prefers to hold onto their rookies for the first year, the reality is that a few will ultimately fall short of the cut following preseason. Of the 11 selections, six came in the sixth and seventh rounds. Those rookies do not hold much roster pedigree, and if they do not kick it into high gear at camp, they will likely fall off the roster.

One of those rookies already on the chopping block is seventh-round pick Garrett Dellinger. He has yet to make any headlines in Baltimore’s training camp, stuck behind a logjam at offensive guard.

Garrett Dellinger is starting to look like a lost cause

Sunday’s stadium practice exposed that Dellinger has been rather uninspiring in his start to his Baltimore tenure. Once the Ravens’ second-team offensive line unit took the field, the 23-year-old was nowhere to be found. What makes it even more concerning is that 2024 undrafted signing Corey Bullock, who failed to make the team last year, took snaps ahead of the rookie.

The current offensive line competition does not even include third-round pick Emery Jones Jr., who remains sidelined with a labrum injury that has plagued him since mini-camp. Once he returns, he could kick inside to guard, offering even more competition for his former LSU teammate Dellinger.

Earlier in the offseason, during organized team activities, Dellinger was taking some snaps at center. But he has not carved out a role there either. Second-year center Nick Samac, who was a healthy scratch for all 17 games of the 2024 regular season, seemed to be in a vulnerable spot this offseason, but he has protected his role in the face of pressure.

There is still time left for Dellinger to earn the coaching staff’s trust. Preseason is closing in, and for NFL hopefuls, that is where they can make their money. The clock is slowly ticking, so in the coming weeks, it is make-or-break time for the rookie offensive guard. It will be an intense race to the finish line.

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