4. Do the Baltimore Ravens trust Ben Cleveland?
Before the offseason practices, you could think about Ben Cleveland being one of the big winners. However, OTAs and minicamps revealed that the left guard competition will be wide open, and Ben Cleveland will have to win the job.
The initial thought was that Cleveland would duel with John Simpson, who has experience but was mainly signed to push Cleveland into being starter capable. However, OTAs revealed that Daniel Faalee and Sala Amuave-Laulu are taking snaps at left guard. That is not just snaps; that is work with the first team at left guard.
All the while, Ben Cleveland is working at right tackle. John Harbaugh made it clear that while many saw those two competing at backup right tackle, they will be competing for the starting left guard spot as well. It shows that the team does not have the confidence in Cleveland that we thought they would.
They probably wish they had more confidence in Cleveland as well, as they are doing this to ignite a spark. Still, the pressure is on. If Cleveland does not win the starting job this year it will not happen for him, at least in Baltimore. His days with the team will be numbered as he would hope to sign elsewhere in free agency and get a new chance.