Baltimore Ravens Should Sign Former Top Pick To Help Offensive Line Depth
The Baltimore Ravens may have lost three members of their vaunted offensive line last season, but that hasn't deterred them from making moves to improve the roster.
While Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are returning for the 2024 season, Baltimore signed Josh Jones to a free agent contract for him to compete for the starting right tackle job, as well as be the swing tackle throughout the year.
Depth is still a position of need, though, for the Ravens. Both Stanley and Mekari have injury concerns entering the new league year, and Jones doesn't have a ton of starting experience throughout his career. With that, Baltimore should look to inquire about one available free agent offensive lineman that not only has starting experience, but is young enough to entice the team to see if they can "fix him."
When Mekhi Becton was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the belief was that the Louisville product's intangibles could make him among the best at the left tackle position in a few years. After a strong rookie season, though, injuries derailed Becton's career.
Multiple knee injuries in back-to-back seasons hampered his development. After a strong start to the year last year as New York's left and right tackle, Becton struggled down the stretch as he tried to play through an ankle injury.
The late season struggled impacted Becton's 53.2 Pro Football Focus grade - an average score among other left tackles. As the first month of free agency has come and gone, Becton remains a free agent. While there will sure to be teams looking for depth following the NFL Draft, the Ravens remain uniquely in need of a player of Becton's stature.
Jones and Becton may have injury concerns, but the Louisville product is only 24 years old. Under proper coaching, he could become the player Jets fans were hoping he would be just a few years ago.
At the very least, the Ravens need as much depth along the line as they can get. Becton would certainly help that.