4. Problems With The Offensive Line
Related Story: The Ideal Offensive Line For The Baltimore Ravens
The biggest problem with the Ravens offensive line last season was depth. When Eugene Monroe went down to injury, the Ravens did not have a suitable back up. It was not the starting five that got Joe Flacco hurt. It was thinking James Hurst could hold his weight at the left tackle position, something he literally could not do, that got Flacco injured. But when the Raiders made Kelechi Osemele the highest paid guard in NFL history, you knew the Ravens would look for a starting caliber player.
The Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley and so far have kept Eugene Monroe. Stanley will either play left guard or right tackle to start the season. The Ravens also drafted Alex Lewis and signed veteran tackle, Vlad Ducasse. While many have speculated that this means the end of Monroe in Baltimore, it more probably means that the Ravens are moving on from Hurst.
The Ravens now have Lewis, Ducasse, John Urschel and Ryan Jensen as quality back ups. Every one of these back ups can play multiple positions. The presumptive starting five (Monroe, Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda and Wagner) are all quality and versatile starters. While I have my reservations about Stanley in his rookie season, I doubt the offensive line will be problematic next season.
Next: 5. Finding Daryl Smith's Replacement