4. Ravens trade target: Andre Dillard, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard has found himself the subject of trade rumors for what feels like forever at this point. But the 2019 first-round pick remains on the team’s roster regardless.
That could change this offseason, however.
Dillard was drafted to be the potential long-term replacement for Jason Peters at left tackle. After starting just four games as a rookie, the hope was that Dillard would be able to establish himself as a long-term starter in 2020.
He enter the summer as the starting left tackle, but a torn biceps suffered late in the summer would sideline him for the entire season. In his place, former rugby standout Jordan Mailata stepped up and shined.
Now, Mailata is the present and future at left tackle for the Eagles leaving Dillard riding the bench. The Ravens could be in the market for offensive tackle help this offseason and they could certainly use a young talent like Dillard.
The hope is that Ronnie Stanley will return healthy in 2022 and pick up where he left off two years earlier. But even if that goes according to plan, it’s unclear who the Ravens’ Week 1 right tackle will be next season.
Alejandro Villanueva is under contract in 2022 and he’s held his own at left tackle. Patrick Mekari has done a good job filling in for injuries, but he’s set to be a free agent. And Ja’Wuan James remains a total unknown at this stage.
Dillard would give the Ravens a younger alternative and provide even further depth in case Stanley isn’t fully recovered. The Ravens need offensive line help and Dillard makes sense as a potential target.