By Tim Barbalace
Training Camp has finally arrived for the Ravens! After months of speculation of how things will play out, the team is hitting the practice field to find out what they have. Everyone will be focused on Lamar Jackson, but let's take a look at three other big storylines of camp.
1. Who Steps Up at Wide Receiver
The wide receiving corps is the most significant question mark as training camp begins. There are so many unknowns at the position. Only four of the team's 13 receivers have caught a pass in the NFL, and that list includes Michael Floyd and Seth Roberts, both of whom are not guaranteed to make the roster.
You know what to expect from Willie Snead, and he is a reliable option out of the slot, but besides that, there is plenty of concern. Chris Moore has flashed throughout his three seasons but has yet to show that he can be counted on as a starting receiver. Jordan Lasley was inactive for all 16 games last year and fellow 2018 draft pick Jaleel Scott was placed on injured reserve before the season.
There is plenty of intrigue regarding 2019 first-round pick Marquise Brown. His playmaking ability is something Ravens fans have been clamoring for over the years, but he has yet to be cleared for practice as he recovers from surgery due to a lisfranc injury. Wide receiver is one of the toughest positions to translate from college to the pros, and Brown continuing to miss a practice will only make it more difficult for him to contribute early on.
The Ravens also invested a third-round pick in Miles Boykin. Boykin presents plenty of upside and has the ability to carve out a role in the offense early on given the lack of proven commodities. He is considered raw having put up numbers during his senior season at Notre Dame.
Baltimore has had one undrafted free agent make their roster in each of the past 15 seasons, and one has a chance to make it at wideout. Antoine Wesley and Sean Modster are two names to keep an eye on as both flashed during offseason practices. The bottom line is that wide receiver is truly a boom or bust position for the Ravens in 2019.
2. Where Will the Lost Sack Production Be Made Up?
Wide receiver is the most significant question mark on the team, but pass rush doesn't trail behind it by much. The loss of Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith means the team will have to make up 15.5 sacks from other players. I am very high on Matt Judon, but who plays opposite of him and who can be counted on as part of the pass rush rotation?
This training camp is enormous for both Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams. The former 2017 second and third-round picks respectively have produced very little through their first two seasons. Neither are guaranteed a spot on the 53 man roster and will need to stack quality performances throughout the preseason to instill confidence in the coaching staff.
Pernell McPhee and Shane Ray were brought in on cheap one-year contracts. They were available at those rates because of injuries and lack of production in recent years.
McPhee turned 30 this past December and has dealt with knee injuries over his career. Shane Ray is still young at age 26 but has undergone wrist surgeries that have hampered his production. The Ravens will more than likely need one of these two players to be contributors in 2019.
Baltimore used their first third-round pick this year on Jaylon Ferguson. Ferguson set the NCAA FBS career sack record with 45 during his time at Louisiana Tech. The rookie may take some time to get adjusted to the increase in competition in the NFL, but figures to be part of the rotation at pass rusher.
As with wide receiver, there are not enough proven commodities at pass rusher. The team's strong secondary will be able to aid the pass rush some, but the team will need a few of the above players to step up their game in 2019.
3. Who Nails Down the Starting Spot at Left Guard?
Arguably the starting spot most up for grabs is at left guard. There are a handful of candidates vying for that position.
Jermaine Eluemunor took the majority of the reps with the first team at minicamp but is far from a lock to win the job. Eluemunor did not make the team initially out of training camp last season, but was elevated from the practice squad and appeared in nine games, including one start. He has the versatility to play tackle and guard, but I question whether he is the best option on the roster.
Alex Lewis started ten games at left guard last season before being placed on IR due to a shoulder injury. Injuries have plagued Lewis his entire career, and his play in 2018 did not match his play from his rookie year in 2016. Lewis will need to prove he can stay healthy and produce to make the roster.
James Hurst has plenty of starting experience, but his best role on the team may be to serve as the "sixth lineman." Hurst is exceptionally versatile as he has played at both spots at guard and tackle. He is most likely the team's top choice if no one else rises to the occasion.
Bradley Bozeman appeared in 14 games and had one start during his rookie year in 2018. That's not bad for a sixth-round pick. Bozeman may also compete with Matt Skura at center, but nonetheless, he will serve as valuable depth.