Ravens' NFL Draft Picks Hoping to Continue Offensive Line Greatness
Since joining the league in 1995, the Baltimore Ravens have had a tradition of elite offensive linemen.
It seems that no matter how good the rest of the team is, the Ravens always have a strong offensive line. Legends such as Jonathan Ogden and Marshall Yanda are prime examples of the Ravens' offensive line pipeline.
It comes as no surprise that the Ravens are well aware of this tradition. Baltimore has drafted at least one offensive lineman each year since entering the league, with the only exception being 2002.
"In most cases, we're going to try to draft an offensive lineman every year if we can," General Manager Eric DeCosta said. "We just think it's good, and you like to have that pipeline of guys every single year, the younger players."
The Ravens stuck to that tradition in 2023, drafting two offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. The hope is that these two linemen can keep up the tradition of great blockers in Baltimore.
First, Baltimore selected Oregon's Malaesala Aumave-Laulu with the No. 199 pick in the sixth round. The Hawaii-native started 29 games at right tackle for the Ducks, and only allowed 14 pressures on 442 pass-blocking snaps in 2022, according to PFF. Despite only being a sixth-round pick, the Ravens' front office is very high on the rookie.
"We look at him as a real strong developmental guy," DeCosta said. "[He has] a lot of upside potential. He's young, and he fits us very, very well."
Then, Baltimore traded back into the draft to select USC's Andrew Vorhees at No. 229 in the seventh round. Vorhees started 25 games at multiple positions for the Trojans and was a first-team All-American in 2022. If not for a torn ACL suffered at the Combine, he would've gone much earlier in the draft.
"We are getting a tough and physical competitor who is polished and experienced," DeCosta said.
While both Aumave-Laulu and Vorhees were later picks, the Ravens are still hopeful they can carry on the tradition of great offensive linemen.
Follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on TwitterRavens Alert!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
