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Ravens vs. Eagles: 7 players with most to prove in preseason opener
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- Ravens vs. Eagles: 7 players with most to prove in preseason opener
After months of waiting, Jesse Minter will make his Ravens head coaching debut on Saturday night in the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles . Baltimore will hold several established stars out, creating extended opportunities for players fighting for starting jobs, rotational roles and roster spots.
Lamar Jackson will not play, and head coach Jesse Minter indicated that other veterans could join him on the sideline. Baltimore's approach will focus on younger players and reserves who need live reps to improve their standing on the depth chart.
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The Ravens also have several competitions that remain unsettled. The starting job at center is still being evaluated, injuries have tested the cornerback depth, and the team must determine which young receivers and running backs deserve to remain behind its established playmakers.
Here are seven Ravens with the most to prove against Philadelphia.
Joe Fagnano
Skylar Thompson's move to injured reserve dramatically changed Fagnano's outlook. The undrafted rookie was previously competing with Thompson for the third quarterback position. He must now contend with Austin Reed , whom Baltimore signed after Thompson's injury.
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Reed joined the Ravens only days before the opener, giving Fagnano an advantage in his understanding of Declan Doyle's offense. However, Reed brings professional experience after throwing for 1,923 yards and a UFL-record 21 touchdown passes with the Dallas Renegades. Fagnano must show that his additional time in Baltimore's system can translate into efficient game management, accurate throws and command of the offense. The quarterback competition changed considerably once Thompson went on injured reserve.
Adam Randall
Baltimore selected Randall in the fifth round after he transitioned from wide receiver at Clemson to running back. His 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame gives the Ravens an intriguing offensive piece, but the preseason will determine how quickly he can adapt to his new position.
Randall must display patience, vision and ball security as a runner while proving he can handle pass-protection responsibilities. He could also help himself by contributing as a receiver and on special teams. Derrick Henry , Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali give Baltimore an established foundation, leaving Randall to demonstrate that his combination of size and versatility warrants an immediate role.
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Ja'Kobi Lane
Few Ravens in franchise history have generated more training camp attention than Lane. The third-round pick has regularly used his 6-foot-4 frame to make catches over defenders, including several receptions that quickly circulated on social media.
The expectations created during practice now follow Lane into his first NFL game. Baltimore does not need him to dominate the Eagles , but it must see his size, body control and catch-point strength translate against an unfamiliar defense. Lane is competing with LaJohntay Wester , Devontez Walker and Elijah Sarratt for opportunities behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman . A productive debut would strengthen his case for the No. 3 receiver role.
Danny Pinter
The starting center competition remains one of Baltimore's most important unresolved battles. Pinter entered training camp with an opportunity to win the job, but the addition of Ethan Pocic added an experienced option who has made 81 regular-season starts.
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Pinter must show that he can organize the offensive line, deliver consistent snaps and hold his ground against Philadelphia's interior defenders. His familiarity with Doyle's system can help, but the Ravens will ultimately base their decision on which center gives the offense the most reliable combination of communication and blocking. Jovaughn Gwyn is also involved in the competition, making every preseason series important for Pinter.
Zion Young
Young enters the preseason with expectations attached to his status as a second-round pick. The former Missouri edge defender possesses the length and athleticism Baltimore values, but he joins a crowded outside linebacker group featuring Trey Hendrickson , Mike Green , Tavius Robinson , Adisa Isaac and Kaimon Rucker .
The Eagles' reserve offensive tackles will provide Young with his first opportunity to demonstrate whether his physical traits can translate into consistent NFL pressure. Setting the edge against the run will be equally important. Young does not need a multi-sack performance, but he must play with discipline and show that he can contribute to Baltimore's defensive rotation during his rookie season.
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Robert Longerbeam
Longerbeam enters the preseason opener with an opportunity to move beyond the developmental label attached to him as a sixth-round pick in 2025. Baltimore's recent injuries at cornerback have created additional practice and game repetitions for players deeper on the depth chart, making Saturday an important evaluation point.
Longerbeam's speed and competitiveness give him tools to contribute, but he must demonstrate greater consistency in coverage. Philadelphia's crowded receiver room should test his ability to stay disciplined through routes, locate the football and finish plays without committing penalties. His work as a tackler will also matter against short passes and perimeter runs.
Ryan Eckley
Eckley will enter his first NFL game as the only punter on Baltimore's active roster, but the lack of direct competition does not eliminate the pressure surrounding his performance. The sixth-round selection is being asked to replace Jordan Stout and stabilize a position that directly affects field position.
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The Ravens will evaluate Eckley's distance, hang time, placement and ability to handle pressure. He must also execute cleanly as Tyler Loop 's holder on field-goal attempts. One poor punt will not determine Eckley's future, but a steady debut would reinforce Baltimore's decision to entrust its punting operation to a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Eagles: 7 players with most to prove in preseason opener
