Ravens will rethink once Giants' Patrick Ricard & Cam Skattebo sync
New York Giants fullback Patrick Ricard's success with the Baltimore Ravens will directly benefit his new teammate Cameron Skattebo
New York Giants fullback Patrick Ricard might not be known to the nominal NFL fan, but the Baltimore Ravens will miss him in the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Ravens' running back Derrick Henry didn't finish near the top of the NFL in rushing yards per game the last two seasons by blocking for himself, but relied heavily on Ricard and center Tyler Linderbaum to seal blocks and create running lanes in the A- and B-gaps of the Ravens' offensive line. Certainly, allowing Ricard to leave Baltimore was a big mistake.
The Ravens weren't able to retain Ricard or pass-catching tight-end Isaiah Likely, who both went on to join the Giants under head coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens will work to piece together the puzzle under new head coach Jesse Minter, but the question remains whether the team will operate with more 11 personnel or add a fullback to replace Ricard. Thus, the underlying problem often cited to explain the shortcomings of the Ravens' franchise centers on their unwillingness to commit to running the ball in big games, particularly in the playoffs, when they clinched the division in 2023 and 2024.
Perhaps Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will look to change that narrative this fall. Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane would be an ideal selection for the Ravens with the No. 14 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, as it will be vital to fill the gaps left by so many key departures.
As for Ricard, he'll be working alongside tight-ends Theo Johnson, Likely, and Daniel Bellinger to help fortify an aura of physicality that will help Giants running back Cameron Skattebo develop into an all-pro the way Henry already is. Before injury, Skattebo had a total of 410 rushing yards on just 101 carries and five rushing touchdowns. Skattebo will only benefit from Ricard being part of the Giants' lineup, as will Giants' wide receiver Malik Nabers, who will be afforded more opportunities to operate against base defenses, since the Giants' rushing attack will need to be accounted for by opponents.