Unlike the 2014 season, there have not been many positives this year for the Baltimore Ravens offensive line.
After fielding arguably the best starting unit in the NFL last season, injuries and regressions have led to a below average year for the men up front. One lineman – outside of the obvious, Marshal Yanda – who has still managed to perform well this season has been Kelechi Osemele.
In response to embarrassing play by James Hurst as Eugene Monroe‘s replacement at left tackle, John Harbaugh made the quick-witted decision to slide Osemele – who has experience at tackle – outside and move Ryan Jensen into the starting rotation at left guard.
As a left tackle, Osemele has further strengthened his case as one of Baltimore’s best young talents, as he has continued to play at a high level despite the position change. His value at both guard and tackle have been apparent during his four-year career in Baltimore.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, this fact may lead to Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals being his final performance in purple and black. A pending unrestricted free agent, Osemele’s skill and versatility are sure to make him a hot commodity on the open market, and the Ravens may end up in a bidding war that they simply will not be able to afford to win in the end.
But until then, Osemele’s performance as a Raven can be highlighted, and taking a look at how he has continued to excel as a tackle is necessary.
Let’s see how he has maintained his stellar play on the outside.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Osemele regularly faced the ever-imposing James Harrison. The strength and leverage by Harrison often make him a tough match up for opposing tackles, but Osemele fended the edge rusher off on several occasions.
In pass protection, Osemele showed his ability to absorb Harrison’s power.
Osemele takes Harrison on straight up, as the defender slides inside prior to the snap.
Osemele successfully carries him away from the quarterback and toward the outside. This is a result of Osemele gaining leverage and then kicking his feet around to block off an inside rush.
By the time quarterback Ryan Mallett throws the ball, Osemele has completely eliminated Harrison from the play.
Converting from guard to tackle could lead to some quickness deficiencies, but Osemele has shown few signs of that during his time at left tackle.
Likewise, as a run blocker Osemele has used his athleticism and strength to drive defenders away from the play.
Here, before the running back receives the handoff, Osemele has already engaged with Harrison and achieved a firm hold.
As the ball carrier approaches the run lane, Osemele gets under Harrison’s shoulder pads and drives him away from the play, creating ample running space.
By the time the running back hits the hole, Osemele has completely overpowered Harrison as he prevents him from making any impact on the play.
These traits were evident in each game by Osemele at guard, but being able to translate these skills to tackle makes him just a bit more valuable. If Sunday is Osemele’s final game as a Raven, the front office can look back on the last four years as a successful run for the former second-round pick.
It is likely just about every Ravens fan and front office member wants Osemele back next season, but his value and upside may lead to a hefty payday in the Spring, perhaps one too hefty for Baltimore’s budget.
