The Baltimore Ravens made the changes every fan was asking for this offseason, making the offensive line a priority. They picked up the shattered glass along the interior, building it into what appears to be a solid group.
However, the line unfortunately still comes with its fair share of questions. The tackles shouldn’t be a problem, at least hopefully not. The guard and center spots have some work to do, though.
Can John Simpson look like a stable piece? How will Vega Ioane look in his rookie year? And most importantly, who will start at center, and how will that look throughout the season?
General manager Eric DeCosta knows there’s uncertainty there. But in a recent press conference, he noted that he thinks the group is headed in the right direction, and he’s hoping patience and development will pay off deep into 2026.
“I don’t know what it’s gonna look like Week 1 because I haven’t seen what it’s gonna look like yet,” DeCosta said. “But I’m excited about it. And I think that we’ll probably build and build and build, and hopefully, in January and February we’re playing our best football.”
It may take time to come into place, but Baltimore could have a strong unit up front.
Baltimore Ravens fans might have to wait before fully judging the offensive line
The Ravens offensive line should be dramatically better this season. Fans can sleep easier now knowing they won’t have to watch Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele start again—that nightmare is over. Still, being better than that group isn’t exactly a major accomplishment. It should come rather easily.
How good will the interior actually look, though?
Ioane is perhaps the most trustworthy man in the middle at the moment, which is really saying something for a rookie. He was praised as a prospect with a high floor and an All-Pro level ceiling coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he put that on full display in the preseason.
Regardless, the trials and tribulations of the regular season could be a thorn in his side early on. He’ll also have to prove he can scale the rookie wall when we get deep into the year.
As for Ioane’s partner in crime at guard, John Simpson leaves some to be desired at times. His 72 career starts provide some reassurance, but in reality, he’s never been much more than an average lineman. Sometimes, he’s even a liability.
The biggest question? It’s undoubtedly what’s going on at center. Baltimore will be replacing Tyler Linderbaum with either Ethan Pocic or Jovaughn Gwyn. It’s a battle that’s ongoing just a week before the season opener.
Pocic has plenty of experience, but is coming off an Achilles tear that he suffered in December. Gwyn put on a masterclass throughout training camp and preseason, but has played just 11 offensive snaps across his three-year career.
Yeah, that’s not exactly comforting.
While the group as a whole does look stronger, there's a realistic possibility they endure early-season woes. The middle of the offensive front is completely new. There will be some kinks to iron out.
If the Ravens want to reach their final form and be unstoppable, the offensive line has to be above-average. Everything starts in the trenches. Those five guys at the heart of the offense need to make life easier on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, especially down the stretch as they hope to play for a Lombardi Trophy.
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