Ravens Hunt O-Line Bargains

From the start of training camp in 2025, it was obvious that if the Ravens were to succeed during the then upcoming season, they would need their offensive and defensive lines to step up. On offense, Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele were counted on to have plus seasons. On defense, the Ravens rolled the dice and hoped that Father Time might leave Kyle Van Noy be for one more season; they hoped the lights would finally come on for David Ojabo; that Odafe Oweh would play lights out to earn his 2026 pay day in free agency; and that rookie Mike Green would prove to the world that he had first-round talent.

The Ravens crapped out across the board.

Vorhees and Faalele were horrific. Father Time sacked KVN’s season. Ojabo looked washed while Oweh showed no signs of development. These weaknesses, apparent to all except the Ravens decision makers, sabotaged the 2025 season. So now we’re left to wonder if these weaknesses will be corrected in 2026.

On defense, the sense of urgency is real. The Ravens invested in Trey Hendrickson to boost the pass rush, and it appears that a vital piece missing from 2025 is on the mend and could return in 2026 – namely, Nnamdi Madubuike. This, along with the addition of Jaylinn Hawkins, the return of Chidobe Awuzie and an entirely new defensive staff, fuel optimism for a defensive revitalization. But that offensive line…

The Ravens lost a Pro Bowl center; their left tackle hasn’t been a model of health during his career and is now 32; while right tackle Roger Rosengarten regressed last season. To address this extreme weakness, GM Eric DeCosta has brought back journeyman guard John Simpson who is a league leader in offensive line infractions, and a few reserve linemen who DeCosta rescued from the NFL scrap heap.

No offseason is complete until the players step onto the field for their first regular season game. Players from other teams will fall off rosters after the NFL Draft. Good stopgap solutions may become available. But hope doesn’t spring eternal in the NFL when it comes to offensive line help.

We watched Lamar Jackson run for his life last season. We witnessed Derrick Henry getting hit behind the line of scrimmage far too much. Jackson isn’t indestructible. He’s anything but. Henry appears to be, but he will turn 33 before the season is done – ancient for an NFL running back. Imagine the Ravens offense without either of them. Oh, and Keaton Mitchell is no longer around.

Perhaps new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford is the interior offensive line whisperer. He’ll have to be if the Ravens are going to compete with the unproven, inexperienced O-line talent they’ve recruited so far.

Who knows, maybe second-year player Emory Jones steps up. Maybe second-year tackle Carson Vinson takes a big leap. Maybe some of the bargain basement signings will work out.

Then again, if they don’t and DeCosta fails to adequately address the screaming need at interior offensive line, maybe the 2026 season across the offensive front will be nothing more than 2025 2.0.

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