Ravens need to protect investments with a stronger offensive line

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http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-ravens-0303-20120302,0,6648966.column

In 2011, the Ravens offensive line was average at best. If you listen to head coach John Harbaugh, he wants both Grubbs and Birk to return which would give him all five starters back.

But Harbaugh is just giving lip service. He can't bring this group back. They consistently failed on short yardage situations and had problems providing pass protection for Flacco.

A player or two has to go for the Ravens to upgrade, so if the Ravens re-sign Grubbs and Birk, it would have to be McKinnie. He never worked his way into good playing shape last season, was stiff and a liability when it came to run blocking.

Right offensive tackle Michael Oher didn't have a very strong season either, but he's a former first-round pick who recently completed his third season. The question surrounding Oher is what happened to the mean streak that he displayed as a rookie.

Those were the days when he would pancake a player 10 yards down the field, or rip an opponents' helmet off. The rookie Michael Oher got into fights and displayed the same mean, nasty temperament as former Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown, but it's gone.

[RavenMad]

I have to agree with most of that article. If we had to keep 1 of Birk or Grubbs I would rather keep Grubbs. I'm interested to see what some of our younger guys can offer at G rather than overpay for Grubbs. We also need to keep a look out for a LT for the future. I can't see McKinnie being retained past his current contract.

 

I'm not sure that any teams will sign Zibby or Haruki as starters though. These guys are good solid depth but not much more. I can see at least 1 of them being resigned.

[oldno82]

The way the offensive line play improved after Grubbs returned tells me he is very important for us to retain, but I don't know if we're going to be able to afford him. I'd like to see us tell his agent that if he doesn't sign before free agency starts we'll pull the offer. Its the only leverage we have. I suspect Grubbs has decided to test free agency and go to the highest bidder which is not good news for us.

 

McKinnie is a stop gap but at least he allows us to play Oher at RT. Its hard to come up with a good OT in the draft when we're drafting so far down. We need to either draft a younger LT or get one in free agency if they want to improve that position but the pickings are slim I believe. We also need a center---I'd like to see us draft Konz from Wisconsin if he's still available when its our turn to pick.

[papasmurfbell]

I have to agree with most of that article. If we had to keep 1 of Birk or Grubbs I would rather keep Grubbs. I'm interested to see what some of our younger guys can offer at G rather than overpay for Grubbs. We also need to keep a look out for a LT for the future. I can't see McKinnie being retained past his current contract.

 

I'm not sure that any teams will sign Zibby or Haruki as starters though. These guys are good solid depth but not much more. I can see at least 1 of them being resigned.

 

I heard Aaron Wilson today say that both Haruki and Zibby are gone. He tends to be right on the money most of the time.

[Dunno]

The LT dark horse is Ramon Harewood.

 

That first year injury was a stash move. That second year injury was real.

 

I am hoping he can stay healthy this year.

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I don't think Harewood is built for LT.