Baltimore Ravens 2024 Offense Will Only Reach Full Potential if This Critical Position Group Performs at a Championship-Caliber Level
The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2024 NFL season as one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders, boasting an MVP quarterback, a dominant defense, and a roster stacked with depth and experience. But if this team is going to fulfill its lofty potential and make a deep postseason run, one position group above all others will dictate how far they go: the offensive line.
In today’s NFL, where explosive offenses often rely on quarterback heroics and vertical passing attacks, the importance of a strong offensive line can sometimes be overshadowed. That’s not the case in Baltimore, where the line’s ability to dominate in both the run game and pass protection remains the foundation of the team’s identity. For a system built around the dual-threat abilities of Lamar Jackson and the physicality of the rushing attack, the offensive line’s performance is not just important — it’s essential.
The 2023 Ravens had one of the more consistent offensive lines in football, helping power the NFL’s top rushing attack and providing the protection necessary for Jackson to earn his second league MVP award. But entering 2024, the group faces more questions than it has in years — a result of offseason departures, looming health concerns, and young players being thrust into bigger roles. As training camp approaches, this group will be the focus of much internal and external scrutiny, and its success will likely determine whether Baltimore is a contender or a true champion.
Last season, Baltimore’s offensive line was one of the more underrated stories in the NFL. Anchored by Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and veteran guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, the Ravens’ interior line played with toughness and cohesion. On the outside, Ronnie Stanley returned to relative health, and Morgan Moses provided veteran stability at right tackle.
The result was a dominant ground game that ranked No. 1 in rushing yards per game and a balanced offense that helped Lamar Jackson thrive as both a passer and rusher. The line allowed just 37 sacks — 12th fewest in the league — and consistently created clean pockets for Jackson to operate. Most importantly, they were excellent in short-yardage situations, converting key third downs and controlling time of possession.
But the 2024 version of this unit will look significantly different.
The biggest storyline surrounding Baltimore’s offensive line this offseason has been the turnover. Both starting guards — Zeitler and Simpson — are gone, and right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. That’s three of five starters from 2023 no longer on the roster. For a team with championship aspirations, that’s a major shakeup in a vital area.
Linderbaum, one of the best young centers in football, remains the anchor in the middle. Ronnie Stanley, when healthy, is still a high-level left tackle. But health has been a consistent issue for Stanley, who hasn’t played a full season since 2019. If he can’t stay on the field, the Ravens will need to turn to unproven options at one of the league’s most critical positions.
At right tackle, the Ravens are expected to give second-year lineman Daniel Faalele and rookie Roger Rosengarten a chance to compete. Rosengarten, a second-round pick out of Washington, is considered a high-upside prospect but will need time to adjust to NFL speed and power. The guard positions are even more unsettled, with options including Andrew Vorhees — who missed all of last season with injury — veteran Ben Cleveland, and utility lineman Patrick Mekari.
The lack of experience among the interior replacements is a real concern. While Linderbaum provides a steadying presence, young guards learning on the fly can lead to communication breakdowns and protection issues. If those problems show up in games, they could disrupt the timing of Monken’s offense and limit Jackson’s effectiveness.
Lamar Jackson’s game is predicated on rhythm, movement, and unpredictability. But none of those attributes matter if the offensive line can’t keep him upright and create space. While Jackson is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league, he’s also shown significant growth as a pocket passer — and that growth depends on protection.
In 2023, Jackson improved his intermediate passing efficiency and threw for over 3,600 yards, his highest total since entering the league. He was able to go through progressions, find receivers like Zay Flowers, and use the middle of the field more effectively. That progress could easily be derailed by a leaky offensive line.
Additionally, the run game — still a critical part of Baltimore’s offense — is powered by the line’s ability to create push at the point of attack. With the arrival of Derrick Henry, the Ravens will need their interior linemen to be physically dominant. Henry is most effective running between the tackles, and if the guards and center can’t move defenders off the ball, his impact will be diminished.
Baltimore’s scheme often involves pulling guards and tackles on designed quarterback runs and outside zone plays. These plays require athleticism and timing up front — attributes that take time and repetition to develop. With so many new pieces, building chemistry quickly in training camp will be vital.
One of the strengths of Baltimore’s offensive line in recent years has been its versatility. Patrick Mekari is a perfect example — a utility lineman capable of playing every position except center. His presence provides critical insurance at multiple spots, especially given Ronnie Stanley’s injury history.
But depth can only take a team so far, and the Ravens know they’ll need young players to not just fill in, but excel. Andrew Vorhees, a former All-American at USC, has yet to play a snap in the NFL due to a torn ACL suffered at the combine in 2023. The Ravens had the luxury to redshirt him last year, but now he’ll likely be counted on as a starter or primary rotational piece. If he lives up to his pre-injury form, the line could stabilize quickly.
Similarly, Ben Cleveland — now entering his fourth year — needs to prove he can be a consistent NFL starter. He’s had flashes but has yet to lock down a permanent role. His strength and size fit the Ravens’ power run game well, but technique and agility have held him back.
Rookie Roger Rosengarten could be a steal, but relying on a rookie right tackle to protect an MVP quarterback in key moments is a risk. Training camp and preseason reps will be crucial for his development, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Ravens explore a veteran addition if they’re not confident in the competition’s outcome.
While the personnel changes are real, one stabilizing factor is offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Entering his second season, Monken has already shown a strong understanding of how to use his offensive line in creative ways. His background in college football gives him experience working with younger linemen and adapting schemes to their strengths.
Monken’s use of tight ends in protection, motion to confuse defenses, and multiple formations will help take pressure off the line. Having Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely — both willing blockers — also gives Baltimore flexibility in how they protect Jackson and open up lanes for Henry.
Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris has been a steady hand for the Ravens since 2017. His ability to develop mid- and late-round picks into reliable contributors has been a key part of the Ravens’ success. With so many young players stepping into bigger roles, his coaching will be more important than ever in 2024.
As the Ravens prepare for training camp, there’s no question that the offensive line will be under the microscope. While the team has talent at quarterback, running back, tight end, and wide receiver, none of it matters if the offensive line can’t hold up.
With three new starters likely to take the field in Week 1, the group must come together quickly to maintain the rhythm and identity of an offense built on power, speed, and flexibility. If they can do that, the Ravens will have the foundation needed to make another deep playoff run — and possibly bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore.
But if the offensive line struggles, all the skill talent in the world won’t be enough to overcome the pressure. In football, success often starts in the trenches — and for the 2024 Baltimore Ravens, that truth has never been more relevant.
