The Baltimore Ravens have a slew of talented players. From top to bottom, the team is loaded with key contributors that can change the game on any given down. Heading into 2025, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
However, one of the biggest concerns is left guard play. There are several candidates to fill that role this season, but one of those players is already quickly running out of time in Baltimore and is looking like a bust. That player is Ben Cleveland.
While Baltimore re-signed Cleveland this past offseason, the former third-round selection has yet to prove much in his NFL career. Through four seasons, he has only made seven starts and has greatly disappointed in the offensive reps he has taken. With a wide open competition for the left guard spot heading into training camp, 2025 could be Cleveland’s last chance, and the outlook is not looking great.
Ben Cleveland could be on his way out
Cleveland had high praise coming out of the 2021 NFL Draft, mostly due to his size and strength, as he dominated opposing defensive lines at Georgia. None of that praise has translated to the NFL level, though.
While the Ravens had enough faith to bring him back and add depth on the interior offensive line, it was a cheap contract. The deal is only a one-year $1.17 million contract, and he is not guaranteed a spot on the initial 53-man roster heading into the 2025 regular season.
After a draft class that saw the team select three offensive linemen–Emery Jones Jr., Carson Vinson, and Garrett Dellinger–the room for error in camp is at an all-time low. Baltimore also signed versatile offensive tackle Joe Noteboom earlier in the offseason. With so many bodies in the fray, it could be difficult for Cleveland to carve out a role.
The Ravens tend to overload on the offensive line when creating their 53-man roster. But, they have several versatile players this year, which could allow them to open up a spot at a different position, keeping one less lineman. Jones Jr., Noteboom, and Dellinger all seem to have the ability to move around and play various positions, a specialty that Cleveland has yet to provide.
Training camp has not even arrived, but the look of the offensive line could spell bad news for the 26-year-old. The only advantage he currently has over the new additions is experience. If he cannot showcase desirable traits in camp, Cleveland could quickly find himself searching for a new home.