Ravens: 4 players with something to prove in preseason Week 2
By Justin Fried
3. Ben Cleveland, OG, Ravens
The Ravens are eagerly awaiting the official preseason debut of rookie guard Ben Cleveland this Saturday. And given how poor the offensive line has played, having Cleveland back should be the shot in the arm the unit needs.
At least, that’s what the team is hoping.
Cleveland missed last Saturday’s preseason opener as he sat out with a concussion, but he returned to practice this week and seems primed to make his in-game debut this weekend.
That’s good news for the Ravens offensive line as they’ve finally been able to practice with their projected starting unit this week. And it’s also good news for Cleveland who is the only member of that group not guaranteed to have a starting job.
The third-round pick is the presumptive starter at left guard, but he isn’t going to be handed the role. And as of now, no one has been able to run away with it either.
Head coach John Harbaugh continues to insist that the left guard job is “wide open” with others such as Ben Powers and Tyre Phillips competing as well.
Cleveland has the highest ceiling and the coaching staff has been impressed so far, but they aren’t ready to name him the starter just yet.
A dominant performance against a stout Panthers front-seven on Saturday could give Cleveland the edge he needs to secure a starting role once and for all.