The Baltimore Ravens will get the 2024 season underway as they host the Philadelphia Eagles tonight at M&T Bank stadium in both teams’ first preseason action.
I’ll admit that these games have become harder to watch over the years, much less pay a ticket to sit in the stands and view the first teamers in sweatpants on the sidelines.
Still, there are several starting roles and roster positions up for grabs and for those players every snap is vital this evening.
So, with that in mind here are three things that I’ll be watching tonight.
1) Where is Ben Cleveland?
I thought that the former third rounder out of Georgia was guaranteed to step in as the starter at Right Guard for the departing Kevin Zeitler. So far the word out of camp is that massive Daniel Faalele is getting first team reps while Cleveland has been playing some Center.
Cleveland is putting a positive spin on it saying that it makes him more versatile and therefore helps solidify a spot for him on the roster. I can see that point but I see it as just another example that the staff doesn’t fully trust the fourth year player.
I don’t think he’s been bad in the times he’s been on the field due to injury or package but there’s something missing. If he can’t win the Guard job then it makes sense to follow the lead of Patrick Mekari and become a utility lineman that can plug in when injuries inevitably show up.
Speaking of Mekari he’s currently listed as the backup at Right Tackle to rookie Roger Rosengarten who is another player looking for fill the void left from a departing veteran.
The Offensive Line is the biggest question mark heading into Week One so keep your eyes on all the possible replacements all pre-season long.
2) Who will be the prince of the pre-season?
Long time fans know that the Ravens are known for identifying undrafted talent and then those players earn a roster spot.
Last year it was Keaton Mitchell, who will hopefully return at some point during this campaign, and Malik Hamm who both played their way on to the team with standout performances in August.
So who will it be this year? It they make the cut they will need to battle against drafted players too.
Quarterbacks Devin Leary and Emory Jones will fight for time in the second half after Josh Johnson is done for the evening. Leary was drafted in the sixth round and has a leg up with his ability to push the ball downfield. Since Jones is the undrafted player, he’ll need to prove to the brass that he’s a more intriguing number three under center.
Tight End Qadir Ismail is a legacy not unlike Mitchell last season and it will be interesting to see what the converted receiver can do this evening. His size and athleticism are intriguing.
There seem to be less spots on defense but seventh rounder Safety Sanoussi Kane will hopefully find a way to be an impact on Special Teams as recently signed vet Eddie Jackson and Daryl Worley should hold the backup spots ahead of him.
3) Which bubble battles are most interesting?
There have been concerns all spring about the Wide Receiver position. Many are unsure if Rashod Bateman can keep healthy and on the same page as Lamar Jackson as the team’s number two. That means there will be a ton of pass catchers to watch this pre-season.
Newly acquired return man and Baltimore native Deonte Hardy, converted quarterback Malik Cunningham, and recently acquired vet Russell Gage will all vie for targets. I also want to see where Tylan Wallace fits into the plans. He showed he can return punts in a pinch with some splash plays in 23’, but what about on offense?
Cornerbacks are always injured on this team, always. So, depth at the position is critical. Jaylen Armor Davis and Pepe Williams were both selected in the 2022 draft and when healthy they’ve both shown flashes of pro level talent. Both need also need to have strong pre-seasons to book a spot in the locker room.
So, what are you watching for tonight? Is it anything I’ve mentioned above? Is there a player like Trenton Simpson or Andrew Vorhees you want to get some eyes on in purple? Make sure to give us your thoughts on the message board and as always Happy Football everyone.
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.