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5 breakout stars to watch for Baltimore Ravens in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Miles Boykin #80 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Miles Boykin #80 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 29: Ben Powers #72 of the Baltimore Ravens lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 29: Ben Powers #72 of the Baltimore Ravens lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. G Ben Powers 

When a two-time All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler opts for retirement, filling that void is it obviously easier said than done. And the Baltimore Ravens will have to deal with the departure of 13-year veteran Marshal Yanda, who opted to walk away from the game. After a 2017 season which saw him limited to only two games, he rebounded the past two years and started in every contest but one for John Harbaugh’s club.

Of course, his absence certainly puts a crimp into a unit that was ranked the second-best in the business in 2019 by Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

So who takes over for Yanda? How about 2019 fourth-round pick Ben Powers, who saw action in only one game this past year (Week 17 vs. the Steelers) but made somewhat of an impression on one of his line mates.

“I think he really grew from coming in as a rookie,” explained center Matt Skura (via Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com). It’s tough transitioning from college to the NFL – physically and mentally, the game slowed down for him…The Steelers game was really big for him getting those meaningful reps. I think he’s ready to take his game to the next level and improve on the things he wants to.”

It’s safe to say the right guard job bears watching this year.

Next: No. 2

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