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Baltimore Ravens: Who Wins the Left Guard Competition?

By Joe Serpico

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Juan Castillo directs players during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Juan Castillo directs players during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Urschel

Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard John Urschel (64) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard John Urschel (64) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

My reasoning for giving John Urschel the upper hand over the rest of the group is that his number has already been called when needed. He has made several starts at both center and guard, and we know he has the brains to handle the load.

He played well in his rookie season when he was forced to make five starts at guard, including the two playoff games. Now entering his third season, he was shaky at first when filling in for an injured Jeremy Zuttah at center last season, but turned it around after a few games. Guard is his natural position and he has shown that he can handle the load.

There is one guy pulling for Urschel and that’s Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. He basically anointed Urschel the starter at the NFL owners meetings in March. The boss gets what he wants, and that’s why he has the upper hand in this battle. That does not mean the rest of the group is going to make this decision easy for the Ravens’ brass.

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