Player Profiles: Marshal Yanda
Offensive lineman are often forgotten and that seems to be the case for Baltimore Ravens lineman Marshal Yanda. Yanda is a franchise player yet not many fans have his jersey. This offensive guard usually lines up at right guard.
The Ravens drafted Yanda with the 86th pick in the 2007 draft, he was the third round pick in that draft. Yanda is the only Ravens pick from that draft to still be on the team. Ben Grubbs was the first round pick in that draft, Grubbs was also a valuable player for the Ravens but has since signed with the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens liked Yanda more and rewarded him with a big five year $32 million contract.
Yanda is a great physical blocker and is nearly irreplaceable for the Ravens. Whenever Yanda has been hurt or out of the lineup the Ravens have struggled on offense. The run game and pass protection gets shutdown without Yanda.
The thing that sets Yanda apart is his grit the two-time All-Pro plays out every play and really gets at defensive players. Yanda’s grit comes from his upbringing, Yanda is a country boy and comes from a farming family.
Yanda is a solid leader and should be recognized for what he has brought to the Ravens. Even though offensive lineman do not record stats the Ravens good history when running the ball towards Yanda’s side throughout the years should be evidence as to how good he is.
Hopefully Yanda will remain a Raven for the rest of his career because he sure has played like one.
Here is a video of Yanda back in college.
