Baltimore’s Daniel Faalele faced a microstorm of online criticism after a single preseason miscue against Indianapolis, but Baltimore’s staff pushed back, framing the moment as part of a longer arc of growth for a 6-foot-8 tackle still finding his NFL footing.
Faalele arrived in Baltimore weighing 400+ pounds and has trimmed to roughly 365-370, a move the Ravens say improves agility and versatility. Last season he shifted from tackle to guard and earned a Pro Bowl alternate nod, giving up one sack and 30 pressures on 504 pass-blocking chances, a performance that hints at more consistency as he continues refining technique.
In the preseason opener, Adetomiwa Adebawore of the Colts bull rushed Faalele for an eight-yard sack on Cooper Rush, spotlighting the ongoing edge and interior battles. Todd Monken publicly defended Faalele, placing the moment within the broader context of the Ravens’ evolving offensive line and a system designed to maximize blocking efficiency and push. The Ravens appear committed to Faalele’s development rather than reacting to a single play.
From a fantasy lens, Faalele’s value hinges on securing a guard role and delivering steady run blocking within a modern Ravens scheme. If he keeps slimming down, sharpens footwork, and avoids injury, he could become a dependable interior presence that stabilizes the run game and supports pass protection, contributing to the Ravens’ overall offensive efficiency even if his personal fantasy upside remains nuanced.
