Baltimore Ravens

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It was a quiet offseason along the offensive line for GM Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens. The team was inactive in free agency, and selected only one offensive lineman in the 2015 NFL Draft – OG Robert Myers in Round 5.

Apparently, there’s something about the fifth round that Ozzie likes, because that’s the round in which he’s selected his first offensive lineman in each of the last three years. It was OG John Urschel in 2014, and OT Ricky Wagner in 2013. OT Ryan Jensen was the only other lineman drafted by the Ravens over that span – he was a Round 6 pick in 2013.

Overall, Baltimore was a good pass-blocking unit and an exceptional run-blocking unit in 2014. It was a return to form similar to 2011 and 2012 after a down year in 2013. Former offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak was given quite a bit of credit for last year’s resurgence, so his departure in the offseason does raise mild concern as to how much this group can continue to improve. Ravens advocates will tell you that new OC Marc Trestman did more with a lot less in Chicago, and not to sleep on this offensive line.

Projected Starting Lineup

Eugene Monroe, LT 6’5″ 300 pounds– Followed a solid 2012 and 2013 with a down year in 2014 after signing a new contract, was injury-plagued and struggled as a run blocker, underwhelmed early in his career in Jacksonville, Baltimore continues to be committed to him

Kelechi Osemele, LG 6’5″ 330 pounds– Has settled in at OG after beginning career at OT, blossomed last season as one of the league’s top guards, heading into a contract year, needs to replicate last year’s performance to verify his worth, was a tremendous run blocker and solid pass blocker in 2014

Jeremy Zuttah, C 6’4″ 300 pounds– Signed an extension in 2014, currently recovering from a clean-up procedure on his hip but expected to be 100% healthy for the season, a solid starter who excels in the run game but sometimes gives up interior pressure

Marshal Yanda, RG 6’3″ 305 pounds– Heading into a contract year at 31 years old, annually one of the league’s top OGs, dominant in the run game, proficient pass protector

Ricky Wagner, RT 6’6″ 310 pounds– Coming back from the oft-dreaded Lisfranc foot injury, the team is optimistic about the quality of his recovery, Wagner missed OTAs and minicamp, finished as one of leagues top RTs in 2014 prior to injury, was an excellent pass blocker, saw limited action at OT and OG as rookie in 2013

Notes-

This is a very respectable starting five. It’s an A- to B+ group with significant potential. The few concerns revolve around Wagner’s health, Monroe’s consistency of play, and the overall depth of this unit. It’s mind boggling, as good as this unit is, that it may be bottom of the barrel in the AFC North – a testament to the outstanding overall quality of offensive line play within the division.

The Ravens have an exceptionally dominant group of interior run blockers which sets up well again for Justin Forsett. At a smallish 5’8″ and 195 pounds, you’ll want to handcuff Forsett with rookie back up Buck Allen– who is patient and effective in following his interior blockers.

Pass protection will be paramount to rookie WR Breshad Perriman and his initial success. Perriman offers exciting rookie upside, and is set for a big role. However, our one minor concern is the time it takes for Perriman’s vertical routes to develop- and the frequency with which BAL can execute those vertical plays because this is a group that is susceptible to interior pressure. Ricky Wagner’s health is also going to be key to the team’s ability to continue protecting the edge like last season, as is Monroe’s consistency. Both are situations to be monitored throughout the preseason, as the depth chart doesn’t offer much experience behind them.

The “senior” citizen Steve Smith will be Joe Flacco‘s No. 1 option when the pressure mounts. Expect Smith to start the season hot, and be Flacco’s go-to guy in emergency situations. You’ll probably want to look into trading Smith midseason once he’s established his value as we suggested in 2014 before his falloff.

The depth of the offensive line is a bit concerning, as Ozzie has abandoned lineman in the draft as he’s re-prioritized the defense in recent years. There are a few bright spots on the bench, but overall this is an inexperienced group:

-OT James Hurst – UDFA 2014, struggled in 7 starts last year at LT

-LG Jah Reid – started only 7 games of career in 2012 with pedestrian performances, Round 3 pick in 2011

-OG Robert Myers – developmental prospect out of small school Tennessee State, 2015 Senior Bowl participant, expert Mike Lokyo like’s his size, length, and quickness – but faces a big step up in competition

– OL Ryan Jensen – another developmental small-school prospect, was considered strong and athletic with a mean streak, has only appeared in one game and has never started (but insiders like his upside)

-OL John Urschel – was known as an underpowering-type coming out of college and best suited for a ZBS, started 5 games in 2014 and graded respectably (insiders also like his upside)

-OT Marcel Jones – a Round 7 pick in 2012, has seen zero game action