NFL preseason games annually serve as golden opportunities for players to state their case for a spot on a 53-man roster. It's where undrafted rookie gems are unearthed and others separate themselves from their peers.
But the elimination of the preseason this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic removes what is often the best chance for bubble players to impress coaches. Decision-makers will now gauge their roster on the padded practices that will take place over the next three weeks, starting Monday.
"The decisions will be made once we put the pads on," coach John Harbaugh said days after veterans reported to Owings Mills. "We start competing along those lines, and you can see how well it transfers to just execution and play-by-play situations.
"Having the (preseason) games would be a plus, it would help us make that evaluation, but we can make the evaluation based on what we have and that's just what we'll have to do. I'm looking forward to seeing those guys in action."
The Ravens have a core of Pro Bowl stars, and several returning starters on both sides of the ball, but they are still looking to fill a few holes in what they otherwise believe to be a championship-level roster. Here are four position battles to watch as the Ravens begin padded practices at training camp:
