Lamar Jackson
Getty
Lamar Jackson drops back to pass during a December 7, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens built their championship legacy on the line of scrimmage. One analyst believes they need to return to that mindset if they want to make the playoffs. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec discussed this:
“There was a time when the Ravens’ roster-building intentions were clear. They built the team from the inside out, loading up in the trenches and ensuring both the offensive and defensive lines benefited from an annual infusion of youth, size, and talent.”
Along the offensive line, Baltimore’s offense wanted to punish opponents with a style that emphasized downhill contact. Similarly, on the defensive line, a penchant for beating the blocker with equal parts skill, awareness, and brutality suited them well.
“Ravens officials insist that the long-standing organizational belief hasn’t waned, but their body of work in recent offseasons suggests the team’s decision-makers have prioritized other areas.”
Over the last couple of years, only one Raven defensive lineman has possessed what many would deem as a good win percentage (20%). Defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike accomplished that feat once over the past four seasons.
The franchise began a new era with a new coach. Jesse Minter, who is a defensive-minded leader, wants his defense to revert to Ravens defenses of old with a twist. Out with a neck injury and no timetable for his return, Madubuike’s future remains cloudy.
Moreover, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle already articulated his plans for the team to become tougher. Arriving from the Chicago Bears, Doyle, so far, emphasizes two key points: big plays and physicality. That mindset starts at the line of scrimmage.
Protecting Lamar Jackson Sits atop Offensive Priorities
Minter knows that his starting quarterback holds the team’s fortunes in his hands. Still, the coach wants the signal-caller’s viability to hold up throughout the season. As a result, keeping Jackson upright matters. Opponents sacked him 36 times, the third-most of his career. Worse, that total happened in 13 games. Daniel Faalele, now a free agent, played right guard in subpar fashion, according to Pro Football Focus.
Conversely, the Ravens can replace him during the draft. For instance, Penn State’s Vega Ioane could slip into the starting role as the No. 14 pick. Ioane plays a mauling style that the Ravens seek from their forwards. While his game predicates on power, the blocker displays awareness and technique while finishing his block. Vega ranked No. 20 in Pro Football Sports Network CFB OL Player Rankings, which measures production and efficiency.
Vega Ioane
GettyPenn State guard Vega Ioane blocks during a November 8, 2025 game against Indiana.
New offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford may bring a wide-zone scheme to Baltimore. However, he could alter that into a gap scheme that allows for Derrick Henry to hit the hole faster between the tackles. More importantly, fatiguing the defensive line with punishing blocking pays dividends.
Center Tyler Linderbaum is a free agent. Estimates state that he could command $15 million per year. Linderbaum is an excellent run blocker, using leverage and quickness to create space. General manager Eric DeCosta will need to decide if the team can move on without Linderbaum. Options like free agent Cade Mays could factor in.
Cade Mays
GettyCarolina Panthers center Cade Mays during before a 2023 game.
Under Minter, Defensive Linemen’s Role Increases
Granted, the edge rusher is what many look at as the most important part of the front. However, in Minter’s scheme, the linemen serve as the catalyst. For example, he wants them to be more than block absorbers. Instead, the head coach requires them to win one-on-one battles. To Minter, disruption is more important than keeping linebackers clean. On top of that, his scheme uses extensive amounts of nickel. That eliminates one linebacker, giving the Ravens added versatility.
Baltimore sits at a crucial point. Their quarterback and star linebacker are on the verge of turning 30 in the next couple of seasons. The running back just turned 32. The window isn’t widening.