3 Takes: Braynt McKinnie Singing
The Ravens just signed veteran left tackle Bryant McKinnie. As our editor Matt Jergensen stated, “There are a ton of questions surrounding the signing, one of course being where he fits into the Ravens line up.” McKinnie also proclaimed that the team said he was” going to play left tackle.”
Should McKinnie start at left tackle considering Oher’s future with the team? Will he be an effective left tackle?
Our Ravens Gab contributors give their take on the signing:
Matt Jergensen: Editor/Player Analyst
The more time that I’ve had to think about this move the more I like it. Bryant McKinnie is still a very good tackle in this league albeit a very large one. If he does transition to Left Tackle, which I’d be surprised if he didn’t, I’ll be very interested to see how the coaching staff handles Michael Oher. Will he be able to regain the confidence that he had in his rookie season at Right Tackle? If both men are ready to take on their new roles the Ravens could have a very good line this season.
Jonathan Scruggs: Columnist/Legal Analyst
If Brandon McKinnie comes into Ravens Camp motivated and ready to prove that he’s not a complete washout, then there is no doubt in my mind that the Ravens will have one of the stronger offensive lines in the NFL. That said, although I don’t believe the Ravens will start McKinnie at left tackle right off the bat, I do expect him to take that role as the season progresses. As for Mike Oher, I think this might be a sign that the Ravens believe two things 1.) that they won’t be able to afford to keep him at left tackle money, and 2.) that Mike’s long term future will probably be as a dominant right tackle.
Gene Winner: Columnist/Draft Analyst
This is what GM Ozzie Newsome does, he makes moves and some are risky. –And Oz has a pretty darn good track record of free agent signings. If it works out it could really help this team and it demonstrates the organization wants to win. As far as McKinnie stepping in a left tackle, I would say that nothing is set in stone because many veteran left tackles go to the right side. If in fact the team said he was going to play left tackle, it not might be immediately due to the fact that he has to learn the offense. So, we’ll see how this ones plays out. Overall I like the move, but McKinnie has some work to do. Yes, there are risks with this signing, but the good news about that is McKinnie is a proven and durable tackle. If Oher moves to the right he will be lined up next to Yanda and that makes for a formidable tandem blocking for Ray Rice and company.
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