With a little bit of a lull within the NFL’s offseason schedule, there is probably not a lot occurring round The Citadel, however that doesn’t imply we will’t set our sights forward to the subsequent important occasion on the horizon: Coaching Camp. This yr’s competitors could have a barely completely different wrinkle, with the NFL agreeing to a rule change marking a single roster cutdown date from 90 gamers to the ultimate 53, which is able to happen on August 29^th. Having extra our bodies for the size of camp isn’t a foul factor, however it may actually make for some attention-grabbing competitions at positions the place beginning spots are up for grabs. Let’s provide you with a primer on place battles to observe, and positions that seem locked in.

For the sake of the train, we’ll ignore potential trades/free agent signings and unanticipated accidents, and we’ll plot out a way-too-early beginning 53 from the pool of the present Ravens.

Lunchtime learn – Ravens inventory report: Who rose and who fell throughout OTAs and obligatory minicamp?

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— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) June 19, 2023

QB: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley

No shockers off the bat right here; Lamar Jackson is inked for the lengthy haul and can hopefully use his new offensive weapons to the fullest of his potential. Tyler Huntley as soon as once more seems to be the go-to backup, however there’s some uncertainty about his future past this season. His performances as a starter final season in Lamar’s absence could have price him some cash, as groups probably aren’t questioning if he has starting-caliber potential.

Utilizing the newly instituted rule about having a 3rd QB not rely in opposition to the 53-man squad, the Ravens will probably sneak Anthony Brown or Josh Johnson onto their Day 1 roster, however the camp battle will decide who sticks and who lands on the Apply Squad.

RB: JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Pat Ricard (FB)

Make no mistake about it: regardless of the drama surrounding JK Dobbins’ contract and absence from minicamp, he’s the go-to RB1. Except the scenario between him and the staff has turn into untenable behind the scenes, Dobbins isn’t going anyplace. Gus’ potential as a workhorse RB2 makes him a lock, and Justice Hill seems to have achieved sufficient between his work ethic and his acumen on particular groups to retain a roster spot. If the staff feels Hill’s cap hit is just too excessive, maybe they lean on Keaton Mitchell and let Hill stroll, however with a lifeless cap hit of $1.25 million, I doubt the staff eats the monetary loss. Pencil in Pat Ricard wherever you need on the depth chart (FB, TE, LB), however he’s been an excessive amount of of an asset to let him go.

WR: Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Devin Duvernay, Dontay Demus Jr.

Right here’s a place group that’ll haven’t any scarcity of eyeballs on it in Coaching Camp. Not solely has wideout been a subject of big dialogue when it comes to the unit’s enchancment, however everybody desires to see how the brand new items of this offense match collectively and divide the workload. As Jeff Zrebiec talked about above, and as a number of the RSR crew famous at minicamp, Nelson Agholor seems to have achieved sufficient (to this point) to show that he can stick on the ultimate 53. I believe Duvernay maintains his spot primarily based on versatility, athleticism, and significance to the particular groups unit, however the shock entry comes from UDFA Dontay Demus. Possibly that is wishful pondering, however an undrafted hometown man with a big body and a chip on his shoulder would simply be too excellent.

TE: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Probably, Charlie Kolar, Ben Mason (TE/FB)

Once more, no surprises with the primary title up there, as Andrews has confirmed repeatedly to be one of many league’s premier tight ends. Isaiah Probably confirmed flashes final season as a pass-catching risk, with the promise of basically being an outsized receiver in some units, and Kolar seems to be at full pace following final yr’s damage. Nonetheless, Nick Boyle’s presence as a brick wall of a blocker has been sorely missed, and I believe the staff could kick the tires on Ben Mason in that function.

OT: Ronnie Stanley, Morgan Moses, Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele

The names right here shouldn’t be a shock to anybody. The OT unit didn’t have lots of turnover and I believe the Ravens are nonetheless attempting to see what they’ve in Daniel Faalele. In the meantime, Mekari’s utility as a Swiss Military knife alongside that line makes him a digital lock.

G/C: Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Malaesala Aumavae-Laula, Ben Cleveland, John Simpson, Jake Guidone

Outdoors of the primary 4 names, the depth alternatives are anybody’s guess, and will definitely come all the way down to preseason efficiency. Backup middle is a place that scares me a bit after Matt Skura’s hand damage a couple of years in the past, and whereas free agent pickup Sam Mustipher has extra expertise than rookie Jake Guidone, Mustipher didn’t do a lot to impress on a woefully dangerous Bears roster that desperately wanted O-line assist. I wouldn’t be stunned to see Guidone win the job.

DT: Justin Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, Michael Pierce, Brent City

I’ve my fingers and toes crossed that Michael Pierce can come again wholesome this season. He’s a drive up entrance, and his veteran management goes to assist this unit of their growth. What can be attention-grabbing to see is how the Ravens will make up for the lack of Calais Campbell and what the division of labor will appear to be. I anticipate an enormous function from Justin Madubuike, however I wouldn’t be stunned in any respect to see a breakout season from Travis Jones.

EDGE/OLB: Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, Tyus Bowser, Tavius Robinson

I actually wouldn’t rule out the potential of a Justin Houston reunion being within the playing cards; in actual fact, taking a look at this unit on paper, I’m hoping we see Houston return. It’s not a scarcity of religion within the gamers which are right here, however as I discussed above, having a dependable veteran presence is rarely a foul factor, and whereas we all know that each Oweh and Ojabo have the required bones to their video games, it’s clear that they may each use some seasoning earlier than they’re able to be the go-to guys.

ILB: Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison, Trenton Simpson

I’m not a lot targeted on what the camp competitors will carry at inside linebacker, since this unit seems to be fairly set. What I’m occupied with seeing is how Patrick Queen can carry out out of the gate with a full season subsequent to Roquan Smith. Queen flourished final yr within the second half of the season, and I’m hoping {that a} full camp subsequent to Roquan, plus the infusion of expertise introduced by Trenton Simpson, will make this a scary unit coming into the season.

CB: Marlon Humphrey, Rock Ya-Sin, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Kyu Blu Kelly, Damarion Williams, Brandon Stephens, Trayvon Mullen

Given the problems the Ravens have had round depth at CB with damage, I can foresee them allocating extra roster spots to the DB room. Not solely would this permit for Marlon Humphrey to have a extra strong supporting forged, however it will additionally give the staff time to find out who their true CB2 is that if the preseason course of simply isn’t sufficient time. That is one other unit that I can see including a bit or two earlier than the season begins, however right here’s hoping that the camp battles produce an rising stud on the place.

S: Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton, Geno Stone, Ar’Darius Washington

This prime security pairing is simply nasty, and it’s no secret across the league. Nonetheless, depth at that place might be properly served with Geno Stone, and relying on how roster spots are allotted, you possibly can rely Brandon Stephens amongst this group if you happen to actually needed to, as he’s been recognized to play all around the secondary. Ar’Darius Washington’s stint on the Apply Squad final season appears to have left him itching to make a bigger impression, and I believe enchancment proven early in camp this yr may assist him lock up a roster spot.

Particular Groups: Justin Tucker (Ok), Jordan Stout (P), Nick Moore (LS)

Nothing a lot to be stated right here. On the subject of particular groups, if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.

We’ll see how issues shake down as we strategy the start of Coaching Camp, and I anticipate that a couple of modifications are nonetheless on the horizon with potential acquisitions. Bearing that in thoughts, if this was the beginning roster on Day 1, how would you’re feeling coming into the season? Let me know within the feedback!