Replacing Tyler Linderbaum was never going to be easy. The former Pro Bowler anchored the middle of the Baltimore Ravens‘ offensive line for years, leaving behind one of the roster’s most important vacancies when he departed this offseason.
Many expected the Ravens to use an early draft pick to identify his successor. Instead, general manager Eric DeCosta chose a different approach, exploring free agency and signing an undrafted rookie, setting the stage for one of training camp’s most closely watched position battles.
While veteran Ethan Pocic may have an edge entering camp (no one is sure), Danny Pinter is quietly receiving recognition as one of the NFL’s better reserve offensive linemen. In a recent feature, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell assembled an NFL All-Backup Team, recognizing the league’s top non-starters at every position. Pinter earned one of the interior offensive line spots.
ESPN recognizes Pinter’s value
Barnwell acknowledged that Baltimore’s starting center job remains unsettled, noting that the Ravens could ultimately turn to Pocic or another option before Week 1. Even so, he highlighted Pinter’s ability to play both center and guard, a trait that significantly increases his value on game day.
“Pinter has experience at both interior line spots, which is essential given that we aren’t going to have stars anywhere up front.”
Versatility often determines roster spots
The NFL places a premium on players capable of wearing multiple hats. Pinter fits that description perfectly. His experience at both center and guard gives Baltimore flexibility when injuries arise or game plans require adjustments. Instead of occupying only one reserve role, Pinter provides insurance at two positions, allowing the Ravens to maximize one of their most valuable commodities: roster space.
That kind of versatility often separates players who survive final roster cuts from those searching for another opportunity elsewhere. Although Pocic’s arrival gives Baltimore another experienced option to replace Linderbaum, the battle isn’t over.
Jovaughn Gwyn remains in the mix, while undrafted rookie Nick Dawkins will have an opportunity to make his case throughout training camp and the preseason. Pinter, meanwhile, continues building his own resume as someone the coaching staff can trust at multiple positions along the interior offensive line.
The Ravens don’t have to trim their roster to 53 players until September, leaving plenty of time for the competition to unfold. Still, if the season opened today, Pinter would appear to have a strong chance of earning one of those coveted spots. ESPN’s All-Backup Team won’t determine who starts at center when Baltimore opens the regular season, but it does reinforce something the Ravens already know. Pinter’s value extends beyond one position, and in a league where versatility can make all the difference, that could prove just as important as having a full-time starter.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Versatile Ravens reserve lineman makes ESPN’s NFL All-Backup Team
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