Ravens OTA Depth Chart Analysis: Running Backs
With the Baltimore Ravens Organized Team Activities fully underway, I will be going through the Ravens position by position breaking down the depth and the competition. I will be categorizing players into one of three spots; locks to make the team, bubble players, and longshots.
Running backs/Full backs:
Locks: Alex Collins(3rd), Buck Allen(4th), Kenneth Dixon(3rd),
The Ravens did not sign or draft any running backs, so this core is as expected. Collins will get the first team reps with Allen behind him. Dixon is a real wild card. He may be as talented as Collins, but they are very similar players. Part of Buck’s skill set is being lighter and faster than Collins which makes him a good change-of-pace back. So, while Dixon is better than Buck we may see more of Buck than you expect.
Bubble: Patrick Rickard(2nd)
In Marty Mornhinweg’s system the Fullback position is filled by backs and tight ends. There was some thought that Patrick could be a two-way player, that experiment ended after week five. Rickard is on the bubble because of the logjam at receivers and tight ends. If Marty decides that he can get by with tight ends as blockers than Rickard will get the boot.
Long shots: Mark Thompson(R), Gus Edwards(R), De’Lance Turner(R), Christopher Ezeala(R)
Mark, Gus, and Christopher are all practice squad candidates but expect the coaching staff to keep a keen eye on them if Dixon is not ready to go by the beginning of the season or if other injuries.
Turner has the best chance to make the team however. He is a homerun hitter with blazing speed and good vision. The way he makes the team is through special teams. He can return kicks and punts and can compete to be the primary option for both.
