The Baltimore Ravens have a glaring need on their offensive line. Despite a league-leading 2024 campaign from an offensive standpoint, the team’s offensive guards still had their fair share of inconsistencies. After Patrick Mekari departed in free agency, the issue at the position has become more pronounced. One player, however, is having an outstanding camp and is ready to break out.
Fourth-year offensive guard Daniel Faalele had a good season in 2024, being named a Pro Bowl alternate by year’s end. Still, he had moments of struggle. He posted just a 60.5 overall grade and allowed 32 pressures per Pro Football Focus. Two weeks into training camp, though, he is on the rise.
Faalele has earned high praise from two of his teammates thus far, both of whom are mainstays on Baltimore’s offensive line. In their press conferences at training camp, left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum each raved about Faalele’s development throughout the offseason.
“Daniel’s taking a really tough approach on himself this offseason. He’s been working his butt off. Every day he’s pushing himself, and I’ve been very proud of how far he’s gotten.”
“Daniel’s looked awesome. One, just coming in really good shape. He’s certainly been challenged to do so, and I think he took that challenge on. And then continuing to get better and better each and every day.”
Daniel Faalele’s physique change should boost his play in 2025
The Ravens have had several players undergo significant physique changes this offseason. Odafe Oweh, Nate Wiggins, and Nnamdi Madubuike all bulked up, and Faalele is the latest to join them, losing weight to improve his form on the field. By the way his teammates are talking about him, it sounds like it is already paying off.
The 25-year-old is competing hard in camp and is leading an intense battle at offensive guard. He is locked in at the team’s right guard spot, but with the left guard position up in the air, they need Faalele to make significant improvements in 2025.
He is looking better with each practice, and with Mekari now in Jacksonville, Baltimore needs another guard to stand out next to Linderbaum on the interior. Faalele is quickly becoming that guy, and in a contract year, he should have some extra motivation to push himself throughout the season.