Ravens position analysis : The Centers
Photo: Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had a big weakness last season on the offensive line. The entire Ravens offense suffered from the poor offensive line. The line could not open up running holes or protect Joe Flacco. A lot of the blame can be put on the performance of Gino Gradkowksi. The Ravens traded for Jeremy Zuttah during the offseason to help sure up the center position.
Center is one of the Ravens weak positions but Gary Kubiak has always been good at working with offensive lineman. The Ravens do not have a real standout center but do have some under development.
Let’s get to the analysis.
1. Jeremy Zuttah: The Ravens traded for Zuttah this offseason in hopes that he would sure up the center position. Zuttah is not a top ranked center but he will be a major improvement over Gradkowksi. Zuttah can also play both guard positions. Hopefully Zuttah can be a solid starter for the Ravens because that is all they need.
2. A.Q. Shipley: Shipley is experienced at both guard and center and will likely be challenging for a backup position. Shipley is best used at center but had to play a lot of guard last season and struggled. Shipley is undersized at guard but can handle the center position in an emergency.
3. Gino Gradkowksi: Gradkowksi is coming into his third season and will have a challenge to win the backup role. The Ravens spent a fourth-round pick on Gradkowksi in 2012 and he has yet to live up to the draft pick. Gradkowksi looked undersized and lost all last season and was a huge weakness for the Ravens. Unless Gradkowksi really ups his game it is clear that he is a poor backup at best.
4. John Urschel: The Ravens drafted Urschel in the fifth round this season and I really like his chances at making the team. Urschel is more of a guard than a center but I really think he would make a great center. Urschel is extremely smart and will do great making line calls. Urschel will more than likely make the Ravens team as a rookie as a backup. Urschel could gain a little weight but I love his potential.
5. Ryan Jensen: The Ravens spent a sixth-round 2013 pick on Jensen and they have liked his development. Jensen is a tall center at 6’4′ but he is only 306 pounds. Jensen is another player with potential that could surprise some people.
6. Reggie Stephens: Stephen’s is a long-shot to make the Ravens roster. Stephen’s has bounced around the league and has been a practice squad player.
