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Pre-draft State of the Ravens roster: QB, OL

SWOT analysis of a few Ravens’ positions

By Kyle Phoenix
Jacksonville Jaguars v Baltimore Ravens Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images

With the 2021 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, I believe a refresher on the current Ravens roster could prove helpful. It’s time to take a look at the current state of the squad and offer our SWOT analysis on the offense.

Quarterback

  1. Lamar Jackson
  2. Trace McSorley
  3. Tyler Huntley

Strengths

  • Literal MVP at QB1
  • QB1 still on rookie deal
  • Backup QBs are both on cheap deals
  • Both backups can play similar styles and schemes as QB1

Weaknesses

  • No veteran depth
  • No solid QB2

Opportunities

  • QB2 position battle
  • No locked-in QB2
  • QB1 unlike any QB in NFL history
  • QB1s ability allows for significant offensive advantage in misdirection, game-breaking ability, run game dominance, play-action threat, always commanding attention in both running and passing

Threats

  • Health and safety of QB1 is pertinent
  • Lack of continued development in the passing game
  • System runs through QB1s ability and boasts the lions share of expectations

Offensive Line

Tackle

  1. Ronnie Stanley
  2. Orlando Brown Jr.
  3. Andre Smith

Strengths

  • Arguably the best left tackle in the NFL
  • Arguably the best tackle duo in the NFL
  • LT under contract through 2025
  • LT signed for under $20 million AAV
  • Excellent run blocking
  • Excellent pass blocking
  • Scheme does not heavily rely upon drop-back passing
  • QB1s physical traits hide many misgivings due to escapability

Weaknesses

Opportunities

  • QB1 physical ability does not require elite-tier blocking
  • Run-dominant scheme provides easier job

Threats

  • RT current status
  • Setback in LTs ankle injury
  • LT does not return to prior form pre-injury
  • If RT leaves, team must pursue RT in draft/free agency
  • Depth requires attention

Guard

  • Bradley Bozeman
  • Kevin Zeitler
  • Tyre Phillips
  • Ben Powers
  • Patrick Mekari
  • Greg Mancz
  • Ben Bredeson

Strengths

  • Complete room, from upper-echelon talent to depth
  • Versatile room with multiple G/C players
  • Recent RG among Top 10 in their position
  • RG signed through 2023 at good value
  • Multiple players on rookie contracts
  • Multiple players are Ravens’ draft picks

Weaknesses

  • Not many qualified starters after starting two
  • Mainly young talent for depth
  • Young players still need time to develop though team appears in “win-now” mode

Opportunities

  • Run-dominant scheme provides easier physical job
  • New talent in RG bolsters scheme
  • Development of younger talent continues smoothly and produces new crop of starting players

Threats

  • Complicated run scheme can cause missed assignments
  • Development of younger talent fails

Center

  • Bradley Bozeman
  • Patrick Mekari
  • Trystan Colon-Castillo

Strengths

  • Experienced group, though young

Weaknesses

  • Uncertain what team will do at position, with none showing consistent NFL ability

Opportunities

  • C competition could produce better starter
  • Bozeman could move and maybe is a natural fit at C
  • Colon-Castillo proved adept in limited reps

Threats

  • Position requires addressment in offseason, unless starter is confidently among the group
  • Key position along line with lack of skill could prove too difficult to overcome

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