Patrick Mekari’s ability to play multiple positions could be very useful for the Baltimore Ravens this season. He has proven he can play both tackle and guard, and the Ravens are uncertain about both of those spots.
“I just want to play and help the team,” Mekari said. “How that happens depends on the coaches and front office.”
The Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen in the offseason, making that part of the team one of their biggest concerns for 2024. Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum returns at center, and former All-Pro Ronnie Stanley is back at left tackle, but the other three positions are still undecided.
Coach John Harbaugh has said he hopes to have some clarity on the offensive line before their first preseason game next Friday.
“You would love to have that happen. Is it unrealistic? Maybe, but it’s the best-case scenario,” Harbaugh said recently. “I don’t expect it to be perfect — the game is a big deal.
If you go into that first week with a good idea and the game confirms it, then you’re in a good spot. If not, you keep working with the players.”
The Ravens traded tackle Morgan Moses, and guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson left as free agents. Baltimore drafted tackle Roger Rosengarten from Washington in the second round, and some internal players might be ready for larger roles.
Mekari has always had a key role for the Ravens, playing multiple positions. Besides tackle and guard, he can also step in at center if needed. Harbaugh mentioned that Mekari’s versatility might be a disadvantage in some ways.
“He doesn’t always get to settle into one position,” Harbaugh said.
Last year, the Ravens picked Andrew Vorhees in the seventh round while he was recovering from a torn ACL. He didn’t play last season, but now he’s an option at guard.
“In the last 18 months, I’ve had the chance to build a solid foundation,” Vorhees said. “Being in the room last year was great — it felt like a redshirt year for me. It has really paid off.”
