The Baltimore Ravens are focused on building their team for the future through the NFL Draft. This year seems focused on acquiring talent for their depleted offensive line.
The Ravens had successfully built their team through the NFL Draft since 2022, when Ozzie Newsome took over the role of general manager. Fast-forward to 2018, when Eric DeCosta took over, and he had the same model—long-term success is built in the draft.
“That’s by design. We feel that’s the best way to build your team long-term. From a cost standpoint, obviously, cheaper players. But also young players who you know a lot about that can develop and become good players.” (NFL.com)
Baltimore Ravens 2024 Approach
The approach is the same, but the position is more focused. The Ravens are set on adding to their offensive line.
“We see this year’s draft and next year’s draft as real opportunities for us to begin to build that depth up again. I think this past year’s team, we had tremendous depth. And the challenge now is for these players on the roster, right now, to be a part of that depth and for us to find additional players who can come in and compete to start and be good depth players for us moving forward.”
The 2024 class does not lack offensive line talent. Baltimore might need to draft more than one from that position group.
The Ravens own nine picks, including five in the first 130. There will be plenty of opportunities for the Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens Offseason
The Ravens are going through a full rebuild of their offensive line this offseason after losing three starters from the 2023 season.
Both starting guards were lost to free agency, while right tackle Morgan Moses was traded away for draft picks. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum are the only returning offensive linemen.
The Ravens have brought in a little help on offense but in a much different way. Veteran running back Derrick Henry will stand with quarterback Lamar Jackson in the backfield. Their top-ranked rushing attack will benefit from the addition of Henry.
Drafting and hitting on the offensive line in the upcoming draft is a necessity.
Lamar Jackson Input
DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh are calling in reinforcement to help with the pre-draft process. MVP Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been asked to look at the tape of some prospects to see if he can help pick out a few future stars.
“So we’ll see who he likes. He looks at guys on tape,” Harbaugh explained. “And he’s never been shy about giving his opinion on free agents or the draft. He hasn’t weighed in quite yet, but he will.”
DeCosta, Harbaugh, and Lamar hope to hit a couple of future studs to help bring the Ravens to a Super Bowl.
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