Offensive line depth needs to be priority number one for Ravens this offseason

The Ravens changed their offensive line around a lot after the 2017 season. Marshal Yanda returned to play at an All-Pro level at right guard. The team also added tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and guard/center Bradley Bozeman. While those are positive situations, Baltimore still must make an upgrade in terms of depth of the offensive line.

Ronnie Stanley played solidly at left tackle this season, but he dealt with an ankle injury throughout the season. While Jermaine Eluemunor valiantly fought as Stanley’s replacement, the Ravens still had to deal with injuries at the left guard and right tackle positions.

Orlando Brown Jr. stepped in for James Hurst (back) and didn’t allow a sack all season. Bradley Bozeman started in place of Alex Lewis (neck) during the New Orleans Saints game. In Bozeman’s 14 games played, he also didn’t give up a sack. However, Bozeman dealt with a calf strain and in came Hroniss Grasu.

Grasu gave up a sack in following week against the Carolina Panthers. In the three games that Grasu played, Baltimore suffered a loss. He would subsequently be released on November 24.

Once Lewis was cleared to play, he had lost his starting position at left guard to Hurst. Lewis allowed two sacks for 12 yards in addition to having four penalties levied against him for 25 yards in 10 games started.

As for Hurst, his back injury caused him to swap out with Bozeman very often after his return. Both Hurst and Lewis missed six games each with their injuries. Any interior offensive line will hurt if they lose both a starter and the backup — even in this case, the backup’s backup.

Matt Skura won a position battle at center against Lewis and Bozeman in training camp. In 16 games started, he gave up a team-high 4.50 sacks. Bozeman has a chance to take over for him at center.

Luckily for Baltimore, Greg Senat (foot) will be ready for minicamp. The Ravens 2018 sixth round selection will get an opportunity to give the team depth at both tackle positions. During training camp, he showed promise with strong footwork and strength. Listed at 6’8, 305 lbs., the 24-year old could still afford to add extra muscle to his frame.

Baltimore could also explore draft and free agency options to bolster the depth of their offensive line. The main two areas of concern are left guard and center. Though not a sexy pick at 22, the Ravens could decide to go with Oklahoma’s Cody Ford.

Ford showed great athleticism and strength as a tackle in college, but it could translate into the NFL at guard. At 6’5, 335 lbs., Ford has the girth to fill lanes on passing plays. In a Greg Roman offense, the Oklahoma Sooner could be just the right blocker for Baltimore’s ground and pound attack.