The Baltimore Ravens‘ 2021 NFL campaign ended with subpar offensive line play down the stretch.
Combine that with the injuries to Lamar Jackson and just about everyone on the defensive side of the football, it made for an underwhelming end to what was a promising season at one point in time.
While there will be plenty of offseason changes within the organization, one aspect of the team needs dire attention sooner rather than later.
The Ravens’ outlook at offensive tackle is unsettling
The Ravens finished the year with just two proven offensive tackles, and moving forward, that cannot be the case.
While injuries are a part of the game, when the likes of both Alejandro Villanueva and David Sharpe account for 66 percent of your team’s depth at the position (at any point in time), you are in dire straits.
While Ronnie Stanley and Ja’Wuan James recover from injuries, it would be wise for John Harbaugh and company to invest in a potential long-term starter in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Meet Trevor Penning, the 2022 NFL Draft’s top small-school prospect
Hailing from one of the smaller schools in collegiate football is the University of Northern Iowa’s Trevon Penning. Aside from a lesser heard-of program, there is nothing small about the school’s 6-foot-8 offensive tackle prospect.
He is widely regarded as a top-five prospect at the position. If necessary, he can provide the Ravens with both being an occasional starter while eventually graduating into a starting role on the team.
In addition, Penning brings a powerful physical presence at the point of attack, significantly suiting offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-centric scheme that revolves around Lamar Jackson.
“Some guys just look and play like Ravens.” @MoveTheSticks on Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning 😳😤 pic.twitter.com/tXspEHoGc8
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 27, 2022
He is large and in charge, but more importantly, he provides solid athletic ability despite his 320-pound frame. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be upon him at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, starting in just a few days.
https://twitter.com/seniorbowl/status/1460623220466409478
For all Baltimore Ravens fans, the Senior Bowl will provide an excellent showcase of why Penning is more than worthy of a first-round selection in April’s draft.