The Baltimore Ravens are set to commence mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, where various players will compete for key roles on the team. With most of the core players returning, the focus will be on establishing starters for several vital positions.
One prominent position in flux is the starting left guard, which has seen a mix of players over the last few years. As Patrick Mekari has departed to the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing a significant three-year deal worth $37.5 million, the race is on to fill the vacancy. The leading contender for the position appears to be Andrew Vorhees, who began last season as a starter but had his progress interrupted by an ankle injury, allowing Mekari to eventually take over. Vorhees will face competition from Ben Cleveland, a third-round draft pick in 2021, known for his potential but struggling with consistency. Cleveland’s availability may be in question due to a recent DUI arrest.
Another critical area of focus will be the No. 3 safety role, especially following the injury to Ar’Darius Washington, who suffered a torn Achilles. This situation has opened up opportunities for younger safeties like Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade to compete for the position. Kane has caught the attention of head coach John Harbaugh, who praised him for his performance and potential. However, analysts suggest that the Ravens may still look to add a veteran safety to bolster the roster, with several experienced players like Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs still available in free agency.
Additionally, the competition for the starting kicker spot is heating up between rookies Tyler Loop and John Hoyland. Loop, selected in the sixth round, has struggled with consistency, notably missing several attempts from long distances during practice, while Hoyland had a strong performance recently. This competition is becoming increasingly critical as the Ravens seek a reliable kicker for the future.
Overall, the Ravens have an exciting camp ahead, with many opportunities for players to establish themselves in the team. Developing young talent while possibly bringing in experienced veterans could lead to a stronger overall squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. The spotlight will be on how emerging players like Kane and the kickers handle the pressure in this competitive environment.