When the Baltimore Ravens lost veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency this offseason, many considered Ben Cleveland the most likely replacement on the roster. In a pivotal training camp ahead of his fourth season, Cleveland has instead seen more time at the center position in Tyler Linderbaum’s absence than competing for a starting job.
Cleveland was asked if playing center was removing important reps at right guard.
“Oh, no,” Cleveland said. “I don’t think of it as taking reps away from other spots. I mean, they say, ‘The more you can do, the better off you’re going to be,’ and if I have to be in that role of a backup center at some point this year, then I want to be fully prepared to go in and do that. So, I love the fact that I’m getting to play center and going to go out there and get some live game reps in that spot.”
The massive guard out of Georgia has had trouble finding playing time on Sundays since being drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He performed admirably when Cleveland cracked the starting lineup due to injuries. Still, for whatever reason, he has continued to find himself riding the bench during games. There was hope that this year would be different for Cleveland, but if training camp is any indication, that does not appear to be the case.
Making the team as a backup to all three offensive-line interior positions may be Cleveland’s best shot at making the 53-man roster if he cannot win the starting right guard competition by the end of the preseason.
