OWINGS MILLS – Jah Reid knows nothing will be handed to him, definitely not the left guard job that was vacated when Pro Bowl blocker Ben Grubbs signed a $36 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.
However, the 6-foot-7, 335-pound former third-round draft pick is preparing to hold the position where he currently ranks atop the depth chart.
Reid said he can’t concern himself if the Ravens draft a guard in the first round or sign one after the draft like Jason Brown or Eric Steinbach.
“I certainly have to go in and expect to play,” Reid said. “I want this position, and it’s mine to lose. Just keep working, and I’m not going to worry about anybody else coming in. I just need to work on myself.”
Reid played in every game as a rookie, primarily appearing in jumbo blocking package.
Reid made an impression, though, on right offensive tackle Michael Oher.
“He gives 150 percent,” Oher said. “He’s very physical. He’s going to be give you his all. I’m looking forward to him getting in and making an impact. He’s a very physical player, and I’m looking for him to have a pretty good year in there at guard.”
Reid is inexperienced at guard, practicing at the position last year and occasionally lining up there at Central Florida.
“Offensive linemen can’t be one-dimensional,” Reid said. “You have to play more than one position. I like to think I’m well-rounded. Playing mostly right, I have to work a little bit on my left. Playing next to Matt Birk and [Bryant] McKinnie, that’s not going to be that bad playing left guard. I just have to go out there and work and get better every day. I think I’m an athlete, and I think I should be able to do it and play the position well.”
