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Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 offensive lines after the regular season. They evaluated the Baltimore Ravens line as the ninth best group overall:
PFF has been rightfully criticized for grading player’s performance without fully knowing their assignments on each play. However, blocking assignments are more straightforward than hypothesizing about defensive back’s coverage responsibilities in complex zone defenses. Another excellent resource for Ravens offensive line analysis is Russel Street Report’s Filmstudy author Ken McKusick.
The Ravens blockers allowed 33 sacks in 2016, tied for the thirteenth fewest in the NFL. Their sack percentage (total sacks divided by total passing attempts) was 5.09%, ninth best. Football Outsiders ranked the Ravens group as the eight best in pass protection.
The offensive line was not as successful when run blocking last season. The Ravens gained the fifth least yards on the ground and the tenth fewest yards per carry. Advanced statistics from Football Outsiders paint slightly better picture with the blockers providing an average of 3.79 yards before the ballcarrier was contacted, the thirteenth fewest in he NFL.
For comparison, PFF graded the rival Steelers as the third best and the Bengals as the thirteenth best offensive lines.
If the Ravens can keep their offensive line together, including impending free agent Rick Wagner, they will have one of the best groups in the NFL with a stronger center. Ronnie Stanley and Alex Lewis should improve with more experience. Marshal Yanda remains a consistent technician who should still be able to play at a high level through his mid-thirties.