Ravens could be showing interest in OT Andre Dillard, per report

The Baltimore Ravens are in search of extra offensive tackle depth following injuries to the likes of Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari. And one of the top names expected to be available on the trade market is Andre Dillard.

Dillard has found himself at the center of trade rumors for almost a year at this point, and those rumors have sprung up once again this month.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that both the Ravens and Cleveland Browns could be showing interest in the former first-round pick.

He didn’t give a definite statement of interest, but usually where there’s smoke, there’s fire. At least when it comes to situations like this.

"“It wouldn’t be a shock to see an AFC North team call Philly about offensive tackle Andre Dillard, who is considered to be on the block. Browns and Ravens have had depth issues there.”"

The Ravens should explore a trade for Andre Dillard

A first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft, Dillard started four of 16 games as a rookie and looked like he could be in line for a starting role in 2020.

He entered training camp as the projected starting left tackle before tearing his biceps in late August ending his season before it could ever start. In his place, former rugby standout Jordan Mailata stepped in and performed better than anyone could have expected.

All of a sudden, Dillard was rendered an afterthought. The Eagles don’t have to trade him, and he’s once again stepped into a starting role for a few games in 2021 with Mailata sidelined.

But if a team comes calling with an enticing enough offer, they could move him.

The Ravens have an obvious need at offensive tackle with Ronnie Stanley out for the year and Patrick Mekari sidelined for the foreseeable future with a high-ankle sprain.

At the moment, the Ravens have Alejandro Villanueva at left tackle with Week 1 starting left guard Tyre Phillips at right tackle. They also just signed former Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi to provide additional depth.

But Dillard would undoubtedly be an upgrade over both Phillips and Ogbuehi, and his addition would allow Phillips to serve as the team’s top backup guard instead.

Fowler theorized that it might take a third-round pick to make any deal work, which is certainly a hefty price.

But Andre Dillard is a solid, young player and at just 26-years-old, there’s no reason he can’t be the right tackle of the future.

The Ravens might need to do some cap management to make the financials work, but this is definitely a trade worth considering.