The offensive line of the Baltimore Ravens may soon undergo changes.

The Offensive Line of the Baltimore Ravens: Potential Changes Ahead

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their dynamic and innovative offensive system, with an emphasis on a powerful rushing attack led by a dual-threat quarterback in Lamar Jackson. This offensive strategy has been a hallmark of their success over the past several years. However, as with any evolving team, the Ravens’ offensive line may soon undergo significant changes, potentially reshaping how the offense performs in the future.

The offensive line is the backbone of any football team, and for the Ravens, it has been integral to their unique offensive identity. The line is responsible for both pass protection and, most importantly for Baltimore, opening up running lanes for the team’s running backs and for Lamar Jackson on his scrambles. However, the Ravens’ offensive line has faced a range of challenges in recent years, including injuries, inconsistent play, and the natural aging process of veteran players. These challenges are leading to questions about how the Ravens’ offensive line will look in the coming seasons.

The Current State of the Ravens’ Offensive Line

The Ravens’ offensive line has had several standout players over the years, but the past few seasons have seen a mix of performance highs and lows. The line has been built around a few key veterans, with the likes of Ronnie Stanley, Bradley Bozeman, and Kevin Zeitler playing pivotal roles. However, injuries have hampered the Ravens’ ability to field a consistent offensive front. Stanley, for instance, has missed significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries, including a severe ankle injury that has left the team without its franchise left tackle at times.

On the interior, Bozeman and Zeitler have provided stability, but the team has had difficulty finding reliable depth behind the starters. This has often led to inconsistent performances, especially in critical moments of games. The Ravens’ offensive line has at times been overmatched by strong defensive fronts, and this has caused disruptions in the running game, which has been the centerpiece of their offensive identity.

The team’s struggles with consistency on the offensive line became especially evident during the 2022 season when the Ravens found themselves dealing with a rotating cast of offensive linemen. This lack of continuity made it difficult to build chemistry and cohesion, which are essential for an offensive line to function at its best. Inconsistent play from the offensive line not only affects the passing game but also limits the effectiveness of the running game, making the Ravens’ offense more predictable and easier to defend.

Potential Reasons for Changes on the Offensive Line

Several factors are contributing to the possibility of changes coming to the Ravens’ offensive line. These factors include aging veterans, injury concerns, and the team’s desire to maintain a championship-contending roster in an increasingly competitive AFC.

1. Aging Veterans and the Need for Youthful Energy: The Ravens’ offensive line is not exactly a young group, and several key players are either nearing or already in their 30s. Ronnie Stanley, for example, was drafted in 2016 and has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with injuries over the past few years. While Stanley is still a talented tackle when healthy, the team must be prepared for the possibility that his durability issues will continue to plague him. Stanley’s high cap hit is also a potential issue, as the team may want to reallocate funds toward other areas, particularly in light of Lamar Jackson’s upcoming contract situation.

   Meanwhile, Zeitler, who was signed in 2021, is 34 years old and nearing the end of his career. While still performing at a high level, Zeitler may not have many years left as a starter. Bozeman, who was a key figure on the interior, left for the Carolina Panthers in free agency in 2022, further solidifying the need for younger players who can step in and provide stability for the future.

2. Injuries and Depth Issues: Injuries have been a recurring theme for the Ravens’ offensive line, especially with key players like Stanley and right tackle Morgan Moses, who has been a solid addition but is also not getting younger. The lack of depth behind the starters has been a concern for the team, as backup linemen have had to step in for injured starters multiple times over the years. This has led to an inconsistent line that lacks the necessary cohesion to sustain high-level play week after week. For a team that relies heavily on its rushing attack, any disruption to the offensive line’s performance can be a major setback.

3. Scheme and Offensive Evolution: As the Ravens continue to evolve their offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, there may be a shift in how the team approaches the offensive line. Monken, known for his pass-heavy attack, could prioritize having a line that is better equipped for pass protection, which would require a shift in personnel. This could lead to the addition of more athletic, pass-protection-focused players who may not be as suited to the Ravens’ traditional run-first approach. A shift in scheme could mean more changes in terms of personnel and lineup configurations.

4. Salary Cap Considerations: The Ravens are facing important salary cap decisions in the near future, particularly with Lamar Jackson’s contract situation. Jackson is expected to receive a significant contract extension, which will impact the team’s ability to allocate funds to other positions, including the offensive line. If the team wants to make room for Jackson’s long-term deal, it may need to make tough decisions regarding the offensive line’s veteran players, many of whom come with hefty salaries.

   Changes to the offensive line could also be motivated by financial considerations, as the Ravens may look for cost-effective options in both the draft and free agency to help build the line for the future while maintaining flexibility to manage the salary cap.

Key Players to Watch

As the Ravens look ahead to potential changes on the offensive line, there are several players who could factor into the team’s decision-making process.

1. Ronnie Stanley: Stanley is arguably the most important piece of the Ravens’ offensive line. As the left tackle, he is responsible for protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside, and when healthy, he is one of the top tackles in the league. However, Stanley’s injury history is concerning, and the Ravens will need to make a decision on whether they want to continue investing in a player who has missed significant time over the past few seasons. If Stanley is unable to stay healthy, the team could look to find a younger, more reliable option at left tackle.

2. Tyler Linderbaum: The Ravens’ first-round pick in 2022, Linderbaum has the potential to become a long-term anchor at center. He has shown flashes of excellence in his first few seasons, and his development will be critical to the team’s offensive line moving forward. As one of the younger and more promising players on the line, Linderbaum could play a key role in shaping the future of the Ravens’ offensive front.

3. Kevin Zeitler: Zeitler has been a solid addition to the Ravens’ offensive line, but at 34 years old, his time with the team could be coming to an end soon. The Ravens could choose to move on from Zeitler in favor of a younger player who can grow with the team over the next several years.

4. Morgan Moses: Moses, who was signed as a free agent in 2021, has been a reliable presence on the right side of the offensive line. However, he is entering the latter stages of his career, and the team will have to decide whether to continue investing in his services or look to develop a younger player at right tackle.

5. Ben Powers (Free Agent): Powers, a key interior offensive lineman, is a free agent, and his status with the team could depend on whether the Ravens prioritize re-signing him or look for a replacement. The team has shown a preference for keeping versatile interior linemen, and Powers has been a part of the offensive line’s success in recent seasons.

Potential Solutions for the Ravens

1. The Draft: One of the most common ways the Ravens could address changes on the offensive line is through the NFL Draft. With multiple draft picks available, the team could target younger talent at key positions such as tackle and guard. A focus on building depth at the tackle position is particularly important, as the team needs to ensure long-term protection for Lamar Jackson.

2. Free Agency: Free agency could offer an opportunity for the Ravens to add proven players to their offensive line. While high-profile free-agent offensive linemen are often expensive, the Ravens could look for under-the-radar signings or short-term deals to help bolster the line. If the team decides to move on from veterans like Stanley or Zeitler, they may turn to free agency to find replacements.

3. Internal Development: The Ravens could also look to develop the talent they already have on the roster. Players like Ben Cleveland and Daniel Faalele, both of whom are relatively young, could be given opportunities to step up and contribute. Developing internal talent has been a staple of the Ravens’ success, and the team may look to continue this approach on the offensive line.