Tag: Daniel Faalele

PFF ranks Ravens’ offensive line near the bottom of the league

PFF ranks the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line 25th in the NFL

One of the biggest storylines for the Ravens this offseason has been the complete retooling of the offensive line. After losing both right guard Kevin Zeitler and left guard John Simpson in free agency and trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets, Baltimore is set to have three new faces protecting MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson this season.

The only two returning starters from last season’s unit will be left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum. Stanley has struggled to both stay on the field and perform at a high level in recent seasons. Linderbaum, entering his third season, is the stalwart of the line now.

With so much uncertainty regarding the offensive line this season, it should be no surprise that many people are down on the unit, including PFF’s Zoltan Buday. Buday ranked the Ravens’ offensive line near the bottom of the league at No. 25 ahead of the upcoming season.

“For parts of the 2023 season, the Ravens’ offensive line looked like a top-tier unit,” Buday wrote. “However, the team lost three starters: Kevin Zeitler, John Simpson and Morgan Moses. And while Tyler Linderbaum is already one of the best centers in the NFL, Ronnie Stanley has not been the same since his injury in 2020. The rest of the offensive line will consist of either unproven young players or offensive linemen who flashed ability as backups but have yet to show they can repeat those outings as starters.”

Baltimore will rely on a combination of unproven players, Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele, and rookie Roger Rosengarten, this season to keep Jackson upright as they look to return to the playoffs and right the wrongs from last season’s disappointing end in the AFC Championship.

Ravens OL coach Joe D’Alessandris discusses growth of Daniel Faalele

Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris discussed the growth of offensive tackle Daniel Faalele

The Baltimore Ravens invested in their offensive line in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft by selecting Daniel Faalele out of Minnesota. The massive lineman was more of a project coming out of college, but Baltimore saw potential in him and added him to their ranks.

While Faalele hasn’t locked down a significant role in the Ravens’ offense as of now, he’s stepped in and played both in spot start opportunities and within a rotation. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris was asked about Faalele and said he’s now becoming more of a “good football player.”

“Well, I think Daniel [Faalele] now is becoming more of a good football player, in a sense. He’s starting to feel comfortable in his body and what he can do, and we’re working him at right tackle. We’re working him at somewhat right guard, and he’s played left tackle before. We went up to New England and beat New England when he was playing left tackle, right? That’s a big confidence [boost], what he achieved, but I just see him getting more familiar [with] what he has to do [and] how he’s got to communicate, and I think it’s just a work in progress with him. I think the more he does it, the better he’s going to become.”

D’Alessandris mentioned Faalele’s game against the New England Patriots in Week 3 of his rookie year, where he stepped up and performed admirably when called upon. While Faalele is still a “work in progress,” there is still plenty of room for growth, and the potential is certainly still there.

Projecting the Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

Projecting the Baltimore Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

The Ravens are still in the crux of a potential Super Bowl window.

Still, after changing the offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions, the team will look drastically different on offense. Baltimore seemed to win the first wave of the free agency period after getting Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million. The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

All wasn’t perfect, as the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere.

Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

We’re looking at an updated depth chart with the mandatory minicamp completed.

Starter — Lamar Jackson
2nd–Josh Johnson
3rd-Devin Leary

4th–Emory Jones

Tyler Huntley moved on in free agency, and Baltimore brought back Josh Johnson, while Malik Cunningham will continue to develop at the wide receiver position. Devin Leary was selected late in the draft and looks to be the backup for the future. Emory Jones offers potential as a developmental quarterback.

Starter-Derrick Henry
2nd-Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell

3rd-Rasheen Ali
4th–Owen Wright

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are replaced by the legendary Derrick ‘King’ Henry. One of the biggest signings of the early free agency period, Henry gives Baltimore a star at the position.

Starter–Patrick Ricard

Starter–Nelson Agholor
2nd–Sean Ryan

Agholor re-signed with Baltimore on a 1-year deal prior to the start of free agency.

Starter–Rashod Bateman
2nd–DeVontez Walker/Tylan Wallace

Starter–Zay Flowers

2nd–Deonte Harty

Starter–Mark Andrews
2nd-Isaiah Likely
3rd–Charlie Kolar
4th–Scotty Washington

Starter–Ronnie Stanley

2nd–Patrick Mekari

Stanley will return at left tackle after restructuring his contract.

Starter–Sala Aumavae-Laulu/Josh Jones
2nd–Tykeem Doss
3rd–Tashawn Manning

With John Simpson signing with the Jets, Aumavae-Laulu could get the first shot at the starting left guard role.

Starter–Tyler Linderbaum

2nd–Nick Samac

Starter–Andrew Voorhees
2nd–Ben Cleveland

Voorhees missed the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL but could start the season at right guard in place of a departed Kevin Zeitler.

Starter–Roger Rosengarten
2nd–Daniel Faalele

Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Baltimore could roll with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten or Faalele.

Roger Rosengarten expresses excitement about blocking for Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens landed some much-needed help at offensive tackle in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Washington right tackle Roger Rosengarten. When speaking with the media after the selection, Rosengarten was asked how it …

The Baltimore Ravens landed some much-needed help at offensive tackle in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Washington right tackle Roger Rosengarten. When speaking with the media after the selection, Rosengarten was asked how it will feel pass-blocking for quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“As soon as I heard [it was] Baltimore, that’s the first thing that came to my mind – blocking for Lamar [Jackson],” Rosengarten said. “[He’s] an elite-level quarterback, an MVP-level quarterback. It’s a dream come true. Baltimore is one of those places where it’s been a historic program for such a long time, and just to hear my name called and have everybody on the staff come [on the phone] and congratulate me, it was such a great feeling.”

The Ravens have a vacancy at the right tackle position after trading away reliable veteran Morgan Moses to the New York Jets this offseason. Rosengarten will have the opportunity to compete with third-year offensive tackle Daniel Faalele for the starting job this season. Rosengarten has experience at left tackle as well so he could also serve as a potential fill-in for Ronnie Stanley if the veteran misses time again this year.

Every move the Ravens have made so far this offseason

With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every move the Baltimore Ravens have made this off-season

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. 

Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re reviewing every move Baltimore made this off-season.

John Harbaugh says Daniel Faalele will have chance to win Ravens starting OT job

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh says offensive tackle Daniel Faalele will get a chance to win the starting right tackle job

The Baltimore Ravens drafted offensive lineman Daniel Faalele in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. The former Minnesota star didn’t get much playing time during his rookie season but was a crucial part of Baltimore’s late-season offensive tackle rotation.

At the 2024 NFL Owners Meetings, head coach John Harbaugh talked a lot about the current state of the team’s offensive line. He mentioned that Faalele will have an opportunity to win the Ravens’ right tackle job, being firmly in the mix.

Faalele has the size and athleticism to succeed at the NFL level. However, despite some good reps, he has plenty of room to grow, making this offseason massive.

15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2024 after first wave of NFL free agency

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings, we’re releasing the Ravens 15 biggest salary cap hits according to Over The Cap. 

Change is always good for the soul, and after a stunning loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic reconstruction that could pay off with championship dividends.

Changes hit the defensive coaching staff as Mike Macdonald accepted the Seahawks head coaching job, Anthony Weaver became the defensive coordinator in Miami, and Zach Orr was promoted from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings of cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, linebacker Chris Board, and offensive guard Josh Jones, we’re releasing the 15 most significant salary cap hits according to Over The Cap.

Where do the Ravens rank in spending at each position after first wave of free agency?

We’re looking at where the Baltimore Ravens rank in positional spending after the first wave of NFL free agency

The 2024 salary cap is set at $255.4 million.

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Eric DeCosta started the off-season with urgency, signing Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

The Ravens have $13,884,766 in available cap space, and they’re paying out over $113 million on the offensive side of the football.

With the second wave of free agency set to begin, we’re examining Baltimore’s positional spending ranking.

All figures are via OverTheCap.com and official NFLPA records.

Updated status of every Ravens free agent after first wave of free agency

We’re taking an updated look at where the Baltimore Ravens 26 free agents have landed after the first wave of NFL free agency

The offseason is in full swing, particularly for the Baltimore Ravens, who have made one gigantic move, agreeing to a two-year deal with running back Derrick Henry.

The Ravens will utilize draft picks and the second wave of free agency to retool after losing eight players in the first week.

Baltimore has had good moments so far, and we’re taking an updated look at the status of every initial 2024 free agent through the first wave of signings.

Ravens 2024 offseason tracker: Following all of Baltimore’s signings, departures and more

We’re tracking all of Baltimore Ravens offseason moves here — from signings and departures to restructures and any potential trades.

The offseason is in full swing, particularly for the Baltimore Ravens, who have made one gigantic move, agreeing to a two-year deal with running back Derrick Henry.

The Ravens will utilize draft picks and the second wave of free agency to retool after losing eight players in the first week.

Baltimore has had good moments so far, and we’re tracking all of their offseason moves here—from signings and departures to restructures and potential trades.