Patrick Mekari – Page 3 – Syndication Server

Ravens OC Todd Monken talks about replacing three starters on the offensive line

The Baltimore Ravens decided to revamp their offensive line this offseason by letting both starting guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler go in free agency and trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. The Ravens will have to turn to inexperienced players to protect reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken was asked about setting the first unit of starters and how much offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris will help dictate its appearance.

“Joe [D’Alessandris] has a big voice in that, and we’ve got talent, otherwise we wouldn’t have made the moves we did,” Monken said. “We are still in the business of winning, so the part of that, is that we think those guys can play. We just need to let them go play, and they’re going to continue to develop and get better. All of those young players that have been draft picks that eventually get that opportunity; every player at one time that happens. Whether it was Tyler [Linderbaum] at center or Ronnie [Stanley], other players, they just need the opportunity. We’re excited to let those guys go play and continue to develop. They’re only going to get better, and we’re going to get better with them.”

Andrew Vorhees, Ben Cleveland, and Daniel Faalele appear to be the main competitors for the openings at both guard spots, while veteran swingman Patrick Mekari and rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten compete for the starting right tackle duties. Veteran Josh Jones, who Baltimore signed this offseason, is another name to keep in mind at both tackle and guard.

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Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Ravens OL coach Joe D’Alessandris discusses Patrick Mekari’s versatility

Ravens OL coach Joe D’Alessandris opens up on the role of offensive lineman Patrick Mekari

The Baltimore Ravens are known for their incredible ability to find undrafted free agent diamonds in the rough. Many of their undrafted success stories go on to have exceptional NFL careers, with offensive lineman Patrick Mekari being one of those players.

The veteran lineman has extreme versatility, as he can play all five positions on the offensive line. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris was asked whether he sees Mekari as a starter or reserve, and while his answer was as a starter, his position is that of a do-it-all player.

“Right now, Pat [Mekari]’s situation is just more of a good quality … I see him in my eyes as a starter, OK? In my eyes, he’s a starter, but he’s in the position where he can play multiple positions, and that’s the role that we’d like to see him in right now. Does that mean … If we have an injury, guess what? You’re starting, Pat. But it’s not that he can’t start, it’s just that we see the versatility and the benefit of that opportunity. There are not many guys in the NFL that can play center, both guards and tackle. The last time we had a guy here that could do both was James Hurst, and he played both tackles and both guard positions, and he just retired with a fantastic career. Pat’s having a nice career.”

Mekari is undoubtedly talented enough to start at the NFL level, evidenced by his consistency and productivity. However, he provides immense value to Baltimore as a plug-and-play injury option at any position on the line, which means he’s best used as a backup unless otherwise needed.

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.

Patrick Mekari named the Ravens most underappreciate player

Patrick Mekari named the Baltimore Ravens most underappreciate player by NFL.com

The Ravens have three offensive line spots up for grabs by potential new starters, but their most consistent player isn’t even a starter.

NFL.com recently named the most underappreciated player for all 32 NFL teams, and Mekari made the list for Baltimore.

The selection for Baltimore came down to a difficult decision between Patricks. “Project Pat” Ricard was an enticing option, especially considering the fullback will now be blowing open holes for Derrick Freakin’ Henry. But despite the general lack of appreciation for his position, Ricard has received his share of individual shine in the form of four straight Pro Bowl selections from 2019 through 2022, as well as a second-team All-Pro nod this past season. So, Patrick Mekari, come on down! Esteemed colleague Kevin Patra recently spotlighted the biggest remaining question mark in Baltimore: the offensive line. Multiple spots appear iffy, thanks to injuries and inexperience. Fortunately, the Ravens employ one of the best swing linemen in football today. In five NFL seasons, Mekari has ably logged snaps at all five OL positions. This is a utility man with immense value, especially on this particular roster.

Mekari made seven starts between the right and left side, filling in for Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, who dealt with knee and shoulder injuries.

Baltimore signed Josh Jones, drafted Roger Rosengarten, and have Andrew Vorhees ready to be inserted at the guard position.

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.

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.

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.