Grim
Ravens Ring of Honor
Eh, I don't know. I think that we've shown we can draft guys in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and beyond. We've also failed at it too. The Draft is so tricky and honestly, I've said this before, but I don't think we approach the draft with a hole at RT unless we are comfortable with who we have to play there. Typically the Ravens want to have their holes filled before approaching the Draft to avoid those situations. If anything, Orlando leaving makes it harder for us to retain a pass rusher than reaching for a T. I could even see us go and sign a FA G or C to move Mekari even to RT or have a rotation there to see who can step up & just admit it will be a weakness and let it roll. My point here is one you've made a lot: there's no guarantee whoever we get to replace Brown--1st round pick or 7th round pick--will be even half as good as he is today for us this year. It is also very unlikely, even. So, I would just accept that position as a weakness before trying to force it.True. But the further down in the draft you go, the likelihood of that player succeeding dwindles.
And there aren't many paths where I can see us significantly downgrading our offensive line and still being an actual SB contender. Doesn't mean we can't upgrade at like Center or even Guard, and so maybe the unit itself is fine.
But overall, if the offseason emphasis is improving pass protection for your soon to be highly paid QB, I'm not certain that trading away one of his best protectors, with no obvious replacements, is a great way to do that.
Its inevitable that he won't be here in 2022, and I understand the desire to "get value". But I better make sure that "value" includes a reasonable approach to make the whole line better.
Now, with that said, would I take a first round pick at OT? Hell yes! I would love it because it means if anything ever happens to Stanley you could probably switch him to LT because that player would likely be someone who could do both. Hell, we could even likely take the aging vet approach and sign some free agent guy to play RT for us as well on the cheap. I don't care if we trade Brown Jr or not honestly, it makes no difference to me. It's a win-win for us and I've said that from the beginning. Trading him would only happen if the value is right for me otherwise I keep him and keep a good player for a run. Regardless of our decision, we still need to draft a T in the Draft to address our lack of depth.