A few nuggets of reality to chew on as Ravens prepare for 2021 NFL Draft
By Darin McCann
Offensive linemen are sexy:
Everyone loves the receivers. Or the EDGE guys who can cause havoc. Or, of course, the guys with the golden arm who can take a franchise from the outhouse to the penthouse. But receivers don’t get the time to run their flashy routes without good work upfront, EDGE guys don’t get to pull out their dances if they get neutralized by good line play and golden boys have a very tough time putting up numbers if they are constantly pulling clumps of dirt out of their facemasks.
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Linemen don’t often do the commercials or lead off Top 10 segments, but they are the people who allow your offense to function… or not. This is true with whatever system of offense you want to play, particularly so with the Ravens. The team needs road-graders who can blast open running lanes while holding their own against heavy fronts when the Ravens use that prolific run game against defenses to set up play-action passes that often take longer to develop while having your franchise quarterback turn his back to the defense in an effort to sell it.
Getting Ronnie Stanley back in the fold next year is a really big deal, as is Nick Boyle returning to his role of cracking heads. The Kevin Zeitler signing, in my opinion, is not getting enough respect. There is the very real possibility of great improvement upfront, particularly if Brown comes back for at least one more season.
But the Ravens really do need another tackle, even if it is to serve in that “swing” role next year if Brown returns. Or to develop for a year to replace Brown when he leaves.
It’s not a game-changing receiver, but don’t be surprised if the Ravens take a tackle very early. And don’t be too disappointed, either. It makes sense.