On Now
Coming Up
  • Wed., May. 10, 2017 8:00 PM EDT Metallica with Avenged Sevenfold & Volbeat

    ON SALE: Presale for CITI® Card Members Starts Tuesday, February 14 at 11:00 AM; Tickets go on sale to general public Friday, February 17 at 10:00 AM at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, the box office, or charge by phone (800) 745-3000.

  • Thu., Jun. 01, 2017 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM EDT Beach Bash This summer will mark the 5th annual Ravens Ocean City Beach Bash, presented by Miller Lite, June 1-3 in Ocean City, Md. Join Ravens Players, Cheerleaders, Playmakers, Band, Mascots and talent from 98Rock and Miller Lite as they turn Ocean City into Ravenstown for the weekend.
  • Fri., Jun. 02, 2017 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM EDT Beach Bash This summer will mark the 5th annual Ravens Ocean City Beach Bash, presented by Miller Lite, June 1-3 in Ocean City, Md. Join Ravens Players, Cheerleaders, Playmakers, Band, Mascots and talent from 98Rock and Miller Lite as they turn Ocean City into Ravenstown for the weekend.
  • Sat., Jun. 03, 2017 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM EDT Beach Bash This summer will mark the 5th annual Ravens Ocean City Beach Bash, presented by Miller Lite, June 1-3 in Ocean City, Md. Join Ravens Players, Cheerleaders, Playmakers, Band, Mascots and talent from 98Rock and Miller Lite as they turn Ocean City into Ravenstown for the weekend.
  • Sat., Jun. 03, 2017 10:00 AM EDT 7-On-7 Tournament Prepare for the fall football season at the Ravens 7-on-7 Football Tournament presented by Under Armour!
  • Sun., Jun. 04, 2017 10:00 AM EDT 7-On-7 Tournament Prepare for the fall football season at the Ravens 7-on-7 Football Tournament presented by Under Armour!
  • Sun., Jun. 11, 2017 10:00 AM EDT 7-On-7 Tournament Prepare for the fall football season at the Ravens 7-on-7 Football Tournament presented by Under Armour!
  • Mon., Jun. 12, 2017 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT Play Like A Raven Football Clinic The Ravens players use the offseason to prepare for next season…and you can too. Get ready for the upcoming football season this summer at a Play Like A Raven Football Clinic, presented by Under Armour!
  • Tue., Jun. 13, 2017 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT Play Like A Raven Football Clinic The Ravens players use the offseason to prepare for next season…and you can too. Get ready for the upcoming football season this summer at a Play Like A Raven Football Clinic, presented by Under Armour!
  • Wed., Jun. 14, 2017 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT Play Like A Raven Football Clinic The Ravens players use the offseason to prepare for next season…and you can too. Get ready for the upcoming football season this summer at a Play Like A Raven Football Clinic, presented by Under Armour!

News

Print
RSS

What Type Of Offensive Linemen Do Ravens Want?

Posted Feb 3, 2017

Head Coach John Harbaugh has said the Ravens want to beef up in the trenches to have the league’s best offensive line next year.


As the Ravens have talked about improving their offense next season, a common theme has been finding ways to get better in the trenches. Whether it’s protecting quarterback Joe Flacco or clearing lanes in the running game, upgrading the offensive line is a clear charge going into the offseason.

“If we’re going to improve offensively, I think it starts up front,” Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta said last week at the Senior Bowl. “We have to get more physical as an offensive line.”

Getting more physical can take shape in a variety of ways, and it’s unclear exactly the type of offensive linemen the Ravens prefer in their offensive scheme. The stretch-zone system they’ve used in recent years often utilizes smaller, athletic linemen rather than the heavy blockers that can just overpower defenders.

With Marty Mornhinweg having a full offseason to put his stamp on the offense, and the addition of veteran offensive assistant Greg Roman, it’s unclear how they will tweak the running scheme this offseason.

They could opt to go with bigger, more physical players, which would alter the types of prospects they target in the draft or free agency.

“I think what we’re looking for are good football players,” DeCosta said. “If the guy is a really good athlete, a special athlete, and a really good player, then we can work with him. If a guy is a big, massive, point-of-attack mauler, and a really good football player, we can work with him.”

The Ravens have used both types of players in recent years. Center Jeremy Zuttah (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) fits into the more athletic mold, while former left guard Kelechi Osemele (6-5, 330) could win battles with his size.

It’s also somewhat up in the air where the Ravens want to add new linemen. Zuttah, right guard Marshal Yanda, left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Alex Lewis are all under contract for next season. The only starter slated to become a free agent is right tackle Rick Wagner.

The Ravens could look to the draft to provide depth to groom behind the incumbent starters, or they may also play the free-agency market to add competition to the group.

“The key is being a smart, tough, aggressive athlete who knows how to play the game of football, who is durable, and has the right mentality to fit the Ravens,” DeCosta said.

Please Note

The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Related News

Recent Videos

Recent Photos