Wednesday saw the National Football League announce a new annual individual award, the Protector of the Year. The new plaudit honors the league’s top overall offensive lineman, and it will be decided by a panel that includes former offensive linemen.

The most unsung heroes on the gridiron will now be…”sung” I guess. So, who will be the inaugural recipient of the big boy’s award? None of the top candidates reside on the Baltimore Ravens roster right now, but you never know how the 2025 season will play out.

Last season, the Ravens’ offensive line came together as a unit as the season progressed, and some members of the position group played their best ball in the later portions of the campaign.

In looking at the Pro Football Focus grades of the Ravens’ offensive line, Tyler Linderbaum leads the way, with a 78.1 rating. That’s good for fifth among NFL centers, and with that, the former Iowa Hawkeye has the best chances of any Raven to claim the award. If so, he’ll certainly reset the market for centers.  

After Linderbaum, you have left tackle Ronnie Stanley, with an even 71, good for 37th among NFL tackles. The former Fighting Irish star found his top form again this past season. On the other side, Rookie Roger Rosengarten registered a 66.9, which ranked 44th in the league.

With the guards, we see a significant drop-off. Daniel Faalele checked in at 49th overall, with a 60.5, while Patrick Mekari is right behind him at 51st, with a 60.0.