The Baltimore Ravens have released undrafted rookie center Nick Dawkins while trimming their roster, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun.
Dawkins signed with Baltimore after going undrafted out of Penn State in April. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman entered training camp with an opportunity to compete at center after Tyler Linderbaum departed for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
The Ravens eventually added veteran Ethan Pocic to the competition, while Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn also received opportunities. Pinter’s season-ending patellar tendon injury appeared to improve Dawkins’ chances of remaining with the organization, but Baltimore still had several interior offensive linemen capable of playing center.
Dawkins brought extensive
experience and leadership credentials from Penn State. He was a two-time team captain and won the 2024 Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes community service and leadership. He also arrived in Baltimore with familiarity alongside first-round guard Vega Ioane, his former college teammate.
His release suggests the Ravens are comfortable moving forward with Pocic and Gwyn as their primary center options, or that they believe other interior linemen can provide emergency flexibility. It also removes another player from a crowded offensive-line roster competition.
Dawkins must pass through waivers before becoming a free agent. If he goes unclaimed, he would make sense as a practice-squad candidate because of his experience, leadership and familiarity with Baltimore’s blocking system. The Ravens could continue to develop him without using one of their initial 53-man roster spots.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Report:MRavens release rookie center Nick Dawkins during roster cuts
