Baltimore Ravens: Blueprint for offensive success in 2019

Build up the offensive line:

The key to creating a good offense, regardless of scheme, is by developing the offensive line. The play starts and ends with offensive line. When you have a front that can hold defensive linemen back and give time to your quarterback, you find a stellar passing attack. Similarly, when you have a front that runs over defensive players and creates gaps, you’ll find yourself a stout run game.

For the Ravens, creating an offensive line that can do a little bit of both is crucial. The devlopment of Ronnie Stanley has been detrimental to the unit, as has the continued excellent play of future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda. Baltimore struck gold in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, finding themselves their bookend right tackle across from Stanley in Orlando Brown Jr.

You’d think that having three-out-of-five offensive line spots filled that you’d have an above average unit, but you’d be wrong. The reason why the Ravens offensive line is so mediocre is because of the below-average play of the interior offensive line. Yanda is remarkable at right guard, but the left guard and, more importantly, the center spot are massive weaknesses.

Baltimore has invested in recent years on the interior of their offensive line with guys like Bradley Bozeman, Matt Skura, James Hurst, Alex Lewis, and plenty of others, but none of them are true difference makers. To the surprise of no one, all of the previously mentioned players were either day three selections or undrafted rookie free agents.

The Ravens must invest early on in the 2019 NFL Draft after electing not to sign anyone during the 2019 Free Agency period. Center Garrett Bradbury of NC State would be a great pick for Baltimore in round one, as would other guard prospects like Cody Ford in round one, or Dalton Risner and Chris Lindstrom on day two. No matter what, though, Baltimore must make upgrading the offensive line a priority if they want the offense to succeed in 2019.