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A quick glance at the Ravens 2016 offensive line personnel shows stalwart right guard Marshal Yanda as the undisputed leader of the unit. Lining up on Yanda's right side will be tackle Ricky Wagner who looks to recapture his excellent 2014 season form. To Yanda's left will be steady center Jeremy Zuttah who is returning from a torn pectoral muscle injury that ended his 2015 season after Week 10.
The left side of the line is in flux. Ryan Jensen and John Urschel are expected to compete for the left guard spot vacated by Kelechi Osemele. Unreliable left tackle Eugene Monroe will attempt to provide consistency after missing half of the Ravens games over the last two season with a variety of ailments. James Hurst struggled last season when forced to start in Monroe's place. Beyond Hurst, the current offensive line depth chart features developmental lineman and practice squad candidates.
Joe Flacco will be returning from injury himself and will look to maximize his deep ball ability with newly signing speed demon Mike Wallace and hopefully a healthy Breshad Perriman, who is also one of the fastest players in the league. In order to accomplish this, the Ravens offensive line must do better to establish the rushing attack, enabling play action bombs, while also providing Flacco with more time and space in the pocket for three and five step drops.
The projected starting offensive line has plenty of talent and experience to form a solid group if they have the benefit of good health. But Yanda is the only lineman who is guaranteed to be a starting for the Ravens in future seasons. Monroe and Zuttah could be cap casualties after next season. Wagner will be an unrestricted free agent in 2017. Neither Jensen or Urshcel are completely proven. The Ravens could look to draft some future replacement and need depth for 2016 at a minimum.
Here are some prospects who they might target:
SHON COLEMAN, 6'5" 307, Auburn Tigers:
Cancer survivor who has a long frame and powerful upper body. Plays with good physicality and is a talented run blocker but needs do improve his pass blocking technique. Projects as a left tackle picked somewhere between the 2nd and 4th rounds.
JASON SPRIGGS, 6'6" 301, Indiana Hoosiers:
Four year starter who put it all together in his senior season. A nasty run blocker who can anchor in pass protection but is not overly powerful. The best projection is at offensive guard for a zone blocking team because of his athleticism but can play tackle, he should be picked in the 2nd or 3rd round.
VADAL ALEXANDER, 6'5" 326, LSU Tigers:
Played right tackle last season but lacks the athleticism to be an NFL tackle. Has a mammoth frame with excellent power, but poor quickness. Looks to be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round.
CHRISTIAN WESTERMAN, 6'3" 298, Arizona St. Sun Devils:
Transferred from Auburn and earned playing time at guard with exceptional quickness and sound technique. Has great athleticism and pull block ability but lacks ideal functional strength. Could play guard or center at the next level, should be picked between the 3rd and 5th round.
JOSHUA GARNETT, 6'4" 312, Stanford Cardinal:
Son of an NFL nose guard and winner of the Outland Trophy. Hardy player with a powerful frame and nasty on-field dispostion but has athletic limitations. Is a better run blocker than pass protector, can become an immediate starter at guard after being drafted in the 3rd round.
GRAHAM GLASGOW, 6'6" 307, Michigan Wolverines:
Offers positional versatility after starting at guard and center. Praised as a consistent blocker with plus strength at the point of attack but has heavy feet and need to improve his hand usage. Could develop into a starter at any of interior spots, expected to be picked in the 3rd-5th round range.
RYAN KELLY, 6'4" 311, Alabama Crimson Tide:
The scrappy, tenacious blocker paved the way for Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. Plays with great pad level and hand technique, finishes blocks and has good feet, does not have any major weaknesses. Plug and play center hopes to be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round.
NICK MARTIN, 6'4" 299, Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
Younger brother of Cowboys first round guard Zack, has nimble feet, a strong anchor and versatility. Shows excellent physicality and awareness, but has stiff hips and struggles to redirect. Should be an early career starter at center with a 2nd to 4th round draft grade.