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Baltimore Ravens roster spotlight: A look at the offensive line

By Joe Schiller

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Jeremy Zuttah (53) and guard Marshal Yanda (73) block at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Jeremy Zuttah (53) and guard Marshal Yanda (73) block at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with guard Marshal Yanda (73) after kicking a 61 yard field goal during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Detroit Lions 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with guard Marshal Yanda (73) after kicking a 61 yard field goal during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Detroit Lions 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Starters

Left Tackle: Ronnie Stanley

The Ravens used their 2016 first round pick on Ronnie Stanley and he hasn’t disappointed. After dealing with some injuries the beginning of the season he settled down and played very well. He got better and better as the year went on. By the end of the season, he finished as one of the top graded rookie tackles by Pro Football Focus. He is set to be one of the major pieces for the offensive line going forward.

Left Guard: Nico Siragusa

As a rookie, I think Nico Siragusa has a good shot at starting. He is very physical and will be a great run blocker. He helped pave the way for one of the best running backs in NCAA during his time at San Diego State. It might be a bit of a stretch for him to be a day-1 starter, but there might not be any other options. Ryan Jensen is the only other guard option on the roster right now. The Ravens put their trust in two rookie lineman last year and it worked out well so I would not be surprised to see it happen again.

Center: John Urschel (or free agent)

As of right now, the Ravens have not signed a free agent, but I think there is a good possibility they do. That free agent would be Nick Mangold and if he’s healthy he can step in right away in contribute. If they chose to stay in house, John Urschel is the likely candidate for this job. Urschel has started 10 games at center so the experience is there. The question is whether the Ravens want him starting a full 16 game season.

Right Guard: Marshal Yanda

Marshal Yanda has been the rock for the Ravens offensive line. There is no doubt that he is one of the best offensive lineman in the league and no one ever talks about him. Year and year out, he is always the most consistent guy out there. His versatility is something that sets him apart from a lot of other players. Last year Yanda dealt with a left-shoulder injury and switched positions to keep playing. He switched to left guard to be able to have his healthy shoulder on the inside. Most players wouldn’t even think about playing. Now that he has had surgery to fix the problem, Yanda should sit comfortable back at right guard this season.

Right Tackle: Alex Lewis

With Siragusa at guard, this would move Alex Lewis out to tackle. It is not the most ideal situation but it definitely works for this line. Lewis played very well at guard during his rookie season, but with Rick Wagner gone, someone has to fill in. Jermaine Eluemunor is a potential starter at tackle, but he is not ready yet. He is a raw talent that still needs to be polished up. In a win now situation, I’m also not confident in the other undrafted options or James Hurst. For the time being, Lewis can fill this role. Lewis has experience playing tackle and the transition should not be a problem. If it works out, he could take a permanent role on the right side.

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