BALTIMORE — Ravens offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees has impressed his coaches and teammates with his work ethic.
After missing his rookie season with a knee injury, Vorhees has been solid in the team’s offseason workouts and the first three weeks of training camp. Vorhees earned the start at left guard in the first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night and played well enough to maintain that spot on the depth chart.
“It was exciting, for sure,” he said. “Whenever you have the opportunity to compete, it’s always fun. [I’m] proud of the offensive line today. Obviously, [we] have things to work on, but that’s why we’re in camp.”
The 6-foot-6, 311-pound Vorhees was selected out of USC by the Ravens in the seventh round with the 229th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Vorhees had a redshirt first year to recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered while participating in the scouting combine.
Vorhees has replaced John Simpson, who signed with the New York Jets this offseason. While Vorhees has been a consistent player in practice, there was a big adjustment playing in the first preseason game with the increased speed and physicality of the players.
“[It’s] just a lot different than college football,” he said. “There are a lot of things to be proud of, but then a lot [of] things, again, that need to [be] worked on. So, [I’m] just looking for [the] opportunity to get better.
“Guys are just bigger, faster, stronger, and quicker – all the above. It was super fun out there today, and [I’m] just thankful to be there after such a long time.”
The Ravens are also looking to find starters at right guard and right tackle, having to replace three starters on the offensive line.
Daniel Faalele started at right guard against the Eagles and had an uneven performance. Ben Cleveland, who played center against the Eagles, also could challenge for that position.
Pat Mekari started at right tackle and was replaced by rookie Roger Rosengarten on the second series. Mekari can play all five positions on the offensive line and the Ravens would like to have him available for various roles in case of injuries. The 6-5, 310-pound Rosengarten played well on Friday.
“Personally, I feel really good – [I] felt good going in, [and I] felt good going out,” Rosengarten said. “Definitely [have] some things to clean up, you know – not every game is perfect, so go back, watch film and [I] look forward to it.”
The Ravens will host the Atlanta Falcons in the second preseason game so there might be more clarity with the offensive line after that game.
