Ravens: Projecting Every Starter And The Next Man Up

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Guard:

1. Marshall Yanda: Yanda is highly thought of in the football world. He is recognized as one of the best offensive guards in football. Remember, the Ravens twice had Pro Bowl guards set to become free agents. They chose Yanda over Grubbs. They chose Yanda over Osemele. Yanda is the unquestioned leader of the Ravens offensive line. Yanda leads by example. He is so consistent, it almost seems robotic.

Of all the things the Ravens have ever had to worry about, Yanda has never been one of them. Yanda ranked number 37 on this year’s NFL Top 100, on NFL Network. Yanda has started 120 games for the Ravens; including all 16 games in five of the last six years. When you talk about dependability, look no farther than good old number 73.

2. Rick Wagner: Wagner is the starting right tackle, but bear with me here. If Yanda were to go down to injury, the Ravens would do a mini shift. Wagner would move over to right guard (the position he played in college) and Alex Lewis would be the right tackle. This would be the most ideal way to deal with an unfortunate injury to Yanda. I don’t mean to ruin the surprise but Lewis is also the backup for the right tackle position.

Next: Right Tackle