By Joe Schiller
1. G Patrick Mekari
The left guard position remains a question mark and Patrick Mekari has entered the conversation. The undrafted rookie out of Cal took first-team reps this week and could be the starter when the Ravens take the field against the Packers tonight.
It's a surprise, but maybe it shouldn't be. Jermaine Eluemunor has struggled while Ben Powers and Bradley Bozeman haven't emerged as clear-cut favorites. According to Pro Football Focus, Mekari allowed just seven total pressures in 377 snaps at left tackle in 2018.
The Ravens aren't afraid to trust mid-late-round talent on the O-Line. Orlando Brown Jr. and Marshal Yanda were third-round picks, and Matt Skura went undrafted. I'm intrigued to see if Mekari can establish himself tonight.
2. CB Marlon Humphrey
Usually, these lists comprise of backups and roster bubble players, but there's been a buzz around third-year cornerback Marlon Humphrey. He's had a strong camp on accounts from local media members, and if he plays, he'll see Aaron Rodgers for "at least a quarter," according to Packers Head Coach Matt LeFleur.
One quarter for the #Packers starters on Thursday against the Ravens is the current plan, Matt LaFleur says.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 13, 2019Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr are the proven veterans in the secondary, but Humphrey is emerging as one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL. I want to see how he matches up against the Packers wide receivers in game action.
3. RB Tyler Ervin/CB Cyrus Jones
Like left guard, the return competition remains open after the first preseason game. Undrafted rookie running back Tyler Ervin received opportunities and showed some pop, averaging 12 yards on two punt returns, but cornerback Cyrus Jones firmly remains in the mix.
The question becomes, which player can establish themselves at their position? Jones returned a 19-yard pick-six against the Jaguars but is far down the depth chart in a loaded secondary. Ervin rushed for just five yards on four carries, but I could see the Ravens keeping a fourth running back as a return specialist rather than in the secondary.
Tonight will be a huge game for both players. They'll look to avoid fumbles, as they're an easy way to get into John Harbaugh's "Dog House."
4. OLB Jaylon Ferguson
The "Sack Daddy" has been quiet through training camp and recorded just one tackle in the Week 1 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. How much will he play tonight and will he separate himself from a crowded pass rush competition?
Matt Judon is really the only established pass rusher on the roster. Pernell McPhee and Shane Ray have dealt with injuries in the past, while Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams are entering "prove-it" seasons in their third years.
Ferguson has an opportunity to stand out and I'll be looking forward to that tonight.
5. WR Miles Boykin
With Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown not expected to play, I'm keying in on rookie third-round pick Miles Boykin for the second straight week. Boykin bounced back from a rough first quarter in Week 1 to lead the Ravens with four receptions for 38 yards on nine yards. He also had a touchdown catch nullified by a holding penalty.
I'm looking to see Boykin's speed 4.42 on display tonight. He'll be matched up against one of the fastest secondaries in the NFL with Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Josh Jackson, and Darnell Savage. Another strong performance would continue to push Boykin up the depth charts.
