2014 postitional review of the Ravens' offensive line

The Players: Eugene Monroe, James Hurst, Kelechi Osemele, John Urschel, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, Gino Gradkowski and Jah Reid.

Performance: Were they better in 2014 than they were in 2013? Oh, heck yes. They went from allowing the second-most sacks in 2013 (48) to allowing the second-least in 2014 (19). Not only did they do that, they also took the league's 31st ranked rushing offense and turned it into the league's eighth best. In 2013, the Ravens had one rushing play of 20-plus yards. In 2014, they led the league in that statistic. All with an unknown like Justin Forsett. Individually, most of them did better. Monroe missed five games this season and struggled on the left side. Hurst was a decent backup, despite struggling at times and provides hope for future development. Osemele was rated as one of the top guards in the NFL, and he and Yanda were rated as the NFL's best guard tandem. Zuttah was inconsistent, but a definite upgrade from Gradkowski. Yanda was his usual All-Pro self. Wagner was rated as one of the top right tackles in the league and played at a Pro Bowl level. Urschel played well as a backup and gives hope for future development if one of the guards leaves Baltimore or if Zuttah is released. Gradkowski and Reid hardly played this season.

What's next: The unit is together for 2015, but extending Yanda would likely keep him in Baltimore for the rest of his career. Osemele's contract expires after 2015, so he's probably going to get a new deal by then. Reid is a free agent and unlikely to get re-signed. Gradkowski should get cut, as his performance does not justify his escalated pay. Hopefully. Monroe's play should improve by being healthy in 2015 and hopefully Wagner can be ready for the start of 2015. Wagner can also receive an extension after the 2015 season. Hurst will probably remain the backup in 2015, and hopefully more practice will result in him improving. Zuttah will be here in 2015, but after that he might get released in favor of the cheaper John Urschel.