From rookie to Super Bowl champ to seasoned vet, Ravens guard/tackle Kelechi Osemele has already seen a lot in his three years in the league.
There has been a lot of discussion this offseason about the protectors of quarterback Joe Flacco. Some experts have dubbed them the second or third best offensive line in the league, thanks largely in part to the play of K.O. and Marshal Yanda.
As training camp and the 2015 season inch closer and closer, the former Iowa State product will have plenty of eyes on him from the front office as a difficult decision could looms, if he turns in a pro bowl-type season. The Houston native is in the final year of his rookie contract and will certainly have his fair share of suitors next offseason.
“I feel really good about what I’ve shown,” said Osemele. “Obviously, it helps to come in here and win a Super Bowl. That’s always a good thing, but on top of that, I’ve had great teammates and a great coaching staff behind me.
“Coach [Juan] Castillo has been helping me every day, working on my craft. I came in here in the league as a raw player, and right now I’m feeling like I’m becoming more of a technician. So, I’m feeling really good about that. I’ll let my agent handle the contract, and I kind of just focus on my part.”
Standing 6-5, 330 pounds, Osemele started all 14 games he played in during the 2014 season at left guard (missing two games with a knee injury), for an offense that established franchise single-season records in yards (5,838) and points scored (409).
Hampered by injuries for a portion of his young career, Osemele reported to minicamp in solid condition and it showed on the practice field.
“I feel great,” Osemele replied when asked about his conditioning. “I’ve been doing a lot more mobility work and stuff that I need to work on. Instead of just focusing on strength building, I’m kind of at the point in my career where I’m probably as strong as I’m going to get, so right now I’m just focusing on my weaknesses and working on my agility and mobility.
“And I feel like it’s been working for me. Coming out here, I feel fluid, I feel fast and I’m just ready to go.”
His mobility and agility didn’t go unnoticed, especially during the Ravens’ 11-on-11 run drills. On several occasions, K.O. was quick of the snap and able to create huge holes for the running backs, a group he is particularly excited about for 2015.
“I’m really excited. [Justin] Forsett is coming out here like he’s trying to earn another contract,” said Osemele. “He’s flying around and he’s finishing and running downhill and looking really good.
“And our young guys are stepping up and learning from him, as far as what it takes to be one of the premier backs in the league. As you know, he led the league in explosive plays, so I think he’s just really trying to build on that, and all the young guys are kind of just following suit. It’s just great leadership on his part.”
The improved run game and protection of Flacco were pivitiol for the Ravens in 2014, both of which were huge question marks last offseason. While injuries did transpire on the offensive line, the unit, when healthy, provided success in both facets.
The starting cast will all return in 2015. Continuity breeds confidence and success.
“Continuity, obviously, is important when you’re working as an offensive line, because everybody kind of has to move as one piece, and I feel like we’re definitely going to have that with everybody coming back,” said Osemele.
“So, Jeremy [Zuttah] has been looking strong already. He’s been doing ladders and running every day, so we’re excited to get him back. We’ve been having him for the walk-throughs and stuff. And [John] Urschel has been playing well and stepping up while he’s been out, and – as you know – Urschel last year stepped up for me when I was out for those two games. So, I really feel like we have a tight knit group right now, and everybody is kind of working with each other. I’m looking forward to building on that into the future.”
For now it’s all about reps in new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman’s offense which won’t change much from ’14, another key for continuity. After all, why fix what isn’t broken?
“It’s been seamless,said Osemele when asked about the transition between Trestman’s and Kubiak’s offenses. “I would say that the only thing that’s changed really is the terminology, maybe. There are different things for the receivers and stuff.
“There are a lot of different concepts, but for an offensive line that’s kind of young, things are pretty much the same. There are a lot of calls that are different; there are a few wrinkles here and there that we’re going to throw in there to kind of throw the opposition off. But as far as everybody being on the same page right now with [Marc] Trestman coming in, I feel like everybody is firing on all cylinders. We have a long way to go, but I feel like right now, we’re on the right path.”
We will see just how “on the right path” the offensive line and the rest of the team are on when the team takes the practice field in a month. For now though, Osemele and the rest of the o-line certainly look like they haven’t skipped a beat.
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