The Baltimore Ravens may have found gold in Kelechi Osemele when the team selected him 60th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Most players selected in the second-round may take a year or so to groom to become NFL ready at their respective position. Not K.O. The tackle/guard out of Iowa State who had one of the most impressive rookie seasons and provided a security blanket for quarterback Joe Flacco.
The 6ft. 5in. 335lb gentle giant started all 16 regular season games at right tackle during his rookie campaign. Osemele helped a Ravens offense score the most points (398) in franchise history and the second-most total yards (5,640) in team history. Kelechi’s pass protection of Flacco is just one of the many strengths he possesses. He is a solid run blocker as well and helped pave the way for Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce to both rush for 100+ yards against the New York Giants.
Perhaps Osemele’s most impressive accomplishment was the seamless way he switched from right tackle to left guard during the Ravens postseason run to the Super Bowl. That move coupled with the insertion of Bryant McKinnie at left tackle made the Ravens offensive line dominant. Baltimore had offensive outputs of 439 (Indy), 479 (Denver), 356 (Pats) and 367 (49ers) total yards of offense along the way to claim their second Lombardi Trophy in team history.
During that remarkable postseason run the Ravens offensive line allowed just six sacks in four games. With Flacco’s new deal in place and the return of Bryant McKinnie the Ravens are poised to start the season where they left off. The retirement of center Matt Birk is the only question mark however Gino Gradkowski seems like a decent fit and will only get better with reps.
For now though Osemele will go about his business quietly and work hard through OTA’s and training camp and no doubt become another shining star on the Ravens offensive line.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyrsr
