The Baltimore Ravens needed to add some offensive line help at some point in the 2023 NFL draft. They had far too many questions along the line to fill. So, they waited until day three, but they addressed the spot with Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, a right tackle from Oregon.
Baltimore Ravens draft Oregon Right Tackle Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu is an interesting player who needed to spend two years at JuCo before getting national attention. He started for three more years at Oregon, mostly at right tackle, but he also had 184 career snaps at right guard. He finished with 1,823 snaps at right tackle for the Ducks.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu is described as a mauler who gets after it in the run game.
New Ravens OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu was one of my top RD 6-7 targets. 6'5" 317 w/easy power & plus movement skills. Needs plenty of refinement using his hands + playing w/more consistent leverage, but a lot to like at pick 199
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 29, 2023
Report: https://t.co/MZMap632ZM
10 play snapshot: pic.twitter.com/pn1GuHlTYd
He also moves pretty well out in space for his size. The issue with Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu is that he still has some pretty nasty technical flaws in pass protection. Too often he lunges and loses all of his leverage. He really struggles against smaller, quicker rushers who can beat him with bend and speed.
There are questions about if Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu would be best served as a guard in the NFL. This will be interesting to see what the Baltimore Ravens think of him. There is a case to be made for both. We know that the team is not going to throw him right into the fire and the thought is to have him back up and hopefully start down the road.
At right tackle, they have a short-term option in Morgan Moses but they still have questions in Daniel Faalele behind him. Does Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu come in and compete for the best last name and also the backup right tackle spot?
At the same time, Kevin Zietler could have one year left before he retires, or before his age and contract do not match up for the Ravens anymore. Lastly, the team also has to look at left guard because Ben Cleveland is going to be thrown into the starting lineup for the first time. If he struggles this season, they have to have a plan to replace him.
Needless to say, whether they view him as a guard or tackle, he is going to be a good fit and a hopeful shot down the road. We will see what the Baltimore Ravens think soon enough.