Heading into the 2025 NFL regular season, it is clear the Baltimore Ravens could have an offensive guard problem. Most current options, including Daniel Faalele, Andrew Vorhees, and Ben Cleveland, are largely unproven.
While the trio is still relatively young, the Ravens are seeing the biggest opening in their Super Bowl window this year. If they want to make the most of it, it could be in their best interest to seek out another option on the trade or free agent market.
At this point, most of the options Baltimore could pursue would be buy-low options. There is no definite answer to their issues at the position, but these three targets could bring some stability to the offensive front.
Trench targets Ravens should pursue to strengthen their offensive line
Dalton Risner
If the Ravens want a veteran option that has showcased above-average play over the years, veteran Dalton Risner could be their guy. He has made 81 starts over his six-year career, so if Vorhees and Cleveland are unable to withstand the pressure in the trenches; the 30-year-old could quickly plug into the spot.
The worries surrounding Risner are clear: he struggles as a run blocker. His pass blocking has always been above-average, posting a 76.2 grade in that department in 2024, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). That was good for 13th in the league. Still, in a run-heavy offense, the fit could be alarming, but he is a starting-caliber player, which Baltimore could desperately need.
Evan Neal
New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal would be a lackluster move at face value. There is nothing jumping off the page about Neal’s career up to this point. He has been one of the most disappointing seventh overall picks in recent memory. However, the switch from tackle to guard worked for Mekhi Becton, and could change Neal's career trajectory.
In his latest preseason outing in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, Neal started at right guard for the first time. He posted a horrific overall grade of 53.6 on 35 snaps, per PFF, but from the sounds of Giants’ training camp, there have been some slight improvements. If these improvements show any life in game action, it could make him an intriguing buy-low candidate if the Ravens’ right guard situation becomes a disaster.
It is no secret that Daniel Faalele is entering a make-or-break year. He has shown flashes of greatness, but has also been one of the most inconsistent linemen in the NFL. If he cannot find a rhythm, the Ravens should have no problem exploring the trade market. Neal, while equally if not more disappointing, would provide depth that the trenches could soon need severely.
Brock Hoffman
Dallas Cowboys versatile lineman Brock Hoffman would likely be the best-case scenario for Baltimore. He impressed in his snaps at guard last year with a 66.3 PFF grade, but will likely not start for Dallas in 2025. The Ravens could use his services.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report highlighted Charm City as a potential landing spot for Hoffman in a recent article, believing it would only cost them a 2026 seventh-round pick. He wrote:
“Brock Hoffman, an undrafted free agent who joined the Cowboys in 2022, isn't likely to see much action in 2025 barring injury. He's been a relatively poor fit in the team's system and could benefit from a fresh start and chance to compete elsewhere. A seventh-round pick should be more than enough to get a deal done.”
If the team lacks faith in Faalele, Vorhees, or Cleveland whatsoever ahead of the 2025 season, then any of these options could be real scenarios for Baltimore in the coming weeks.