Offensive Tackle a Strength in Baltimore

The young line helped create running lanes, while also holding up enough in pass protection for Jackson to lead the NFL in touchdown passes. The Ravens are in a fortunate position of having two excellent players at offensive tackle. Ronnie Stanley was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 at left tackle, and Orlando Brown Jr was a Pro Bowler at right tackle.

Ronnie Stanley: Best Pass Blocking Offensive Tackle in the NFL?

Stanley has proven one of the smartest Ravens draft selections of the 2010s. Baltimore made him the sixth overall pick in 2016, and he has developed into one of the premier left tackles in the NFL. The 6’6″ Notre Dame prospect has made the left tackle spot his since entering the league.

His play elevated last season to that of a top tier tackle. Pro Football Focus named him the best pass-blocking tackle in the NFL last season. He didn’t allow a single sack all season, and only allowed a quarterback pressure in 1.5% of offensive snaps. 2020 is a contract year for Stanley, and he deserves a big contract as the Ravens cannot let him leave.

Orlando Brown Jr: The Next Promising Offensive Tackle?

Orlando Brown Jr is part of the now-famous Ravens 2018 NFL Draft class. Brown Jr joined Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Bradley Bozeman as rookies who made a significant impact. He’s locked up the right tackle spot since entering the league.

Brown Jr has anchored this line, only allowing two sacks in two NFL seasons. Paired with Stanley, they form the best young tackles in the NFL. With Marshal Yanda now retired, this offensive line is very young but full of potential. Both Brown Jr and Stanley are looking set for very successful long careers in the NFL.

Can Tyre Phillips Earn A Role in Baltimore

Baltimore selected Tyre Phillips in the third round of this year’s draft but will have to work hard to earn a role on this offensive line. The Ravens line is full of young, promising players who can be stars in the next few years. Many experts project Phillips will move inside to guard in the NFL, but he was primarily used as a tackle at Mississippi State.

Stanley and Brown Jr are established at both tackle positions. However, if one were to go down injured, Phillips could step in as a replacement. The Ravens lack depth at tackle, which could help Phillips earn a role. Baltimore prioritizes size and versatility on the offensive line, both of which Phillips possesses. He may struggle to earn significant playing time in his rookie year but provides excellent offensive line depth.

Andre Smith A Depth Option For Ravens

Andre Smith has had a journeyman career since being selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He’s primarily played for division rivals the Cincinnati Bengals but has now latched on with the Ravens. He played the first five games last year for the Bengals before being released in November. He signed with the Ravens in January to provide depth and has since re-signed with Baltimore.

Smith hasn’t lived up to being the sixth overall pick but does provide quality depth for the Ravens. He has 12 years of experience in the NFL, and can adequately step in should Stanley or Brown Jr suffer an injury. He can also help mentor a very young offensive line in Baltimore.

That wraps up this examination of the Baltimore Ravens tackle position. The Ravens have some tremendous young tackles, but lack depth should one of them get injured. We’ll see if they add depth to the position over the summer months.

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