Baltimore Ravens: Midseason Grades for Every Player
Offensive Linemen
Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Eugene Monroe – B-
After signing a big contract this offseason, Eugene Monroe has just been decent in an injury-plagued season. He has always been a better pass protector than a run blocker, and that has held true so far this season.
As Monroe gets healthier, though, he should regain the form that earned him the big extension in the first place.
Kelechi Osemele – A-
Like Monroe, Kelechi Osemele has struggled with injuries this year. Unlike Monroe, Osemele has been dominant when on the field. Osemele has only given up three pressures all season according to Pro Football Focus (subscription needed), and he has flashed dominance in the ground game.
Osemele had been average in his first two seasons, so taking the step towards dominance was a huge positive for the big guy. If he manages to stay healthy, Osemele has a chance to be special.
Jeremy Zuttah – B+
Jeremy Zuttah is not a mauler, nor is he a superstar. What he has been, though, is a stabilizing force for the Ravens’ vastly improved offensive line.
Zuttah has looked mobile and effective in the ground game while holding up well in pass protection against some of the best defensive tackles in the league (Geno Atkins, Gerald McCoy, etc.). The Ravens have occasionally struggled with blitzes up the middle, which Zuttah should be responsible for.
Marshal Yanda – A
You know a guy is a stud when a down year from him is still a Pro Bowl year, which sums up Yanda’s 2013 season. This year, Yanda has improved vastly, being arguably the best run blocker in the NFL. His work ethic and toughness set the tone for the Ravens’ offensive line, which has been one of the NFL’s best units.
Yanda has been slightly above average in pass protection and dominant in run blocking. As long as he keeps it up, he is a shoo-in for an All Pro nod.
Rick Wagner – A+
Rick Wagner was the offensive tackle meant to play with Marshal Yanda. Both are Big Ten, hard-nosed guys known more for their toughness than their physical skills, and the duo now holds down the best right side in the NFL.
Wagner has been dynamite in both phases of the game, far exceeding expectations and only giving up one sack. Wagner is the consummate technician and could be the Ravens’ right tackle for years to come.
James Hurst – B
Expectations for James Hurst were low when he was inserted into the lineup. He has met those expectations, struggling in pretty much all phases. Fortunately, Hurst’s struggles didn’t completely knock out the Ravens’ offense, so his short stint in the lineup has to be considered at least a moderate success.
John Urschel – A-
James Hurst was an undrafted rookie and played like it. John Urschel is a fifth-round pick, and he has exceeded the expectations that come with that designation. Urschel didn’t stand out, which is a good thing for a lineman, especially against a Tampa Bay defensive line that includes Gerald McCoy.