Justin Green vs. Ovie Mughelli (FB): With Alan Ricard’s departure, the starting fullback position is wide-open. The position itself will be featured less prominently than in the past, when the I-Formation was such a staple in the playbook. The Ravens will utilize more two-tight end formations which feature Daniel Wilcox as the H-back. That said the Ravens will still run enough two-back sets that a fullback will play a role in the offense. Neither player can compare to Ricard who when healthy was among the top isolation blockers at his position. Given his size and strength, Mughelli has always had the talent to be a strong lead blocker, but he lacks the technique and coordination to be consistent when carrying out his blocking assignments. Green is more of an offensive threat. He has the speed and hands to be an effective outlet receiver coming out of the backfield.
And the winner is: Of the two, it seems that Mughelli brings more blocking skills to the table which the coaches need from the starting fullback. While Mughelli has yet to play up to his potential, he will get a final chance to pave the way for Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson.
Clarence Moore vs. Demetrius Williams vs. Devard Darling (WR): The Ravens have yet to find a stable third receiving option behind Mason and Clayton. Last season, Randy Hymes was the No.3 wideout in three-wide sets. While Hymes brought size, hands and toughness to the position, he didn’t have the speed or quickness to line up on the inside. Whoever fills the third position this season will either need to make plays in-between the hash marks or as a vertical threat, depending on where Mark Clayton lines up on third-down. For Moore and Darling, this is their last chance to prove that they aren’t busts. Moore is long and has deceptive speed, and he could be a viable threat on go routes, but he needs to improve his timing on jump balls. Darling has the power to break press coverage, but his route running technique needs to improve. He simply doesn’t get open. As for Williams, the rookie from Oregon has good speed, and can gain separation down the field.
And the winner is: Moore and Darling have failed when they’ve been given opportunities in the past, and there is little reason to believe that either player will bounce back this year. While Darling or Moore may win the job through training camp because they have a better understanding of the offense, Williams should eventually replace either player in the lineup. While he doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a slot receiver, Williams brings explosive skills as a deep threat, and the Ravens need that explosiveness from the wideout position in order to keep defenses from flooding the intermediate passing lanes to slow down Clayton and Derrick Mason.
Keydrick Vincent vs. Brian Rimpf vs. Jason Brown (G): Out of all of the battles, this is the one which features a clear incumbent, but his hold on the position is tenuous. Heading into camp, Vincent is the starter at right guard. The former Steeler is not particularly strong in the run or pass game, but he plays with solid technique and has the ability to get into space. Vincent seems better suited as a backup then as a starter. The players who will push him are Rimpf and Brown. While Rimpf may not be physically gifted, he is tough, has some quickness and holds up well in pass-blocking situations. Brown appears to be the complete package. He has the power and base to push the line in run-blocking situations. As a pass blocker, Brown does not have the quickest feet, but he is smart and technically sound.
And the winner is: At some point, Vincent’s inconsistent play will catch up with him either through the preseason or in the regular season. Unless he plays with more consistency and power in the running game, he will lose his job. Brown is a better long-term fit at center than guard. That said, he would bring a new dimension and skill set not seen at the guard position for quite some time. Once he gets the chance to start, he will not lose his place in the starting lineup.
Mike Flynn vs. Jason Brown (C): While Flynn enters camp as the starter at center for the sixth season in a row, this could very well be the last time. Over the last couple of seasons, Flynn has struggled to play at an efficient level at the hub position. He struggles against bigger tackles in the passing game who bull-rush through his blocking stance. In the running game, Flynn lacks the strength to drive the defender off the ball. Conversely, Brown is a stronger run blocker at the point of attack. He has the potential to develop into one of the best run blockers at the center position. Brown’s technique is flawless technique and he did not give up a single sack in his junior or senior years at UNC.
And the winner is: While Flynn’s days seem to be numbered, he will hold off a furious challenge from Brown for the chance to snap the ball. Flynn is the leader of the line and understands how to change protection schemes to pick up certain blitzes. Brown needs to gain that experience. Unless Brown proves he can handle the mental responsibility of playing the position, he has a better chance of starting at guard unless Flynn breaks down.
David Pittman vs. Corey Ivy vs. Ronnie Prude vs. Derrick Martin (CB): After unsuccessfully using aging All-Pro cornerbacks (Deion Sanders and Dale Carter) to fill the depth positions behind Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle a year ago, the Ravens decided to go with more of a youth movement. Three rookies will have the chance to compete for the pivotal nickel job behind McAlister and Rolle. This is essentially a starting position in the secondary, as the nickel back is on the field 40% of the time, if not more depending on how frequently the Ravens line up in predominant coverage sets. Ivy is the only veteran of the group. Although he lacks height, the former Buccaneer and Ram possesses good quickness and can play off the line. Of the four defensive backs, Pittman clearly has the greatest potential to be an impact player. Although he dominated at a small school, Pittman also held his own against some of the best receivers at the Division-I level in the Senior Bowl. He is physical, has smooth hips and quick feet. Martin has excellent speed and athleticism. While Prude lacks ideal athletic skills, he is smart and plays tough.
And the winner is: Not only will Pittman win the job, but he will end up being the biggest impact rookie out of the Ravens’ 2006 draft class. Although he did not receive much fanfare coming out of Northwestern State, Pittman was clearly among the top cornerback prospects in the draft. He has few weaknesses as a cover corner. He will be able to hold his own against some of the best third and fourth receivers in the game.
Dawan Landry vs. Gerome Sapp vs. B.J. Ward (FS): Clearly, this will be the most scrutinized battle in training camp, as it is the only starting position which does not feature a set starter. Sapp has a hold on the free safety spot for the moment, but he will have to fight to keep his job, and there is a definite chance that he will not remain as a starter depending on how well Landry or Ward plays. Sapp is an intelligent ball-player with good run stuffing abilities. Similarly, Landry and Ward play better moving forward than moving backward or side-to-side. Of the three, Landry has the potential to be the biggest playmaker. He has great timing as a blitzer, is strong at the point and wraps up well. In coverage, although he does not have great range or speed, Landry will disrupt plays and has a nose for the ball. Ward is a big hitter who will help inside the box, but he has stiff hips and can’t cover in space.
And the winner is: Sapp will win the job because he has the most savvy and experience of the group. While Landry has greater top-end potential as a starter, it’s hard to imagine that he will be able to function in the lineup until later in the year, and that is only if he can prove that he has the understanding of playing zone coverage. Sapp already has the experience of playing in two or three deep cover shells.
Leo Araguz vs. Sam Koch (P): In six seasons, Arguaz has played in just nine games. His last call of duty was as a replacement punter for the Seahawks last year. Araguz never got much distance on his punts, but he is known for placing kicks inside of the 20-yard line, an asset that the Ravens will need from their punter. Koch has the leg strength to boom the ball anywhere he wants to. What Koch will need to prove is that he can place kicks in a position to pin an offense back, so the defense has to cover less ground.
And the winner is: While Araguz is on the wrong side of 30, and has had little success through his career, he does possess the ability to place the ball frequently inside of the 20-yard line. In fact while he was a starter for three years in a row at Oakland, the most touchbacks that Araguz punted were 10 in a season. For the most part, he does a nice job of pushing an offense back. That said, he has not had a steady job for quite some time. Koch has the leg and the talent to win the job and he should given his age, but he must prove that he can kick with accuracy.
