Michael

Oher

The 49ers reportedly “love” Oher and Mike Lombardi says he may go as high as Oakland at No. 7. The Packers would certainly give Oher a look at No. 9.

It’s Oher’s first known action of free agency. The former No. 23 overall pick of the 2009 draft is a classic case of a player whose name is bigger than his game. Oher can’t play left tackle and even struggles on the right side. He’s also a penalty machine. The Titans would be better off with Byron Stingily at right tackle. If Oher leaves his Tennessee visit, he’ll then take a trip to Oakland.

Oher played through a slightly torn meniscus in the Ravens’ playoff loss, but the injury did not require surgery. “It’s just now starting to feel good,” Oher said of his knee.

Oher limped through the AFC Championship Game as he also got his ankle rolled into during the first quarter. He said he would not need surgery. “It’s just a slight tear,” Oher said. “Everything’s good.”

Coach John Harbaugh refused to go into details. McKinnie has a history of showing up out of shape and has also been dealing with lawsuits stemming from a lockout loan last offseason. “Until further notice, (Michael Oher) is the left tackle,” said Harbaugh. McKinnie has been placed on the reserve/did not report list.

Michael Oher remains Joe Flacco’s primary blindside protector, with rookie Kelechi Osemele manning right tackle. Ideally for the Ravens, McKinnie will reclaim his old job with Oher shifting back to the right side, but McKinnie will have to prove he’s in shape and motivated during the preseason.

When asked if he’ll start, Osemele replied, “I think so. It looks like it.” The second-round pick had been working at left guard and right tackle throughout camp. Michael Oher will man the blindside, Bobbie Williams will play left guard, and Bryant McKinnie will work off of the bench.

The Ravens’ right tackle a season ago, Oher has shifted back to the blindside in 2012, grading out neutrally in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. It’s doubtful the Ravens are pursuing a new deal with urgency, though locking up tackles on the cheap is never a bad idea.

Oher will stay on Joe Flacco’s blindside as the Ravens transition to a younger line to better handle the tempo of the no-huddle heavy offense. Veteran Bryant McKinnie is being kept on the roster as an insurance policy for Oher and rookie RT Kelechi Osemele.

It’s becoming a real problem for Oher, who seems to be regressing. Coach John Harbaugh called the false starts illogical, saying Oher doesn’t need to try to get off to such a quick start.