Baltimore Ravens: 5 Free Agents to Fix the Offensive Line Woes

In their ongoing rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens most glaring weakness, their offensive line, continues to be exposed.

The Ravens must be able to run the ball to win games, and their offensive line has struggled to open holes against the Steelers formidable defensive front.

The Ravens are not set on the right side of their offensive line as the preseason continues. Center Matt Birk is also battling injuries.

The Ravens must address these issues.

Here are five players who could provide the reinforcements needed in Baltimore to give Ray Rice room to run and keep Joe Flacco upright.

Shaun O'Hara, Center

With Matt Birk's status for the season opener in doubt, the Ravens could use some insurance at the center position.

Shaun O'Hara, 34, was released by the Giants at the start of preseason. O'Hara has spent 11 seasons in the NFL, and had been a solid presence on the Giants' offensive line.

At 34, he is no longer the player he once was, but could still provide a viable option for the Ravens if Matt Birk is not ready for the season opener as hoped.

Derrick Dockery, Guard

Derrick Dockery was solid for the Redskins before beginning to suffer knee injuries. With problems at the guard position on the right side of the line, it wouldn't hurt for the Ravens to bring in the former All-American.

The beauty of the NFL's non-guaranteed contract is that players like Dockery who are recovering from injury can be tried out very quickly with little consequence.

Trai Essex, Guard/Tackle

Trai Essex is another potential offensive line addition for the Ravens to consider who is recovering from an injury.

Essex injured his ankle in 2011 and had season-ending surgery, but he is a proven winner with the Steelers.

Essex is has played guard and tackle in his career and could even play center. He is another low-risk pickup that could come in handy if the Ravens have to deal with injuries on their line.

Bryant McKinnie, Tackle

Of all the players on this list, McKinnie has the best pedigree, having been named to the Pro Bowl in 2009. He was released by the Vikings because he was overweight and out of shape.

McKinnie's agent, Drew Rosenhaus reported that the lineman is getting himself closer to his playing weight of 355 pounds.

If McKinnie is able to get in shape, he is the kind of player who could step in right away on the Ravens offensive line.

Jon Stinchcomb, Tackle

With growing concerns over Michael Oher's pass blocking ability, the Ravens are looking for depth at the tackle position.

Jon Stinchcomb, who won a Super Bowl title with the Saints, is one of the best tackles still available as a free agent. His performance suffered in 2010, a year after a Pro Bowl appearance, as he played through a knee injury.

Compared to Bryant McKinnie, Stinchcomb may be a safer option for the Ravens. There are no concerns about his character. He was a team captain in New Orleans and a well respected member of the community.