The offseason program is just that, an offseason program. It may have small impacts on the roster moving forward, but it is not even the start of the season. Still, as the Baltimore Ravens closed out their OTA and minicamp sessions, there are some takeaways from the team.
While the movement may be minimal and only sets the stage for what is to come in training camp, it is good to see where certain players stand. Who are some players who may be standing a bit higher after the last couple of weeks?
5. Sala Amuave-Laulu is getting a chance to start for the Baltimore Ravens
When we went into the offseason program, we thought Ben Cleveland was the most likely player to start at left guard. His only real competition was John Simpson, or so we thought. While Daniel Faalele and Sala Amuave-Laulu played right tackle in college, and they are both working there, both of them also have been mixing in some work at guard.
First, Faalele was getting work, but towards the end of minicamp, Sala Amuave-Laulu was leading the way in snaps out of anyone. To make it even more interesting Cleveland was playing right tackle, showing how little of a grip he has on the job.
Sala Amuave-Laulu is a sixth-round pick in his rookie season. He is kicking inside, which some may say is easier, but he is also moving from the right side to the left side. The shift is impressive, and the thought that he has a real chance to start shows how much the Ravens have liked what they see from him.
When training camp starts, you should see Cleveland get the first repetition, but there is no doubt this is a real competition, and the rookie being involved is big for his long-term promise.