How does KC Chiefs offensive line rank against other NFL teams?
8. Baltimore Ravens
Offensive line play is vital to the run-heavy system that the Ravens utilize with Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback. In 2020, for the second consecutive year, Baltimore ran the ball the most in the NFL. Despite the running game dominating in the regular season, Jackson and the Ravens’ offense sputter out in the postseason when teams commit to the run and force Jackson to beat them with his arm. Nonetheless, Baltimore’s offensive line will be a major factor if the Ravens want to compete for a championship in 2021.
Baltimore’s offensive line will have some new faces after a number of game-changing acquisitions in the offseasons. However, the Ravens will have Ronnie Stanley returning this season after a serious ankle injury last season. In 2020, the Ravens had a lot of moving pieces on the offensive line, as there were nine different offensive linemen who played at least 100 offensive snaps. Baltimore has made a couple of key acquisitions that should give the Ravens more stability on the front line.
In March, Baltimore signed former Giants guard Kevin Zeitler to a three-year, $22 million deal that includes $16 million guaranteed. Zeitler spent the last two years with the Giants, and was a consistently steady player for New York in 2020. Last season, Zeitler played 1,003 snaps, giving up two sacks and committing four penalties. The 31-year-old guard is a stronger pass blocker than a run blocker. In 2020, Zeitler was given a shaky 63.0 run-blocking grade, but even though his 68.7 pass-blocking grade is mediocre, it is an upgrade over any of the Ravens’ guards from last season.
Baltimore seems to want to take a step forward in the passing game by the offensive weapons the team has brought in this offseason. The Ravens signed Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal, and drafted receivers Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace. Zeitler will be a stabilizer as a pass protector for Jackson.
After trading Orlando Brown Jr. to the Chiefs earlier in the offseason, the Ravens had a need at right tackle. Baltimore signed former Pittsburgh Steeler Alejandro Villanueva to replace Brown Jr., who refused to play at right tackle for the Ravens, as he wished to continue playing at left tackle. Villanueva is a seasoned veteran who will be another player that the Ravens should be able to rely on each and every week. Villanueva has been a cornerstone for the Steelers offensive line last season, playing 1098 offensive snaps, while posting a 74.6 overall PFF grade. The 32-year-old should continue his steady play for the Ravens in 2021.
Baltimore’s offensive line was a bit shaky last season due to injuries and other circumstances, but this season the Ravens should be looked at as a team who is motivated to get over the hump. The offensive line will have a major role in Baltimore’s success this upcoming season.
Projected Starting Offensive Line:
- LT – Ronnie Stanley
- LG – Bradley Bozeman
- C – Patrick Mekari
- RG – Kevin Zeitler
- RT – Alejandro Villanueva