But now, look at this group. Gaither is a tough guy, and so is left guard Ben Grubbs. Right guard Marshal Yanda is an absolute nut, and the Ravens have either Anderson or "Oddjob" at right tackle. In the middle, the Ravens have Mr. Cerebral, Pro Bowl center Matt Birk.
To me, that's sexy. It's an offensive line that is that is young, aggressive and tough.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh, general manager Ozzie Newsome and director of player personnel Eric DeCosta were giddy about getting Oher. They all know football games are won in the trenches.
Harbaugh said Oher will challenge Anderson for the starting job in training camp.
Oher also is athletic and versatile. He played right guard at Mississippi as a freshman, then started at left tackle for three straight years. If Gaither gets injured, or can't get the job done, Oher could step in.
No one is saying Oher is the answer to all the Ravens' offensive problems, but the Ravens did fill a need with his selection. Next season when the Ravens play the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens might have someone who can block linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.
And that's what the selection of Oher was all about: protecting Flacco.
Listen to Mike Preston on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fox Sports (1370 AM).
