The official Day 1 of the 2019 NFL scouting combine concluded on Wednesday. While the first players were arriving and registering, no actual drills were run by prospects. But that doesn’t stop the action from happening and things from getting clearer.
General manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh spoke to reporters Wednesday and opened up about a number of pressing issues.
Losers
Jimmy Smith | CB:
DeCosta said he expected cornerback Brandon Carr to return for 2019. With the extension to Tavon Young and a wealth of young talent already on the roster, things aren’t looking great for Smith. Because of his injury and suspension history, along with his large salary cap hit for 2019, Smith already looked like he could be on the way out. DeCosta’s statement made it look a little more definitive.
Alex Collins | RB:
Much like Smith, Collins can’t be feeling good about his standing in spite of his name never coming up directly. Harbaugh called Gus Edwards the team’s No. 1 running back for next season, which could be telling for Collins’ future with the Ravens. After getting demoted in favor of Edwards last season and as a pending restricted free agent, Collins is far from a sure bet this offseason.
Winners:
TEs Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews:
Harbaugh said the Ravens expect big things from the young tight end duo. Though you’ll seldom hear a team bash their young talent, this seems to be the Ravens going out of their way to tell their young players they’ll have a real shot at bigger roles next season.
Terrell Suggs | LB:
I already wrote about how Baltimore should re-sign Suggs this offseason. But DeCosta opened up a bit and talked about how he wanted Suggs to return next season. It’s far from a commitment to make it happen at any cost, but it shows Suggs the Ravens are serious about wanting him.
Brandon Carr | CB:
The flip side of Smith’s debacle is a boon for Carr. By DeCosta coming right out and saying he expects Carr to be back next season, the veteran cornerback can sleep a little easier at night.
Lamar Jackson | QB:
Jackson had to give a little arm pump at Harbaugh saying he expects guard Marshal Yanda to return in 2019. Yanda is easily the Ravens’ best offensive lineman and will help keep Jackson upright.
