The Baltimore Ravens could stand to improve their offensive line in the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly in light of certain developments concerning their 2019 personnel.
While the Ravens are returning 10 of their 11 offensive starters from last season, their lone loss is a massive one. Long-time guard Marshal Yanda called it a career this offseason, creating a big hole in their offensive line that they’ll have to fill. While Ben Powers shouldn’t be forgotten and should be penciled in as the starter there, Baltimore could turn to the 2020 NFL Draft to find more competition for the now-vacant role.
In addition to right guard, the Ravens could use more depth along their entire offensive line. Though Patrick Mekari filled in well and Matt Skura appears to be rehabilitating nicely from the torn ACL, MCL, PCL and dislocated knee cap that sent him to injured reserve last season, there’s no clear timetable for his return. With Baltimore’s offense being so run-heavy and an emphasis on protecting mobile MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, the offensive line could be one area the Ravens focus in on for the 2020 NFL Draft.
With all of that in mind, here’s how Baltimore could fill their offensive line needs in each round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
1st Round – C/G Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
Skura was good in 2019 before suffering his injury and Mekari filled in well. But in Cushenberry, the Ravens have a chance to nab the top center prospect in this draft class. Cushenberry was a member of the LSU line that won the Joe Moore Award for the best line in college football last season, also helping propel quarterback Joe Burrow as the sure-fire No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Cushenberry took snaps at both center and guard for LSU, so he offers some positional versatility. He is an excellent pass protector but could stand to develop a nastier edge in the ground game. He is a good run blocker, but with some development, he could become great.