5 players the Baltimore Ravens must move on from in 2018

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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Joe Flacco /

2. James Hurst

If you mention the name James Hurst in Baltimore you’ll get a mixed bag of responses. Some fans will bring up Hurst’s missed block that led to Joe Flacco’s torn ACL in 2015 but those are people living in the past. When Hurst isn’t starting at left or right tackle, he’s been a solid piece on the offensive line. For an undrafted lineman coming into the league, Hurst has been more than the Ravens could have asked for but he’s not a player the team should bring back next season.

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Hurst provides something not a lot of offensive lineman have and that’s versatility. He could start at guard or tackle on either side of the ball and hold his own. He’s much better suited at guard and started 16 games for the Ravens on the left side this season. For the number of injuries the unit endured before and during the season, Hurst was an integral part of keeping the strings attached. The offensive line was the unsung hero of the season and deserves more credit than they got and Hurst is part of that.

The Ravens can afford to move on from Hurst because of the players coming back from injury. Marshal Yanda will return at right guard and Alex Lewis will be back to start along Ronnie Stanley on the left side. Lewis had a fantastic rookie season in 2016 but missed all of 2017 with a shoulder injury. Fourth-round guard Nico Siragusa will also return after suffering a gruesome knee injury during the offseason. Hurst is replaceable but center Ryan Jensen is a player the Ravens can’t afford to lose. I’d expect him to be a top priority this offseason.

Hurst did his due diligence with the Ravens but he’s a player the team can move on from in 2018.

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