Loser: Young offensive linemen
Before the draft, the Ravens had plenty of young offensive linemen that were ready to compete for starting positions. After the draft, those young players have much more competition, not only for starting spots but for roster spots as well. While Bradley Bozeman, Matt Skura, and Patrick Mekari played well last season, arguably all three positions on the interior offensive line are up for grabs this offseason.
Bozeman might have the firmest grasp on his job at left guard and it’s likely his job to lose at this point. But Bozeman is a center by trade who worked really hard to become an effective guard last season. Baltimore is likely going to at least test him there with some competition to make sure he’s ready for 2020.
Despite improving a good amount in 2019, Skura is recovering from a gruesome injury. It remains to be seen how he performs in training camp, if he’s even able to return for the start of it. Mekari filled in well after Skura’s injury and would likely be the guy that gets the pole position if Skura is unable to go. But pushing a UDFA back into the starting lineup without any competition would be foolish of the Ravens.
Marshal Yanda’s retirement fully opens the right guard position for competition. Despite having all of those young players, Baltimore added two more to throw into the fray through the 2020 NFL Draft, while adding a player with experience in D.J. Fluker.
Tyre Phillips and Ben Bredeson were both drafted by the team in hopes of becoming part of the next great Baltimore offensive line. Both offer some versatility, with Phillips having a little experience at tackle while Bredeson got some snaps at center. That should allow them to at least compete for any open jobs, which would make everyone else’s life that much harder. If either one of the new draft picks comes in and makes a statement, one of the previous young linemen could potentially see their starting spot, and roster spot in jeopardy.