With the 2015 Baltimore Ravens training camp set to kick off next month, the most anticipated story lines will be the ongoing position battles.
Due to a mixture of young players having another year of development, the disappointing play of a few incumbents, and some new offseason additions, the Ravens’ depth chart will look much different than last season. There will be preseason competitions at a slew of positions.
Who will come out on top of those competitions to earn either a starting job or a regular role with the team?
Backup running back: Lorenzo Taliaferro vs. Javorius “Buck” Allen
This is about as even as a positional battle can get. Both players are young fourth round picks. The only clear difference from an intangible perspective is that Taliaferro is the incumbent with a year already under his belt.
Allen’s receiving ability gives him a dimension that Taliaferro does not bring to the offense, however Taliaferro’s limited playing time as a rookie offered hope for year two. With both quite even as runners, the two may split carries over the course of the season, but overall, Taliaferro is a bit more of a proven commodity.
Prediction: TaliaferroÂ
#3 wide receiver: Kamar Aiken vs. Marlon Brown
Assuming that first round pick Breshad Perriman will begin the regular season as the starting wide receiver opposite Steve Smith Sr., this will be an interesting competition. The value of a third receiver will increase in a Trestman offense, which makes this position battle noteworthy.
Both Aiken and Brown notched 24 receptions in 2014. It would benefit the offense to have either on the field, as both have chemistry with Joe Flacco. However, last season, in Brown’s limited time, he seemed to be the more consistent and reliable of the two. Now entering his third NFL season, I expect him to take a big step forward.
Prediction: Brown
Starting tight end: Maxx Williams vs. Crockett Gillmore
Note: I am leaving Dennis Pitta out of the tight end discussion for now. His current injury situation leaves too much uncertainty for the 2015 season.
Like the Allen-Taliaferro battle at running back, this is a competition between two recent high draft picks. Gillmore has the benefit of having a year in Baltimore under his belt, however, the rookie Williams is a more complete player.
If Williams can adjust to the offense in swift fashion, then his talent should outweigh that of Gillmore and net him a starting role.
Prediction: Williams
Starting strong safety: Will Hill vs. Matt Elam
This wouldn’t be of much note if it weren’t for the public profiling of the ongoing battle between the two. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has applauded Elam’s offseason, making the competition talk persist.
Given past accomplishments, Hill gets the edge quite easily, as his 2014 play proved to be of starter quality. On the contrary, Elam has failed to live up to his first round billing during his two seasons with the team. If he fails to take a step in the positive direction on the field this season, 2015 could be his final year in Baltimore.
Prediction: Hill
#4 cornerback: Tray Walker vs. Cassius Vaughn vs. Asa Jackson vs. Rashaan Melvin
Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Kyle Arrington have their spots all but locked up barring injury, but do not rule out the ferocity of the competition for other roles at cornerback. Given Baltimore’s inept cornerback play last season, the more competition the merrier at the position this time around.
With his proven track record in the NFL, the newest addition – Vaughn – has a favorable shot to win the first backup for nickel situations, although the athleticism and size of Melvin and Walker could provide intrigue.
Jackson has underwhelmed during his time in Baltimore. He is a similar, but less consistent version of Vaughn.
Prediction: Vaughn (although this is truly any cornerback’s job to win)
Return man: ???
We are now in the post Jacoby Jones era. For three seasons, the Ravens benefited from elite play at both kick and punt return as a result of Jones’ presence. But now, what should we expect?
In terms of finding a replacement for Jones, the team did not necessarily add any true “return men” this offseason.
At wide receiver, rookie DeAndre Carter and (when healthy) Michael Campanaro are two ideal candidates. The speed of cornerbacks Tray Walker and Asa Jackson could give them the opportunity for the return job, too, but they haven’t been mentioned often as potential candidates.
Of the position battles, this is one that has no clear favorite.
Prediction: We’ll go with Carter for now
