Left Guard Competition Not Critical

Kelechi Osemele's departure is likely to take the Baltimore Ravens offensive line down a notch from elite. His replacement will likely be one of Ryan Jensen or John Urschel.

Jensen showed his grit and his nastiness against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 16 of the 2015 season. He has come a long way from his rookie season, a testament to Ravens offensive line coach Juan Castillo's work with late round offensive line picks who most think do not have talent.

Jensen's competition also comes in the form of a late draft pick round pick by the Ravens in John Urschel who has seen time at left guard filling in for Osemele in the 2014 playoffs, against the New England Patriots. Urschel sprung Ravens running back Justin Forsett for a number of key runs, as the latter finished with 124 yards in the game.

The Ravens are in good hands no matter who takes over the position. Ravens right guard Marshall Yanda guarantees that the offensive line will be decent at the very least. If Ravens rookie offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley supplants Eugene Monroe at left tackle, the left side of the offensive line might not become spectacular but it will at least be steady and consistent.

The early edge should go to Urschel. Though he only last played guard two seasons ago, he was the better performer in comparison to Jensen. In the case that the Ravens feel Urschel is more valuable as an insurance piece for center Jeremy Zuttah, they will feel Jensen can do the job adequately at left guard.