The Baltimore Ravens agreed to trade offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs for a huge draft haul that includes a first-round pick.
The trade gives Baltimore a massive amount of picks, but also means that the team has a big hole at the right tackle spot. However, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reports that the Ravens are expected to add a veteran tackle after the draft.
Alejandro Villanueva visited the Ravens on Thursday and is expected to sign with the team.
By trading Orlando Brown to Chiefs, Ravens is expected to replace him at right tackle with Alejandro Villanueva.
Deal likely won't become official until after draft, but Villanueva visited Ravens on Thursday.
So, Ravens add some picks and won't have much dropoff with Villanueva
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 23, 2021
Just because Villanueva is expected to sign with Baltimore doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee. Josina Anderson adds that there is “optimism” between both sides on getting a deal done.
My understanding is currently there's optimism that the #Ravens & OL Alejandro Villanueva can strike a deal, pending agreement on terms. Villanueva is viewed as being able to play RT for BAL, with the flexibility to swing inside if need be, or LT depending on R. Stanley's health.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 23, 2021
Villanueva has plenty of experience at the NFL level and has played primarily left tackle throughout his NFL career. As Anderson notes, the team feels confident in his ability to move all over the offensive line.
With Brown’s departure, the Ravens need to find someone who can fill in immediately and protect Lamar Jackson while also helping in the run game. The expected signing of Villanueva will certainly help, but Baltimore could also look to take a tackle early in the 2021 draft.
