Three of the five starting members of Baltimore’s offensive line from 2023 are no longer in place. One of the offseason departures was Morgan Moses, who manned the right tackle spot for the past two years. 
Moses was traded to the Jets, allowing him to return to his former team. That decision, along with the free agent departures of guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler, has led many to expect the Ravens to focus on an offensive line addition early in the upcoming draft. Doing so would come as no surprise, but the team does have a few in-house options to choose from at the right tackle spot in particular.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports part of Baltimore’s decision to move on from Moses (who has one year remaining on his contract) was the team’s confidence in the other O-linemen in place. That list includes swing tackle Patrick Mekari and 2022 fourth-rounder Daniel Faalele. The former is a veteran of 71 appearances and 36 starts, having seen time at all five offensive line positions over the course of his career.
The latter, meanwhile, was drafted as a developmental project based on his size (6-8, 380 pounds) and athleticism. The 24-year-old Australian has played sparingly on offense and special teams to date, logging a total of 510 snaps. Taking on a full-time starting role would thus represent a sizable jump in responsibility, but he is a familiar option within the Ravens’ system.
Pauline also names 2023 seventh-round selection Andrew Vorhees as a potential right tackle starter based on how he is viewed by the organization. Vorhees missed his rookie campaign while rehabbing an ACL tear suffered at the Combine, but the absences of Simpson and Zeitler could steer him toward playing time on the inside. In any case, the former first-team All-American blocker could be positioned to take on a notable role up front in 2024.
In free agency, the Ravens helped fill the open spots along the offensive line in part by signing Josh Jones to a one-year deal. The former Cardinals and Texans swingman has experience at both tackle spots, as well as right guard. A decision has yet to be made on where Jones will play in Baltimore, but for now he represents another option to take over from Moses. Still, O-line could remain a draft priority for the Ravens when taking into account left tackle Ronnie Stanley‘s contract situation.
The 30-year-old has battled injuries over the past four years, and he agreed to a pay cut to remain in place for 2024. Stanley’s deal is now set to void next offseason as a result, and the Ravens could use the draft to select a successor. If a familiar face is in place at the opposite spot to begin the coming season, though, it would not come as a surprise.
Faalele seems to me to be the first option, barring a draft pick, to start on the right side. Mekari has played all over, but in my mind seems to be best inside, particularly at center. Mekari does offer an emergency option outside, but signing Jones says that the Ravens want another option at either bookend just in case.
I think that Faalele (again, barring a draft pick) gets the first chance to earn the job, with Jones and then Mekari coming on in case of injury or ineffectiveness. Stanley not being a guarantee on the left side probably made backup tackles at both spots good priorities for Baltimore, but I’d expect by going that route that they want Faaleke to win the job. The Ravens have always been about best player available, though, so I’d not be surprised to see another lineman drafted if he fell into their lap.
Big fella, athletic, plenty of tread on those tires and looks like no injuries so far. Agree … it’s Daniel’s for the taking! Fingers crossed.
PFR should do an article on the best and worst run franchises. Let us vote on them! But I’d put Baltimore in the top 5 of best run. Always in the playoff hunt; & field solid, well coached teams. San Fran would be there. The HC/GM combo has done wonders during their time together. Buffalo has had a nice, but non-SB run over the past few years. Steelers. Chiefs, Packers, & Bucs all come to mind for well run franchises.