The Baltimore Ravens do not have many weaknesses heading into the 2025 campaign. Their front office continues to work wonders, constructing one of the best rosters in the NFL this offseason. Their core continues to improve each year, as well, and there is a strong chance they could hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. However, one question mark could be holding them back.
The interior offensive line took a step back in 2024. After offensive guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson departed in free agency, Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele filled the void last season and did so admirably. However, the play was still subpar at times, and it could look even worse in 2025.
Mekari signed a three-year $37.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March, and the Ravens did not directly replace him. The left guard spot is now open for business, and with no starting-caliber lineman having revealed himself yet, it could hold the offense back this year. But a quiet offseason addition could be the solution.
Joe Noteboom could be the answer at left guard
Offensive tackle Joe Noteboom was one of the more low-key signings of this past offseason. The former Los Angeles Ram signed in May for a cheap one-year $2 million deal. It is a low-risk move, but fairly soon, Baltimore could reap the rewards.
While Noteboom has spent the majority of his career as a tackle, he offers a ton of versatility, like Mekari did during his Ravens tenure. He has played everywhere except for center throughout his seven-year career. The 30-year-old is slotted in as Baltimore’s backup left tackle on the depth chart per ESPN, but if the coaching staff sees the need, Noteboom could quickly join the left guard battle.
The prominent concern around Noteboom is his injury history. He has battled a laundry list of injuries and painful ones at that. In 2019, he tore his ACL and MCL. In 2022, he tore his Achilles. Finally, this past season, he battled an ankle issue that kept him out of most of the 2024 campaign. He missed 13 games but ended the year healthy, playing the final three contests.
The injuries have also taken a toll on Noteboom’s play. While he was once an above-average piece, the past two seasons, albeit with limited action in 2024, have produced lackluster numbers. His overall grades were below average in 2023 and 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
If he can return to what he played like earlier in his career, though, there could be a future for him in Baltimore. The team desperately needs a left guard to step into the spotlight in training camp, and if he gets the opportunity, Noteboom could be that guy.