Baltimore Ravens fans all over are still wondering how tight end Mark Andrews didn’t secure that catch that would’ve tied the game. Instead, they’re left asking “what if?”
In the NFL, there’s really no time to lick your wounds. From that moment, certain players had played their last snap for the organization.
That could be true for left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta isn’t ruling out bringing one or both of those guys back, but it would have to be cost-effective.
Fortunately, the Ravens have experience in this area, as they overhauled much of the right side of the offensive line last offseason.
Fox Sports College Football Analyst Joel Klatt addressed that need for the Ravens in his first mock draft. With the No. 27 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he has the team selecting offensive lineman Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State.
“The left side of the Ravens’ offensive line has a pair of free agents,” Klatt wrote. “So, they need a guy who’s versatile upfront.
“Jackson showed that versatility after Simmons’ injury this season. The All-American left guard played great at left tackle in the second half of the season en route to a national championship. I’m a big fan of Jackson. I can tell he’s a smart player and has a high chance of succeeding in the NFL through the conversations I’ve had with him.”
Jackson was a First-team All-American as an offensive guard but was asked to play tackle after an injury to teammate Josh Simmons ended his season in Week 10.
Offensive guard is his projection at the next level, but it doesn’t hurt that he can slide outside in a pinch. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he certainly won’t get pushed around, no matter what position he ends up lining up at for Baltimore.