Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda knew change was coming along the Ravens' offensive line this offseason.
"We didn't perform well enough as a group, so there were going to be changes made," he said at the Brigance Brigade Foundation 5.7K on Saturday.
While Yanda said it was a shame the team couldn't bring back right tackle Michael Oher, who signed with his hometown Tennessee Titans, Yanda is excited for a reshaped offensive line.
"I'm excited about it. It's a new year, a new start with [Offensive Coordinator] Gary [Kubiak]," Yanda said. "It's a breath of fresh air to have some new guys in there. It should be good."
The Ravens' offensive line struggled last year, blocking for a running game that averaged an NFL-low 3.1 yards per carry and surrendering 48 sacks, tied for the fourth-most in the league.
Baltimore has made a few moves to change things up. They traded for center Jeremy Zuttah, who is expected to win the starting job. Kelechi Osemele is expected to return from back surgery and take over at left guard. He could shift to right tackle if Rick Wagner or Jah Reid aren't ready.
Yanda doesn't know too much about Zuttah yet, except that he has moved around to different positions between center and guard during his six seasons.
"I was one of those guys too. He plays wherever he can get on the field," Yanda said. "He seems like a good dude and we're excited to have him."
Yanda also sees a little bit of himself in Wagner, and believes he could be the answer at right tackle.
"It's definitely going to be a competition there [at right tackle] and the best guy is going to get the job," Yanda said.
"Rick has the right mindset. He did a good job as a rookie of coming in, keeping his head down and working hard and not saying anything. That's the way I was as a rookie and I like that approach. You don't need to say much; treat your job like a pro and do your job to the best of your ability."
