Nov 9, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan (71) pulls ahead of running back Salahadin Allah (26) during the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Gerad Lichtenhan Gets His Chance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Wesley Dixon | Last updated Sep 20, 2026 7:41 AM ET

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With Ronnie Stanley nursing a toe injury and guard John Simpson dealing with a groin issue, offensive tackle Gerad Lichtenhan was called up from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. Both Stanley and Simpson are questionable, creating the possibility that the Ravens will have to mix things up along the offensive line.

Lichtenhan stands out immediately because of his massive 6-foot-8, 330-pound frame. He spent four seasons at Colorado before transferring to Oregon State, where he started all 12 games in 2024 and was named the Pac-12’s top offensive lineman. He also finished as the conference’s highest-graded offensive lineman by PFF with an 81.8 overall grade.

That production was not enough to get Lichtenhan drafted, but Baltimore quickly signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025. His final college season was a significant jump from the rest of his body of work, giving teams only one year of high-end production to evaluate before the draft.

A Huge Frame

Lichtenhan uses his size and massive wingspan well to keep rushers at bay. However, there are drawbacks to being 6-foot-8. Generating power and consistently winning the leverage battle can be difficult when opposing rushers are naturally able to play with a lower pad level. His massive frame worked extremely well at Oregon State, but NFL edge rushers are some of the best athletes in the world and are better equipped to exploit those leverage issues.

Lichtenhan acknowledged the issue himself in an interview with The Draft Network. “I know there are some good and bad things that come with the size. I’m working on getting lower with more consistency. I occasionally get a little high because my hips are so much taller than most.”

Those concerns could become magnified against the pass-rushing options New Orleans has available. Cameron Jordan remains a capable rusher despite his age, and the veteran’s combination of technique and strength at 6-foot-4, 287 pounds could test Lichtenhan if he is forced into action.

Chase Young presents another threat. He is questionable with a calf injury, but he nearly recorded a strip-sack against Detroit before the play was overturned. On the rep, Young lined up across from three-time first-team All-Pro Penei Sewell and attacked him with a bull rush. Young was able to drive Sewell backward and get him upright before disengaging and reaching Jared Goff.

Lichtenhan may not be Baltimore’s first option if the offensive line needs to be reshuffled, but his elevation gives the Ravens another option if their depth starts to wear thin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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