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The Pewter Plank

2016 NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Last Call

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) scores on a touchdown pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) scores on a touchdown pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

. OT. Ole Miss. Laremy Tunsil. 6. player. 26

The Ravens’ offensive line allowed quarterback Joe Flacco to be sacked just 24 times, so it’s a bit strange to think Baltimore could be in search of an elite offensive lineman in the 2016 NFL Draft, but that’s exactly what we have here.

After losing Kelechi Osemele in free agency the team needs a new lead dog on the front line and Laremy Tunsil from Ole Miss is just the guy to fill the role and keep the offensive line capable of protecting Flacco.

Where the Ravens did struggle was in the running game, as they totaled less than 1,500 yards for the second time in three years, both of which finished with the Ravens failing to achieve a winning record.

In the most recent two seasons, Baltimore achieved over 1,500 yards rushing they finished with ten wins in each, which is further evidence of the need to add talent to their front line as they look to re-establish a hard-nosed running reputation.

Of course, some of the running woes can also be attributed to the fact Justin Forsett played in just ten games last year after breaking out for over 1,200 rushing yards the year before.

A replacement at running back is not necessarily in order yet, but reinforcing the offensive line should help Forsett stay healthy and aid the Ravens in their return to AFC North contention.

 

Previously:  Ronnie Stanley – OT – Notre Dame

Next: 7. San Francisco 49ers

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