The Baltimore Ravens have completed nearly every offseason evaluation available to them. They have worked through training camp, two preseason games and three joint practices. One significant evaluation remains. Baltimore will host the Washington Commanders in Friday night’s preseason finale before reducing its roster to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
The Ravens have established starters at most positions, but several important competitions remain unresolved. Some will determine starting jobs or game-day roles. Others could decide which players earn the final places on the roster.
Here are five Ravens position battles that remain unsettled.
Starting center: Ethan Pocic vs. Jovaughn Gwyn
Danny Pinter appeared to be the favorite at center until suffering a torn patellar tendon during Baltimore’s
joint practice with Minnesota. Pinter was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, officially ending his season. That leaves Pocic and Gwyn competing for the job between John Simpson and rookie right guard Vega Ioane. Pocic offers significantly more NFL starting experience, but he spent much of the offseason recovering from an Achilles injury. Gwyn has received valuable repetitions in practice but must demonstrate that he can consistently handle protection calls and meet the physical demands of the position.
Baltimore’s unofficial depth chart lists Pocic and Gwyn as co-starters. Their work against Washington could provide the final evidence the coaching staff needs.
WR5 and WR6: Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt and LaJohntay Wester
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Ja’Kobi Lane appear established as Baltimore’s top three receivers. The remaining order is less certain. Walker has made several explosive plays during practices and caught two passes for 32 yards against Minnesota. His size and vertical speed give the Ravens an element that sets him apart from their other receivers. Sarratt has displayed reliable hands throughout camp but produced only one catch for 3 yards in the second preseason game. He could use a productive finale to strengthen his case for an early offensive role.
Wester has the clearest special-teams value of the group and caught Baltimore’s only touchdown against the Vikings. His speed, return ability and increasing involvement on offense have likely secured his roster position. All three receivers are strong candidates to make the team. Friday’s game could determine their order and which players dress on game days.
Final edge defender: Ethan Burke vs. Adisa Isaac
Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green and Zion Young appear secure. The Ravens must decide whether to carry a fifth edge defender and which player deserves that spot. Burke has made the stronger preseason argument. The undrafted rookie recorded a sack, forced a fumble and consistently disrupted Minnesota’s offense. His performance strengthened his chances of continuing Baltimore’s long tradition of keeping undrafted rookies.
Isaac entered the league as a third-round pick, but injuries have prevented him from establishing a consistent role. His draft status and developmental traits remain appealing, although he must prove he can contribute immediately.
Special teams could settle the competition. Burke has the preseason production, while Isaac may be more difficult to move through waivers. Friday provides one final head-to-head comparison.
Backup secondary: Young cornerbacks competing for limited spots
Baltimore’s secondary depth could force the front office to release a player who could help another team. Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie lead the cornerback group. T.J. Tampa and Chandler Rivers also appear secure, leaving Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam competing for the remaining opportunities. Martin has produced impact plays on defense and special teams. Kone offers size and outside coverage ability but missed Wednesday’s joint practice. Longerbeam is attempting to avoid being squeezed out by the numbers.
The safety competition creates another decision. Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins are established, while Keondre Jackson has strengthened his case with multiple splash plays. K’Von Wallace and Silas Walters are competing to convince Baltimore to carry a fifth safety.
Versatility will matter. A defensive back capable of playing multiple positions and covering kicks will have the best chance to survive Sunday’s cuts.
Special teams: Final coverage and return roles
The Ravens do not have direct competitions at kicker, punter or long snapper. Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley and Nick Moore are secure, while Wester has established himself as the leading punt-return option. The unsettled portion of special teams involves the players surrounding the special teams units.
Final analysis
Ali and Adam Randall need to demonstrate their overall value beyond just the running back position. Burke and Isaac could decide their edge competition through their work on coverage units. Inside linebackers Jay Higgins, Dominic DeLuca, Carl Jones Jr., and recently signed Michael Barrett also have opportunities to earn practice-squad jobs through special teams.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 Ravens position battles still unsettled ahead of the preseason finale
