Ravens: 4 rookies who could earn starting jobs in 2021
By Justin Fried
2. Ben Cleveland, OG, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens made various moves to sure up their offensive line this offseason, even with the departure of Orlando Brown Jr.
The team signed both Kevin Zeitler and Alejandro Villanueva in free agency, will return Ronnie Stanley from injury, and selected Ben Cleveland in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Zeitler, Villanueva, and Stanley are all locked into starting roles. Cleveland will have an excellent shot at joining them as soon as Week 1.
The former Georgia star has quickly won over the hearts of Ravens fans for his electric personality and eccentric eating habits. But he’s more than just a personality off the field.
Cleveland is a mauler who possesses the raw power and strength to be a natural fit in Baltimore’s power-run offense. And he’ll be given a golden opportunity to win the starting left guard job.
With Bradley Bozeman moving over to center, Cleveland appears to be the frontrunner to be the team’s day one starter at left guard.
He’ll have to fend off the likes of Ben Powers, Tyre Phillips, and Ben Bredeson, but Cleveland should be given every chance to start Week 1 on the offensive line.
Perhaps Ben Cleveland could be the next third-round offensive lineman steal for the Ravens. Step aside, Marshal Yanda and Orlando Brown.