Happy Friday, Ravens Flock. Today we will discuss the retirement of a former Raven and his role with the organization moving forward. We will also talk about one of the more overlooked players on this roster, and a big year could be coming for him.
With that said, let’s get into the big news about a player retiring with the Ravens.
Congrats on a great playing career Tony ‼️
We’re very excited to welcome him back, this time as part of the Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship‼️ pic.twitter.com/c84xEKuSSE
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 25, 2023
Tony Jefferson was never the best player on the field (never forget the 2019 Week 4 game against the Browns), but this is a cool moment for a guy who, by all accounts, was a stand-up person and a great locker room leader.
However, while this is a cool opportunity, TJ has much bigger ambitions.
Jefferson has talked about ultimately wanting to be a GM after his career is over. He'll get his start with a scouting fellowship with the Ravens.
The 31-year-old had two stints with the Ravens and was always one of the most popular and well-respected players in the building. https://t.co/utR2qCHMWh— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 25, 2023
The Ravens are doing Tony a huge favor by giving him this scouting job to help him kick-start his post-playing career. It is also weird to think that Jefferson is only 31 years old yet is getting this opportunity from an organization that values him. Jefferson has what we all want in a work environment: to be respected, and the Ravens have another coin in the “players love it here” bucket.
Enough about that, though. Let’s get to the football.
Much has been discussed about this offense, but one of the things that should be addressed is the left guard spot. It is the most glaring hole on the offense, but a third-year player is looking to take it over.
I'm glad about the things I've been hearing and reading about Ben Cleveland. The talk is that he looks in great shape and is working his tail off on every rep and drill out there. This is his moment to breakout and take position as LG. Especially now with a zone transition.
— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) May 25, 2023
Trying to follow positive reports at this time of year is almost fool’s gold, but it wouldn’t be the first time a guy had time to sit and then broke out in his third year. Cleveland has been a “meh” starter and might have been slightly overrated due to his size. This year is very important for Cleveland, so making a good impression on the staff early could go a long way.
Fortunately, it seems like he may be on his way to doing that:
Behemoth. pic.twitter.com/HaSbSIG4pq
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) May 25, 2023
He looks slimmer this year and more in shape than ever. This is important because Cleveland has had a tough time passing the infamous conditioning test that so many players talk about. That is a big part of making a first impression and showing up in shape and then passing the test early is a great start to his year.
Nobody saw a Ben Powers breakout coming, yet it happened last year, and Cleveland could be up next for that breakout, especially in what we hope is an improved offense.
Run game success for this unit, imo, lots of inside zone and lots of duo.
Let Linderbaum, Cleveland and Stanley work those combination blocks and make contact in L2.
Essentially exactly what Todd Monken likes to call. Also what JK Dobbins thrives in.#RavensFlock https://t.co/8hHeN0VpzJ
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) May 25, 2023
A Ben Cleveland breakout would help complete the package on O, and I hope it happens.
Thank you for reading, and cheers to Tony Jefferson on getting a new opportunity for a better future, and hope for a Ben Cleveland breakout.
Happy Memorial Day, Flock!
