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We're just three weeks away from the NFL Draft, and as the big day approaches, offensive guard is a major need for the Baltimore Ravens. Last season's offensive line took some time to gel as a unit because Baltimore was introducing new starters at three of the five positions.
The unit improved as the season went on, mainly due to the increased familiarity and continuity, but once again, we have some turnover this offseason. Patrick Mekari has left for Jacksonville, and the NFL Draft, most likely the middle rounds, would be the appropriate place to find his replacement.
We're talking OGs here, but we mean draft prospect offensive guards, not original gangsters.
It doesn't seem likely that the Ravens will take an offensive guard in the first round on Thursday night. However, there is a good possibility that they'll select one on Friday night, in the second or third round. Mbow, who has shown some quickness and athleticism for a 300-pounder, should be the best available at this position at around that point in the draft.
While Purdue football was in a pretty bad place recently, during the Ryan Walters era, you can't blame Mbow, who showed great ability as a run blocker.
It's always fun to analyze the NFL Draft prospects of a football Tar Heel because the school's athletic department has a reputation synonymous with men's basketball. In fact, according to RG.org, North Carolina is the only school with an active streak of reaching the national title game in nine straight decades (no one else has done it in more than six consecutive decades) and to have qualified for at least two Final Fours in six straight decades.
Most people will likely think basketball first and football second when it comes to Carolina, so individual players could sometimes be overlooked. That includes Lampkin, which is ironic considering he has one of the more interesting prospect profiles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He's versatile and can play multiple positions with much energy. His tape showcases the dominance of a second or third-round prospect, but his measurables will leave NFL scouts wanting. Many draftniks describe his projection as "fascinating," meaning he's one of the more oversized wild cards in this draft class.
325 Dillinger has the size to play guard or tackle, and he's done both at LSU. He played on the left side at both positions, where he showcased a great affinity for run-blocking and pass protection. He seems like the kind of guy who would fit in well with the zone-read packages that the Ravens like to employ.
Of course, you can't discuss Dillinger without covering his teammate, Miles Frazier, who is on the other side. Louisiana State's other starting guard, Frazier, often appears right behind or close behind Dillinger on OG prospect lists. Walter Football actually has Dillinger fourth and Frazier fifth on their rankings for offensive guards in this class. That is around the range where the Ravens would likely be selecting an OG, and they can't go wrong with either of these Bayou Bengal prospects.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: OG is a position the Ravens will likely address in the draft.
Continue reading...
The unit improved as the season went on, mainly due to the increased familiarity and continuity, but once again, we have some turnover this offseason. Patrick Mekari has left for Jacksonville, and the NFL Draft, most likely the middle rounds, would be the appropriate place to find his replacement.
We're talking OGs here, but we mean draft prospect offensive guards, not original gangsters.
Marcus Mbow, Purdue
It doesn't seem likely that the Ravens will take an offensive guard in the first round on Thursday night. However, there is a good possibility that they'll select one on Friday night, in the second or third round. Mbow, who has shown some quickness and athleticism for a 300-pounder, should be the best available at this position at around that point in the draft.
While Purdue football was in a pretty bad place recently, during the Ryan Walters era, you can't blame Mbow, who showed great ability as a run blocker.
Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
It's always fun to analyze the NFL Draft prospects of a football Tar Heel because the school's athletic department has a reputation synonymous with men's basketball. In fact, according to RG.org, North Carolina is the only school with an active streak of reaching the national title game in nine straight decades (no one else has done it in more than six consecutive decades) and to have qualified for at least two Final Fours in six straight decades.
Most people will likely think basketball first and football second when it comes to Carolina, so individual players could sometimes be overlooked. That includes Lampkin, which is ironic considering he has one of the more interesting prospect profiles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He's versatile and can play multiple positions with much energy. His tape showcases the dominance of a second or third-round prospect, but his measurables will leave NFL scouts wanting. Many draftniks describe his projection as "fascinating," meaning he's one of the more oversized wild cards in this draft class.
Garrett Dillinger, LSU
325 Dillinger has the size to play guard or tackle, and he's done both at LSU. He played on the left side at both positions, where he showcased a great affinity for run-blocking and pass protection. He seems like the kind of guy who would fit in well with the zone-read packages that the Ravens like to employ.
Of course, you can't discuss Dillinger without covering his teammate, Miles Frazier, who is on the other side. Louisiana State's other starting guard, Frazier, often appears right behind or close behind Dillinger on OG prospect lists. Walter Football actually has Dillinger fourth and Frazier fifth on their rankings for offensive guards in this class. That is around the range where the Ravens would likely be selecting an OG, and they can't go wrong with either of these Bayou Bengal prospects.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: OG is a position the Ravens will likely address in the draft.
Continue reading...
