Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Baltimore Ravens
By Ash Thompson
Running Backs
Kenneth Dixon was supposed to be the Ravens’ short yardage and goal line back. His recent meniscus repair will end his season. They will likely employ Terrence West as their lead back and Danny Woodhead in passing situations. That combination of players will make the Ravens fairly predictable in their running back usage.
Woodhead is no danger to teams between the tackles, and West is a less athletic back who is unlikely to be very dangerous in the passing game. Woodhead is the more concerning of the two, as the Lions have plenty of run stuffing ability in their front seven. They may have issues covering highly skilled third down backs like Woodhead however.
Offensive Line
Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens first round pick in 2016 was promising at left tackle in his rookie season. Marshal Yanda is a highly skilled right guard. The rest of the Ravens offensive line is a mess. In an ideal world for the Ravens, John Urschel would have been manning one of their interior offensive line spots, but that ship has sailed. He was not a great NFL player but he was one of their best options. Alex Lewis is probably their best option at left guard, center, and right tackle.
Alex Lewis is probably their best option at left guard, center, and right tackle. It is not that Lewis would be a good tackle, but the Ravens do not have a single offensive tackle other than Stanley who was actually drafted into the league. James Hurst is the front runner for the right tackle job and Ryan Jensen for the center spot. Rookies Nico Siragusa and Jermaine Eluemunor will undoubtedly be given ample opportunity to claim spots as well.
The Offensive line will not be a strength for the Baltimore Ravens. For Lions fans looking for potential trade partners, the Ravens are in my top five potential teams for a Laken Tomlinson exchange. Tomlinson could end up anywhere between the starting left guard and third option for either guard spot. A change of scenery might be the best thing for the 2015 first round pick if he is not going to be part of the team’s long term plans.