Ravens' Depth Could Solve Offensive Line's Biggest Hole

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the NFL’s best rosters, headlined by quarterback Lamar Jackson and supported by a host of stars. But the Ravens didn’t necessarily gain ground on the competitors this spring, as a result of limited cap space and draft capital.

There is talent across this roster, but one of the units trending most toward league average is the offensive line. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is a stalwart and center Tyler Linderbaum will soon be extended, but the rest of the group isn’t quite as proficient.

With the margins so thin, every question mark will be under scrutiny until proven otherwise. For Baltimore, that starts on the interior, where left guard Andrew Vorhees is expected to start. A developmental seventh-round pick, Vorhees may be the ripe fruit of the coaching staff’s labor. Still, the uncertainty in his projection threatens the offense.

Fortunately, the Ravens’ depth could solve the offense’s biggest problem.

Baltimore is well aware that starting Vorhees is a risk. He’s a Day 3 lineman with limited play and even fewer flashes. His best work came late in the year against two teams in free fall. The staff certainly believes in his improvement, given that he’s the favorite to start. Yet, the team made several moves that should insulate the line and ensure Vorhees doesn’t wreck the season by underperforming.

One of the Ravens’ under-the-radar signings was former Los Angeles Rams lineman Joe Noteboom. Signed to be a swing tackle, Noteboom can make an impact as a sixth lineman or step in should Stanley or Roger Rosengarten go down. But he also has legitimate experience at both left and right guard. In 2019 and 2020, he combined to play nearly a season’s worth of snaps at left guard. In 2023, he played 170 snaps at right guard (Pro Football Focus).

Further, Baltimore also drafted tackle Emery Jones Jr. in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones might have starter potential at right tackle, and has the luxury of having a big enough frame to stick there without the urge to kick inside. What could put him at guard is a skill set that is far more favorable as a run blocker and a blend of athletic traits that make him dangerous moving horizontally.

If Vorhees struggles, it remains possible that Noteboom or Jones steps in, and one could argue both have greater upside. Seventh-round guard Garrett Dellinger and his elite athleticism could make some noise, too.

Vorhees has earned the right to start in Week 1, but he didn’t do enough to push Baltimore away from contingency plans. The Ravens have several, and it could be the difference in the offensive line meeting expectations in 2025.