The Baltimore Ravens will enter 2022 free agency with plenty of needs to fill out. Their 2021 season didn’t go anywhere near as planned, as the team finished at 8-9 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2017.
One of the key needs identified for Baltimore by many is their offensive line. The Ravens struggled up front without having All-Pro offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, and other injuries and inconsistent play swept through most of the unit as well.
When listing the best fits for the top 50 NFL free agents, Jeremey Fowler and Matt Bowen of ESPN tabbed Baltimore as the best fit for two soon-to-be free agent offensive lineman, the first being Trent Brown of the New England Patriots. Brown came in at No. 18 on the list of 50 players, and when explaining why it makes sense, Fowler talked about the team’s tackle depth.
“Baltimore is in transition at tackel with Alejandro Villanueva (a 2023 free agent) turning 34 in September and Ronnie Stanley missing most of the past two seasons with a severe ankle injury. Quarterback Lamar Jackson would have fun running behind this mammoth man.”
Bowen explained the system fit for Brown with the Ravens, discussing Baltimore’s gap-heavy run system.
“In the Ravens’ gap-heavy run system, Brown is an easy fit given the power he displays at the point of the attack and the light feet we see on the tape. Pull, he can block down and move people. He’s an upgrade in Greg Roman’s offensive structure.”
The second offensive lineman with the Ravens named as their best fit is a familiar face in center Bradley Bozeman, who was the No. 31 player on the list. Fowler mentioned Bozeman’s impact both on and off of the field when talking about why it makes sense for a reunion.
“The Ravens and Bozeman have had preliminary contract talks, so expect this to get done closer to free agency. Bozeman is a pillar along the line and is big in Baltimore’s community, doing a bunch of outreach.”
Bowen discussed Bozeman’s well-rounded game when looking at the fit from a scheme perspective.
“Bozeman stays in Baltimore because of the run game structure. He’s a meat and potatoes lineman, with the strength to dig out defenders and the awareness/toughness to battle up front.”
It’s expected that Baltimore will look to improve their offensive line this offseason, and for good reason. It is key that the team can protect quarterback Lamar Jackson, and adding Brown while bringing back Bozeman would be an excellent start.