The Baltimore Ravens have some holes to fill on their offensive line, and fortunately for them, this is a deep draft class for linemen.
The only sure thing along the Ravens’ O-line is Tyler Linderbaum at center. John Simpson signed with the New York Jets and Kevin Zeitler should also garner a large contract in free agency, leaving both guard spots open. Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses look to be back for the 2024 campaign, but one or both could be gone next year.
Finding the future at guard or tackle is imperative for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, and one of my favorite prospects that could be available at No. 30 is Washington Huskies tackle Troy Fautanu.
Troy Fautanu
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Strengths: Fautanu has prototypical size with remarkably quick feet. His strong punch off the line stops defenders in their tracks, and his length allows him to keep pass rushers at bay. Shows great footwork in pass protection and the athleticism to move in space. Loves to get physical with his defenders.
Weakness: He is an older prospect compared to many of his draft classmates at 23 years old. A bit slow off the snap and could use some fundamental work in the run game. Can get overaggressive at times, which leads to mental mistakes.
NFL Player Comparison: Andrew Thomas
Draft Projection: Late Day 1 – Early Day 2
Fautanu would be a plug-and-play lineman for the Ravens. He could play guard in his rookie season with Stanley and Moses still in the fold and take over at left tackle next year if Baltimore moves on from Stanley’s large contract. Some project him as an interior lineman as opposed to a tackle, but that versatility will be vital to the Ravens in his first season.
He is phenomenal in pass protection but does need some work in the run game. Fortunately for him, that’s where the Ravens specialize and it is much easier to fine-tune mechanics on the ground as opposed to pass protection. Fautanu is a future starter at left tackle and would be an excellent choice to protect Lamar Jackson’s blind side for the next decade.
Photo Credit: Scott Eklund/Redbox Pictures