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Alex Lewis should play at right tackle for the Ravens

By Joe Schiller

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Alex Lewis (72) against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Alex Lewis (72) against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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It makes the most sense for offensive lineman Alex Lewis to play tackle this upcoming season

Going into the 2017 season the Baltimore Ravens still have questions on the offensive line. There is no doubt that it’s the biggest concern facing the offense going into training camp this offseason. One of the biggest questions is who will play at right tackle this upcoming season. This is where second year lineman Alex Lewis comes in. He needs to be the guy to take over.

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Lewis had a very solid rookie season in 2016. According to Pro Football Focus, the fourth round pick was ranked as the best rookie guard last season. If it weren’t for an ankle injury week nine against the Browns he would have finished out a full 16-game season. His injury was part of the many problems the Ravens offensive line had last season. Now back and healthy, Lewis is looking to continue his solid play from last year.

Right now tackle makes the most sense

Although Lewis played guard last season, it makes the most sense for him to play at right tackle in 2017.  He played some at left tackle when Ronnie Stanley was injured early in the season and it would not be a very tough transition for him. Rick Wagner seemed to be the long term answer at the position, but he left for big money in free agency. The Ravens addressed some of the depth problems by drafting Nico Siragusa and Jermaine Eluemunor, but neither of those two are immediate starters on the outside.

I don’t think we’ve seen enough from De’Ondre Wesley and Stephane Nembot to be comfortable with them taking over at tackle. In a high pressure season this year, it would be better to let those two have another year to develop. John Urschel and Nico Siragusa are more of interior lineman. Putting Lewis at tackle would give them a better opportunity to compete for the guard and center spots.

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The possibility of adding free agents is still there, but it doesn’t seem like the Ravens have made any significant progress. Center Nick Mangold and tackle King Dunlap make the most sense, but there’s no guarantee they will be here to start the season. There’s also the fact that they would most likely be around for a season or two. The Ravens would be smart to stay in house and continue to develop the young talent they have.

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