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Ravens' Dwayne Ledford Sets Huge Goal for Offensive Line
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- Ravens' Dwayne Ledford Sets Huge Goal for Offensive Line
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The Baltimore Ravens made strides to ensure they added to their offensive line in a major way. Guards John Simpson and Jovaughn Gwyn , center Danny Pinter , and more were added in the offseason.
There are also returning veterans and leaders in tackles, Roger Rosengarten and Ronne Stanley, who are expected to continue their leadership roles. There is also a new offensive line coach, Dwayne Ledford, who was hired by head coach Jesse Minter.
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Ledford indicated that he has a major goal in place for the offensive line in 2026.
"It is our intent in everything we do to control the line of scrimmage; we want to see guys playing on the other side of the ball," Ledford said.
Ledford is alluding to the line not only playing through their blocking assignments, but also ensuring they continue to draw attention while the ball is in play. Baltimore has had multiple struggles with the line in recent years, but it appears the unit is starting to gel in a significant way.
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As stated, Rosengarten is expected to be a big leader on the line, and he spoke about that fact during his own media availability.
"100 percent. As soon as last year ended, I kinda figured that was gonna be the case. Especially going through OTAs and the summer break. Coach Led brought that up to me, and I think myself and Ronnie have definitely taken on that huge role of being the two guys that everyone looks up to in the room," Rosengarten said.
Rosengarten felt that he was meant to take up a leadership role on the line following the 2025 season, and Coach Ledford indicated as such. He is settling into doing just that alongside Stanley, who is the most senior member on the line.
Thus far, the Ravens have the line nearly figured out with Stanley in the left tackle position, Simpson at left guard, rookie Vega Ioane in the right guard position, and Rosengarten at right tackle.
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Despite going into his first year, Ioane continues to surprise his teammates with his maturity. Rosengarten indicated as such, saying he is "pro" and feels like he has played with Ioane for "years."
"Vega is a stud, just coming out here; you can see pretty early who can move really well and has the demeanor to be a professional. Vega's a pro. Working on our combos, inside zone, outside zone, pass pro, I feel like I've been playing with the guy for three or four years ... I can speak highly enough about him," Rosengarten said.
This isn't the first glowing review that Ioane has received. Ledford also called the rookie "smart" and that he "understands the game."
"He's very smart. He understands the game up front. He's done a really good job understanding what we are asking of him, especially for that position," Ledford said.
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Ioane will have a tall task ahead to meld with the rest of the line and ensure that Lamar Jackson has solid protection throughout the season. The line will also be instrumental in opening up run lanes for Derrick Henry .
With Henry, Ioane had his own "welcome to the NFL" moment when he collided with the veteran running back and was knocked over.
Ionae jokingly said he learned to move out of Henry's way.
Ioane was drafted No. 14 overall with the intention that he would be a Day 1 starter. That appears to be the case; that is not lost on the former Penn State prospect.
"I'm trying to prove the staff right, the team right, for choosing me in the first round," Ioane said.
