Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson enjoyed a fruitful 2023 season as he won his secomd MVP award in Todd Monken’s first year as offensive coordinator.
Lamar had a career-high in pass attempts (457), completions (307), and pass yards (3,678) with the Ravens offense averaging 28.4 points per game (ranked fourth). But one negative was that Jackson was sacked 37 times (second most in his career)
Now, Jackson’s offensive line that gave up 37 sacks has been ravaged by free agency. Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets, and Kevin Zeitler (Lions) and John Simpson (Jets) all walked out the door.
For ESPN’s Jameion Hensley, the Ravens have a massive void to fill along the offensive line this offseason.
“The Ravens need to replace three starters on the offensive line,” Hensley wrote. “Pro Bowl right guard Kevin Zeitler signed with the Lions, left guard John Simpson went to the Jets and right tackle Morgan Moses got traded to the Jets. This is a massive void because that trio accounted for 2,938 snaps last season.”
Luckily for the Ravens, if there ever was an offseason to have a glaring offensive line need, its this one. With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, there are several standout linemen in the class.
Georgia’s Amarius Mims, Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, Duke’s Graham Barton, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, Washington’s Troy Fautanu, Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu and Arizona’s Jordan Morgan are all options for Baltimore.
But prior to the draft, the Ravens could look for some bargain free agents like Nick Gates, Laken Tomlinson, and Dalton Risner. There are options for Baltimore, and while it is a massive void that needs filling, there is ample time and talent to fix what is looming as the franchise’s biggest offseason need right now.
The Ravens’ offense was one of the best in the NFL last season, despite Jackson getting sacked 37 times. If the franchise wants to be as good, if not better, than its 2023 version, getting Lamar adequate protection is a must.
And in free agency and the draft, they have the opportunity to do so.
