Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is prepared for growing pains with young, retooled offensive line

Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is prepared for growing pains with young, retooled offensive line

The Ravens saw the decline last summer, decided to let two looming free-agent offensive linemen walk, and traded Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.

During his Thursday press conference, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta acknowledged that an offensive line imploding could take place, and it would ultimately set the franchise back.

Baltimore wanted a younger offensive line, and DeCosta acknowledged that there could be growing pains.

Starting left guard John Simpson exited, and the Ravens replaced him with Andrew Vorhees, a seventh-round pick out of USC who missed his entire rookie season while rehabbing a knee injury.

Talented right guard Kevin Zeitler (34) departed, and the younger and bigger Daniel Faalele was inserted.

After Morgan Moses was traded, former Washington Huskies stud Roger Rosengarten was drafted in the second round in April, and he looks like a future All-Pro.   Next Thursday night will see the offensive line feature three first-year starters, with Vorhees, Rosengarten, and Daniel Faalele inserted in critical positions and likely to see a lot of All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Baltimore is also adjusting to a new offensive line coach. George Warhop is joining John Harbaugh’s staff, replacing longtime offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who passed away from an “acute illness.”

Head coach John Harbaugh says he knows who the starters will be but has declined to announce them for strategic purposes.