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Baltimore Ravens: 3 big things from owners meetings

By Joe Schiller

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field after the Baltimore Ravens 23-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field after the Baltimore Ravens 23-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 and offensive guard James Hurst #74 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 and offensive guard James Hurst #74 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. First glimpse at the offensive line

Along with continuing to improve the wide receiver core, the Ravens have questions to answer on the offensive line. Releasing Austin Howard and the departure of Ryan Jensen leaves to major holes to fill at center and right tackle.

Harbaugh provided a glimpse of what the offensive line could look like next season. Matt Skura at center, Alex Lewis at left guard and James Hurst at right tackle.

This is, by all means, a tentative depth chart, but one that fans won’t be happy about.

Hurst performed well on the interior of the offensive line last season but has noticeably struggled when placed at tackle. To see Harbaugh put continued trust in Hurst on the outside can’t only be concerning to myself. Despite injury concerns, Alex Lewis seems like the most realistic in-house replacement at right tackle. Hurst’s past stints at the position don’t provide any confidence moving forward. If he’s the definitive answer then re-signing Austin Howard to a reduced contract makes more sense.

Drafting an offensive line seems to be a plausible option at pick No. 16 with players like Mike McGlinchey, Connor Williams and Kolton Miller likely available.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 stats they must improve on from last season

There’s no reason to mash the panic button but if Hurst starts the season at right tackle, then I’ll be worried.

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