While speaking to the media, Baltimore Ravens first-round pick Vega Ioane spoke about his versatility on the line and the potential that he could play center.
A huge reason for the Baltimore Ravens bringing in Penn State offensive guard Vega Ioane was due to his versatility. Despite playing at left guard through most of college, he also has experience on the right side and at center.
When speaking to the media following practice at rookie mini camp, Ioane spoke about playing in both the left and right guard positions, while also revealing his experience at center.
"Yeah, for me at Penn State, I played both left and right, a little bit of uh center as well. You know, shout out to Phil Trautwein, my line coach at Penn State. You know, he made sure every day we were rotating left and right just to, you know, get used to it. But out here, it's, you know, definitely a little bit of work to get used to again. But ain't much to it," Ioane said.
While a simple mention of playing center might not be that significant, Ioane's versatility is a major reason why he was drafted in the first round.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter has not detailed where Ioane will play on the line, but has indicated that there will be a lot of competition in the room. That same sentiment was echoed by general manager Eric DeCosta, who indicated that the free agents and draft picks brought in were highly respected.
In all, Baltimore brought in John Simpson, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Danny Pinter. Ioane was also drafted, as was Evan Beernsten.
That is quite a few linemen that can be shuffled on the line to find the best five to protect Lamar Jackson and aid the run game. However, Ioane could be the wild card center prospect the team needs.
Watching tape on his time at Penn State, and just in the short time that he spent in rookie mini camp, he moves in a very athletic way, despite his size. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, he has the kind of fluidity and strength that may transition well to the center position.
Ioane was excellent in the run game, which is a skill set that matters a great deal for this Ravens offense. Protecting Jackson is just one element, but the ability to move the pile to open run lanes for Derrick Henry and the rest of the backs will be crucial as well.
Of the aforementioned linemen brought in, Pinter might be the obvious choice, as he has the most experience as a center. The Ravens also re-signed Corey Bullock, who operated as the direct backup for Tyler Linderbaum.
Though Bullock may have some growing to do, Ioane could be the young upstart who can come in and take over the position.
Ioane has also shown some leadership qualities, breaking down the huddle for the rookies at mini camp, and his style of speaking about the game and being a part of the organization could go a long way as well.
Baltimore has a deep need at center, and though they may very well still explore some free agent options, Ioane could be the right prospect to test out to potentially be a multi-year starting center with the Ravens.