Baltimore Beatdown
Whether they want to admit it or not, the Ravens’ offensive line is not a championship-winning unit. Both guard spots are weaknesses that will get exposed more severely and consistently in the postseason, which is why an move now would give the new starting five a chance to gel.
Even just one upgrade at guard could unlock this offense. They could use some more power at the point of attack and reduce their drive-killing negative plays. Still, a trade feels unlikely, partially due to the Ravens’ stubbornness about their current guards and the technical difficulties in a mid-season offensive line change.
Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints
Projected compensation: Saints reportedly seeking third-rounder plus late Day 3 pick
Contract: $585,000 remaining in 2025, due $9.5M ($2.66M GTD) in 2026 and $9.5M in 2027
Season notes: Started seven games at RG, missed Week 5 with high ankle sprain
Advanced metrics: 97.8 pass-blocking efficiency, 11 pressures allowed
Zach’s take: This would be a pretty big swing for the fences. Ruiz would instantly become the second-most veteran linemen in the room outside the aging Stanley. Ruiz would slide in on the right side, taking over for Faalele. This would allow the Ravens to have Vorhees, Faalele, and Emory Jones if they wish, competing for that left guard spot the rest of the season. Ruiz would be an instant boost to both pass protection for Jackson and a better scheme fit for a team that tries to run zone and get their offensive lineman on the move, something Faalele isn’t ideal for and Vorhees hasn’t done well. I’d call this a B+ move. Ruiz isn’t some sure-fire Pro Bowler, but is better than average and a definite upgrade, plus has a future in Baltimore.
Nikhil’s take: Ruiz is a solid starter who would likely be an upgrade over Daniel Faalele right away. He also has two more years on his contract at a reasonable price and his experience at center could be particularly useful if Tyler Linderbaum leaves in free agency. As for the price tag, a third-round pick is reasonable for three years of a 26-year-old starting offensive lineman. The Ravens have the Day 3 capital to add in the necessary value to close the deal, too. Could the third-rounder theoretically turn into a player with higher upside? Maybe, but adding a multi-year starter at a weak spot seems might be an even better way to use that pick.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders
Projected compensation: Day 2 pick
Contract :$597,000 remaining in 2025, due $1.59MM GTD in 2026 and $1.99M in 2027
Season notes: Five starts, missed Week 2 with concussion, Raiders started Alex Cappa in Week 3
Advanced metrics: 96.5 pass blocking-efficiency, 8 pressures allowed
Zach’s take: Powers-Johnson would be an interesting fit. He’s a similar player to Ruiz, an accomplished pass protector in college with the ability to move in space, better in a zone run scheme than a gap scheme. The difference is JPJ is only a...
