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Baltimore Ravens year in review: The offensive line

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 of the Baltimore Ravens is intoduced before the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 of the Baltimore Ravens is intoduced before the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass while teammate offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 blocks against cornerback Dwayne Gratz #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass while teammate offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 blocks against cornerback Dwayne Gratz #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Moving Forward:

The Ravens have the offensive line pretty much in tact moving forward. The only thing the Ravens have to worry about is keeping Jensen. If Jensen leaves the Ravens have a void at the center position, and no natural center to fill it. That is the one concern for the offensive line. While the purple and black would love to get more from the right tackle spot, Howard is suitable for the job. It could be argued that the offensive line is one of the surest positions on the roster as we move into the offseason.

The projected starting offensive line for the 2018 season sees Alex Lewis and Marshall Yanda returning to their respective guard positions. This makes an offensive line of Stanley, Lewis, Jensen, Yanda and Howard (if they re-sign Jensen). That is a strong unit. There are two encouraging facts about this unit. First, it is a mostly young unit, so the Ravens may be able to keep the offensive line together for a while. Secondly, the depth of having players like Matt Skura, Nico Siragusa and Jermaine Eluemunor is comforting.

Next: 2017 Baltimore Ravens: The good, bad and the ugly

In review, the offensive line was impressive in the 2017 season. It wasn’t great, but it was good enough. The Ravens biggest area of improvement this season was run blocking. The reason the offensive line was so impressive is because it easily could have been a disaster. When you look at how much the offensive line went through in terms of injuries, it’s astounding what they were able to accomplish. Moving forward, this could be the one area of the offense that doesn’t keep Ozzie Newsome up at night.

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