TheBaltimore Ravens received some unexpected news last week when veteran offensive tackle Kendall Lamm elected to retire. That decision removed an experienced presence from the offensive line room and immediately created additional opportunities for younger players fighting to establish themselves.
Two of those players may have already begun making their case. When Jesse Minter spoke with reporters Monday, he was asked about the performances of tackles Carson Vinson and Gerad Lichtenhan followingBaltimore's 24-7 preseason-opening victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. His response suggested the Ravens liked what they saw from both young linemen.
"I thought both [Carson Vinson and Gerad Lichtenhan] really acquitted themselves well. They played a ton
of snaps. They really got an opportunity to play a majority of the game."
That alone would have been encouraging for two players trying to earn larger roles. What stood out, however, was how Minter described the quality of their work.
Opportunity often follows preparation in the Ravens culture
The Ravens didn't simply need Vinson and Lichtenhan to survive extended action against Philadelphia. They needed them to show they could handle it. According to their head coach, that's exactly what they did.
"[They] did some really good stuff — and that is a good [Eagles] defense. Those guys did a really good job — whatever group they have in there, that is a good defense."
Minter's praise extended beyond one phase of the game. He pointed to both run blocking and pass protection, two areas young tackles often struggle to balance while adjusting to NFL competition.
"I thought overall, those guys handled their own, did a good job in the run game and the pass game. We had some really nice pockets for our quarterbacks. We had some really good movement in the run game."
Those comments carry additional significance given the timing. Lamm's retirement doesn't automatically create roster spots or guarantee opportunities, but it does place greater focus on the depth pieces behind Baltimore's established starters. Every preseason snap becomes more valuable when a veteran safety net is no longer in the room.
Two young Ravens are making the most of the spotlight
One preseason game won't determine how the Ravens ultimately structure their offensive line. There are still practices, joint sessions against the Minnesota Vikings, and additional preseason contests ahead. Still, Minter's comments reflected genuine appreciation for what Vinson and Lichtenhan accomplished against Philadelphia.
The Ravens asked both players to handle extensive workloads. They responded by helping to create clean throwing lanes, contributing to the run game, and earning praise from their head coach afterward.
"[I want to] definitely shout out those guys."
For Vinson and Lichtenhan, the timing couldn't be much better. Just as the spotlight on Baltimore's tackle depth became a little brighter, both young linemen gave the Ravens a reason to feel good about what comes next.
UPDATE
Days before joint practice sessions in Minnesota, Baltimore hosted four players for tryouts. Linebackers Milo Eifler and Devin Harper joined offensive tackles Luke Felix-Fualalo and David Sharpe for the workout.
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec is reporting that Sharpe will sign with the Ravens ahead of joint practices with the Vikings.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Two young Ravens offensive tackles make the most of expanded opportunity
