Offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes of the NFL. They are integral to a team's success but don't get enough attention in the national media. As such, it's not exactly a shocker that no offensive lineman has won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Amazingly, Baltimore Ravens' interior lineman Vega Ioane could be primed to change that trend. Ioane was solid in the first two weeks, though he showed off his inexperience. However, in the past three weeks, Ioane has been nothing short of outstanding; he has played at a flat-out elite level while learning a new position.
After injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, Vega was forced to play center from the fourth quarter of Week 3 and for the next two weeks. Honestly, I was a bit concerned about a rookie playing out of position, but Ioane has looked like a veteran center in the past two weeks. Ioane has communicated well, his snaps have been on point, he has held up in pass protection, and he has opened up lanes a ton for Derrick Henry as a run blocker. He has also played mistake-free football.
Even more impressively, Ioane has excelled against tough matchups; it was Jeffery Simmons in Week 4 and the Atlanta Falcons' top-ranked run defense in Week 5. By all accounts, he has handled this challenge well and is proving his immense value to the team.
With Cam Jurgens entering the fold, Ioane will slide back to his natural position of guard, which may only bolster his OROY case.
Vega Ioane is starting to build an Offensive Rookie of the Year case
Ioane holding up at center over the last nine quarters is a huge reason that the Ravens are riding a three-game win streak. And the difficulty of adjusting to a new position on the fly as a rookie is undeniable.
Ioane's stellar player caused head coach Jesse Minter to argue that Vega should be in the early mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
"I don't know who votes for Rookie of the Year and all that stuff. And look, it's really, really early in the season, but he's a very, very impactful rookie for our team that's done things that I don't know that any rookie's ever done."
The possibility of Ioane winning OROY isn't just a Ravens pipe dream; Ian Rapoport even pitched after his stout Week 5 performance against the Falcons. When you peel back the layers, his case is pretty compelling.
For years, the Ravens have had a shaky interior line play. Ioane has managed to stabilize this concern despite Baltimore's injuries, and playing alongside the likes of John Simpson, Andrew Vorhees, and Emery Jones Jr. Impacting winning football and playing multiple roles, should be factored into the OROY race.
Another factor that needs to be considered is that this year's rookie class isn't filled with offensive worldbeaters. Realistically, if there was a quarterback, receiver, or running back who was tearing up the league, Vega would have virtually no chance.
No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza hasn't taken a meaningful snap. Carnell Tate and Jeremiyah Love have had high moments, but have been inconsistent. Cleveland Browns rookie WR Denzel Boston, who has 330 yards and three touchdowns, stands out as the favorite right now.
Boston has been great, and maybe his strong play continues, but with Deshaun Watson throwing him the ball, there's some clear volatility in his production.
If this happens and Vega stellar play continues (or reaches another level), he could surprisingly vault into a top position for this award. The Ravens could finish as the best offense in the league, and Ioane's strong play could be a big reason why.
And a media personality as big as Rapoport talking up Ioane proves he has a real chance to win this award.
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