Vega Ioane is already making life way easier for Ravens' coaching staff

Baltimore Ravens fans were thrilled when the team selected Penn State guard Vega Ioane with the No. 14 pick in April. By all accounts, he is a blue-chip talent at a major position of need. And thankfully, he's already showing out in OTAs. 

When speaking to the media earlier this week, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle praised Ioane for his veteran-like presence and athleticism. 

"Athletically, he's as impressive as I expected watching his tape," Doyle said. "He's a rookie, but he feels like a veteran from his communication, from his relationship with the guys around him. You can see his athleticism on a number of the schemes we are running as well as in the protection game." 

The part that really stands out to me is that he feels like a veteran.

For a rookie to step right in and immediately look like a veteran (even in OTAs) is a tough task, especially given that offensive line is typically a tricky transition to make. Likewise, saying that Ioane looks like a veteran is the ultimate compliment. That poise makes life way easier for the coaches and the rest of the offense.

Vega Ioane's ability to provide an immediate impact will be a game-changer for the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line

While transitioning to the NFL level as a rookie is challenging for linemen, the Ravens are banking on Ioane making an immediate impact as a protector. And luckily, all signs point to Ioane being able to do just that. 

Without a doubt, Ioane's blend of athleticism and veteran mindset will help separate him from your typical rookie linemen. 

Despite the undeniable impressiveness of Doyle's praise, anyone who followed Ioane closely leading up to the draft shouldn't be surprised by this. As noted, he is a blue-chip prospect (but that feels like it's downplaying things). Last season, at Penn State, he didn't allow a single sack or QB hit. Furthermore, he allowed just two sacks in over 1,000 pass blocking snaps in college. 

So yeah, it's safe to say, Ioane is a plug-and-play guard. And if Ioane already  looks like a veteran, just imagine what he might look like in a few years -- I don't want to get ahead of myself, but the Ravens might have an All-Pro guard on their hands. 

Beyond Ioane's stellar résumé, he appears to have incredible character, and his veteran-like approach supports this idea. He is simply everything the Ravens could ask for from a first-round pick.

There's no understating how vital Ioane's presence will be. Last season, the Ravens' offensive line (in particular guards Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees) struggled to provide impactful pass protection. This contributed to an injury-riddled season from Lamar Jackson, who was sacked 36 times in just 13 games. 

In addition to drafting Ioane, Baltimore signed veteran John Simpson. Both players should help transform their guard room, with Ioane, of course, being a key part of the Ravens' future. 

With Ioane already showing off his plug-and-play potential, Ravens fans should be giddy about how much his presence could benefit Lamar and the rest of the offense. 

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