"The Competition" is a series that breaks down every position battle leading up to training camp.
Returning Players
RG Marshal Yanda (6-foot-3, 305 pounds, 10th season)
C Jeremy Zuttah (6-4, 300, ninth season)
T Rick Wagner (6-6, 310, fourth season)
G/C John Urschel (6-3, 305, third season)
G/C Ryan Jensen (6-4, 310, third season)
G/T De'Ondre Wesley (6-6, 326, second season)
T Blaine Clausell (6-6, 339, first season)
Free-Agent Signing
G Vladimir Ducasse (6-5, 325, seventh season)
Rookies
Ronnie Stanley (6-6, 315)
Alex Lewis (6-6, 315)
Stephane Nembot (6-6, 322)
Jarrell Broxton (6-4, 256)
Anthony Fabiano (6-3, 303)
Matt Skura (6-3, 305)
Projected Starters
Three-fifths of the starting line won't change from last year. Zuttah, Yanda and Wagner will hold down center, right guard and right tackle. That gives the Ravens a good amount of stability. The left side of the line, however, will have two new Week 1 starters with the departure of Eugene Monroe and Kelechi Osemele. Stanley, the talented No. 6-overall pick out of Notre Dame, is expected to be the starting left tackle from Day 1. The left guard position is the most up in the air, with Urschel in the driver's seat but being pushed by Jensen and the rookie Lewis.
Key Role Players
The Ravens typically keep three reserve offensive linemen. The backup tackle has been an important position in recent years due to injuries, and it appears Hurst is the favorite once again after starting 13 regular-season games at left tackle the past two years. His experience is a big plus, but he'll still have to fend off Wesley, Clausell and Nembot. The Ravens have flexibility with Lewis, who can play guard or tackle, and will keep one other reserve interior lineman such as Jensen, Ducasse or one of the rookie free agents (Fabiano, Skura or Broxton). Jensen provides good flexibility at guard and center.
Most Anticipated Battle
While eyes will be on Stanley to see how he's holding up, the best battle will be next to him at left guard. Urschel took the first-team snaps during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, and he's proven that he can be a starter in this league when stepping in for injured players. He has the smarts and quickness to do the job. Jensen played well at guard in six starts last season, and Lewis is a physical specimen in the mold of Osemele. The Nebraska rookie is the biggest of the three and has been impressive. He'll push the veterans.
