Offensive linemen are the most important players in any football organization. As they go, so goes the team. Offensive line coaches are often the most experienced and least publicized coaches on staff. Therefore, it’s no surprise that when the Ravens are best, their offensive line is cohesive and performing at a high level.
As much as the team is built around Lamar Jackson, they won’t succeed if the offensive line isn’t right. Eric DeCosta knows this, which is why he stated before the combine how he had his eye on some key offensive lineman ahead of this year’s draft.
But DeCosta isn’t waiting until April to make moves. On March 17, Morgan Moses was introduced to Ravens fans as the newest member of the organization, as he signed a 3-year, $15 million deal to become a Raven. He’s the team’s new right tackle, which was going to be a major need in the draft.
Moses was a 3rd round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Virginia. After becoming a regular starter in 2015, Moses started 112 of 113 possible games. To find that kind of durability and quality in a player for a $2.58 million cap hit this year is outstanding work by DeCosta and Pat Moriarty. Moses played seven of his eight years in Washington, a team that prides itself on being able to run the ball well. However, he has never played with someone nearly as elusive as Jackson, which must excite him and the Ravens fanbase.
The right side of Baltimore’s offensive line is as steady as there is in the league. Between Moses and right guard Kevin Zeitler, the Ravens can have total confidence in being able to run to that side and protect Jackson from pass rushers.
The other three players are a question mark.
Bradley Bozeman is now a Carolina Panther, for a confusingly low 1-year, $2.8 million deal. Trystan Colon seems to be the next man up at that center and should be next to left guard Ben Cleveland and left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Colon has played well when he’s been in the game but has only three started three times in his 2-year career. Cleveland started a little rough last year but came on eventually and was a solid player for Baltimore. However, he’s only in his second year.
As for Stanley, he’s a former All-Pro but has only started 7 of a possible 24 games in the last two seasons. For someone who plays the most important position on the most important unit on the team, that’s simply not good enough. Obviously, injuries are something he didn’t want or plan on, and he’s worked like crazy to return, but entering a season in which the Ravens are clearly intent on making a Super Bowl run, one can’t help but wonder if Stanley will hold up for a potential 21-game regular and post season campaign.
From left to right, potential starters consist of Stanley, Cleveland, Colon, Zeitler, and Moses. Key backups consist of tackle Ja’Wuan James, guard Ben Powers, and guard/tackle Tyre Phillips. That’s a pretty good offensive line group, with the draft still to come.
Any reinforcement is welcomed and should be expected next month. Last year, the Ravens ranked 3rd in rushing yards and 31st in sacks allowed. Between 2019-20, they ranked 1st and 11th in those categories, respectively. So much of what they do is based off establishing the run and subsequent play action
passing. Therefore, it’s critical that one of these two happens: a) every player remains healthy, or b) the front office acquires key depth at every position.
Depending on who’s on the board, positions I think they should draft are center and tackle. Players to look for at those positions are Boston College C Alec Lindstrom, Arizona State C Dohnovan West, Georgia T Jamaree Salyer, and Central Michigan T Bernhard Raimann. There are others that would be fits in the Ravens offensive system, but if Baltimore can select one or two of these players, that would give me every confidence that they can accomplish all their offensive goals for this season.
At the end of the day, a healthy Jackson will always be a playmaking threat, even if protection breaks down. A healthy J.K. Dobbins is always capable of breaking past a stout defensive front if the offensive line isn’t getting much push. Things will break down at some point but think of how potent the Ravens can be if their offensive line is at full strength.
It may not be exciting in the short term but investing in your offensive line is always a wise decision.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
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