Subscriber Mailbag:
Alex Panek: “Does Gwynn have the inside track to start Week 1 over Pocic?”
It’s hard to imagine Jovaughn Gywnn doesn’t have the inside track at center. Ethan Pocic is the experienced starter, with 97 starts notched on his belt, while Gwynn has never done so at the NFL level. Gwynn, however, has been with Baltimore since March 12th. He’s been in Baltimore throughout the spring and summer, with ample time to register this offense. Additionally, Pocic trying to regain his form from an Achilles tear, which adds to the difficulty multiplier as a late addition to camp another uphill battle. Gwynn has reportedly taken the majority of snaps with the starters since Danny Pinter’s unfortunate patellar tendon injury. Gwynn moves well and has put some nice tape forward in preseason action, but it’s hard to imagine the Ravens feel good after losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, then seeing their plan B, Pinter, lost for the season. I think Gwynn will get the shot as Pocic continues to even out his balance and flexibility. Throwing him to the wolves immediately is likely to result in another injury when compared to additional recovery time as he acclimates in Baltimore.
Ivan Valverde: “Is there a strong possibility that Ravens offense has slow start and ramps up throughout the season?”
I find the notion contrived. New coach? Yes. First time play caller? Sure. The Ravens, however, will roll back:
Lamar Jackson
Derrick Henry
Justice Hill
Ronnie Stanley
Roger Rosengarten
Mark Andrews
Zay Flowers
Rashod Bateman
Devontez Walker
John Simpson is no stranger. The Ravens have new faces along the interior offensive line, with some additions in the tight end and wide receiver rooms. Those are (for now) secondary/tertiary players. They have two Hall of Fame players in the backfield, with Andrews, Flowers and Bateman as established playmakers. The quarterback is lethal. After being stepped on in camp and being hobbled, Jackson still lit up the Bills in Buffalo. Declan Doyle is new, but Lamar Jackson isn’t. Derrick Henry isn’t. It’s possible. The Ravens may rely more on their defense out of the gate, and relatively this season. They did, after all, bring in Jesse Minter to counterbalance a team that Jackson and Henry have carried when successful over the last two years. If they are to ‘start slow’ it may be more out of a conservative nature rather than ineptitude or a ‘low ceiling’.
Don Einoff: “Who has the ‘edge’ between Ali and Randall for the RB3 spot on the roster? Do the Ravens keep all 4 RB’s or is someone else’s job on the line?”
I’m going to take the dreadfully boring route here and say whomever is healthier and more available. It’s entirely possible the Ravens keep all four considering they can probably sneak their fullback, Lucas Scott, onto the practice squad if needed initially. Both Randall and Ali have missed time. Either one being an IR stash wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t know that this staff is especially fond of Ali, he could certainly be expendable with a new coaching regime, but Randall also was famously Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti’s pick. Maybe that gives him an untouchable novelty that gives him an edge. With limited action for both in preseason, whomever is healthier gets a touch or two in Indianapolis in a few weeks, while the other is cut or stashed on IR.
Henry Gayhardt: “How on earth do the Ravens decide who to keep in this DB room? Feels like they have a ton of non-stashable guys.”
It comes down to Bihlal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. The safeties will be Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins and Keondre Jackson. The corners will include Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa and Chandler Rivers. That leaves one spot remaining. My money is on Kone, who has a better frame, was a higher pick and has made some splash plays this summer. I’m not surprised to see Longerbeam get claimed by another team. I’d say it’s 50/50 that the speedster gets picked up or is able to pass through to the Ravens practice squad.
Cole Jackson: “Ethan Burke has looked the part - what’s his path to a roster spot and who comes off the 25 or 26 on D to put him on?”
Great question, my esteemed colleague. Burke and OT Diego Pounds will have every opportunity to show that they’re undeniable today. Those are the two with opportunity to leave a sweet taste on film that stamps an exclamation mark on their body of work. Burke and Pounds will likely get 35+ snaps each and if the chance to leave a lasting impression that coaches want to reward. Burke has an outstanding frame, physicality, advanced hand usage and reportedly has been a force not to be fucked with on teams.
Overall, the Ravens are likely to keep five edges. Burke will be pitted against former third-round pick Adisa Isaac. Burke has the edge, aha. His frame is more versatile. Being a factor on teams is essential in these decisions, as that’s where he will make the biggest impact as a fringe roster spot player. His frame, will and effort will go far. Burke gets the nod over Isaac.
