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Could the Ravens add another guard?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Training camp is drawing closer and closer. The "weakest" position on the Ravens as it stands now, is at left guard. Kelechi Osemele’s departure to Oakland has left a hole on that side of the line. John Urschel, Alex Lewis and others will compete for the right to replace Osemele. But could the Ravens add an experienced and proven guard to the team at the start of training camp?

Former Denver Broncos guard Louis Vasquez still sits on the open market. Vasquez went to Texas Tech, where in 2008 he was voted a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Vasquez was a third-round pick of the Chargers in the 2009 draft. He came into Chargers training camp, and won the job as the starting right guard, as a rookie, and following that season, he was named to the Sporting News All-Rookie team.

Following a move to the Broncos for the 2013 season, Vasquez’s career took off. In his first season in Denver, Vasquez did not allow a single sack. In that stellar season, Vasquez was named to the All-Pro first team.

Vasquez also has vast experience in big games. Vasquez played in two Super Bowls, 2013 and 2015. He will keep Joe Flacco upright when the team needs the gunslinger the most.

Also, Vasquez is reliable to stay on the field. In seven seasons in the NFL, Vasquez has only missed 10 games. That kind of stability up front is something the Ravens need to have.

Frankly, the fact that Vasquez hasn’t been signed by any team is a bit puzzling. To me, the only reason Vasquez is available is likely because he is asking for more money than team's think he is worth. As a result,  Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome may be able to get Vasquez for cheap right at the start of training camp if Vasquez gets desperate. Vasquez is only 29, so I doubt he would consider retirement. Adding Vasquez to the roster could prove to be a good move and a likely upgrade over what the Raven have now.

However, the Ravens likely will stick with what they have now. The only way I can see Vasquez ending up in Baltimore is if there is an injury in training camp. The fact that the Ravens have not made any additions at the position at this point, means they likely won’t.