Baltimore Ravens: Alejandro Villanueva a perfect stopgap option

Alejandro Villanueva joining the Baltimore Ravens gives the offense a perfect stopgap option at tackle after the departure of Orlando Brown Jr. 

When it became clear that the Baltimore Ravens didn’t have many options outside of trading Orlando Brown Jr., the question then became what the plan would be at right tackle. And to that same measure, there was also curiosity about what the team’s plan was if left tackle Ronnie Stanley was unable to start the season. They answered those questions solidly.

Rather than spending one of their top picks in the 2021 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle prospect, they elected to help both sides of the ball with wide receiver Rashod Bateman and edge-rusher Odafe Oweh as their first-round picks. Then, soon after the draft, the organization locked up veteran free agent tackle Alejandro Villaneuva.

The Ravens agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal with Villanueva with $8 million of that guaranteed. For a veteran who will be 33 years old and, per PFF (subscription required), has graded out as a top-30 tackle in each of the past five seasons, including in the top 25 from 2016-19.

Not only is Baltimore securing the right side of the offensive line by bringing in Villanueva but they are also elevating the versatility they have in the trenches now and moving forward.

The Baltimore Ravens have options now after adding Alejandro Villanueva

For starters, Villanueva was the Steelers’ left tackle for his stint in Pittsburgh. Thus, if Stanley were to suffer a setback and not be able to go at the start of the regular season, Villanueva would be able to step in and man that position.

Beyond that, though, it’s clear that Villanueva is not the long-term answer at right tackle; his age and contract with the Ravens tell us that much. However, having him still playing at a quality level right now and locked up for two years gives Baltimore ample options to try and answer the question of who will man the right side for years to come.

With the presence of the veteran, the Ravens don’t have to be overly aggressive or reach for a tackle in the draft, nor do they have to overpay for someone in free agency. If the opportunity presents itself to take a first-round caliber tackle in the draft, they should obviously take it. However, Villanueva being in place would allow them to take a more developmental, high-upside player in next year’s draft and let him sit and hone his craft behind the veteran.

It’s no surprise to see Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta working wisely; it’s kind of his thing. Having said that, smoothly transitioning from Brown to Villanueva should keep the integrity of the offensive line while also opening doors moving forward. That’s great news for Lamar Jackson and the explosive Baltimore offense.