MASNsports.com is your online home for the latest Orioles and Nationals news, features, and commentary. And now, you can connect with MASN on every digital level. From web and social media to our new mobile alert service, MASN has got all the bases covered.
Get the latest breaking news direct to your phone with our mobile texting service.
There was a minor shake-up with the Ravens' starting tackles. You might have heard about it.
Last year's left and right tackles have flipped, which gives the group a new look going into 2010.
Here are the guys who will suit up at the tackle positions when the Ravens take the field at McDaniel College next week:
T Michael Oher, 6-4, 309 pounds, 2nd NFL season
Where he stands: Fittingly, Oher has taken over the role of protecting Joe Flacco's "Blind Side". The 2009 first-round pick started all 16 games last year, including five at left tackle, and did an excellent job. When the Ravens broke the huddle for the first time during minicamps, Oher lined up at left tackle, and he'll open the regular season in that spot as well.
What needs to be done: Continue to show the mean streak and athleticism that made him the runner-up for Rookie of the Year last season. Oher has a great work ethic, and the coaches love his attitude. It might take a little time for him to refine his technique at left tackle, but he played the position in college and should settle in as one of the league's best at the position.
RT Jared Gaither, 6-9, 340 pounds, 4th NFL season
Where he stands: Who really knows? Gaither said all the right things after getting bumped from left tackle to right tackle, but he missed nearly every practice after that point. An injured foot was said to be the cause of Gaither's absence. The former Terp missed five games due to foot and neck injuries last year. He wants a long-term deal at some point, but it's looking more and more likely that he won't get it in Baltimore.
What needs to be done: Show up, line up at right tackle, and stay healthy. Gaither has all the tools to be a high quality right tackle, but he needs to get to camp with the right mindset and keep himself on the field. He could go a long way toward earning a big-money contract if he plays well and keeps a good attitude this year.
T Oniel Cousins, 6-4, 315 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Cousins got great on-the-job training last year when Gaither was injured, filling in at right tackle for four games (three starts) and performing fairly well. The coaches love the progress that the UTEP product has made in the last couple years, and see a high ceiling for him.
What needs to be done: Cousins has promise, but he needs to refine his technique. He has a mean streak which the coaches like, and is athletic, but can tend to get pushed around a little bit. If he works on the finer points of the position, he might be ready to take the next step.
RG Marshal Yanda, 6-3, 310 pounds, 4th NFL season
Where he stands: If everyone is healthy, Yanda is currently slotted as the starting right guard, but he can fill in at tackle as well. He might be the option behind Cousins if the Ravens need extra help at a tackle spot. I'll have more on Yanda when I break down the guards/centers.
What needs to be done: Stay healthy and get some reps at tackle to stay fresh. Yanda has plenty of experience at the position, so it shouldn't be a problem should he need to fill in there.
G/T Tony Moll, 6-5, 311 pounds, 5th NFL season
Where he stands: Moll was acquired from the Packers just before the deadline for final roster cuts last preseason. He saw action in five games last year both from scrimmage and on special teams. Moll started 18 games over his three years in Green Bay, so he brings valuable experience to the team. He can also play guard if needed.
What needs to be done: Make the most of his reps. Moll should be in good shape to keep a reserve roster spot if he can continue to be a physical force whenever he gets a chance during camp and the preseason.
T Stefan Rodgers, 6-5, 310 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Rodgers spent the 2009 season on the Ravens' practice squad. He has bounced from team to team (seeing time with the Buccaneers, Titans, Eagles, Jaguars and Jets), but has yet to make an impact on the field in the regular season.
What needs to be done: Show off his physicality and stay healthy. Rodgers needs to have a strong camp to push for a reserve spot on the line. His lack of game experience will be a hurdle he needs to overcome.
T Joe Reitz, 6-7, 305 pounds, 2nd NFL season
Where he stands: A former basketball player at Western Michigan, Reitz was originally signed by the Ravens as a tight end before moving to tackle. He spent last season on the practice squad after going on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury in 2008.
What needs to be done: Reitz has good reach and athleticism but needs to continue to bulk up if he is going to have a shot at cracking the 53-man roster.
T Ramon Harewood, 6-6, 340 pounds, Rookie
Where he stands: The first player from Barbados to ever play in the NFL, Harewood is a very interesting guy to watch and a fun dude to talk to. The Ravens love his potential, but he is still new to the game and is very raw. He injured the tissue in his knee during the opening week of minicamps and missed most of the remainder of OTAs as a result.
What needs to be done: Show off his impressive mix of size and athleticism when given a chance. Harewood says his knee is now 100 percent healthy, so hopefully he's able to go out in camp and show what he can do.
