Matt Birk is confident in Ravens center Gino Gradkowski

Gino Gradkowski has had a rough first six weeks as an NFL starting center.

The offensive line hasn't been able to open holes for the running backs and he's been trying to adjust accordingly with making the right calls at the line of scrimmage.

With the line's issues, there's one person in Gradkowski's corner: Baltimore's previous center, Matt Birk.

Birk was on the air with WNST's Glenn Clark and offered his support to the second-year center out of Delaware.

"I know Gino has got the goods," Birk said. "I know it’s not too much for him mentally or physically. I think he’s got what it takes. He’s got the character that it takes to play offensive line, football in general, but offensive line is a tough deal and it’s not for everybody."

Birk, who's lost 75 pounds since retiring, served as Gradkowski's mentor a year ago. It's likely Birk would know a thing or two about the young center. Of course, he's not going to publicly bash the guy either.

Time will tell if Gradkowski will be the center for Baltimore's foreseeable future. But despite the growing pains, it's good for Gradkowski that he at least has a highly regarded veteran in his corner.