OWINGS MILLS, Md. — While most discussion with Harbaugh revolved around the four free-agent signings the Ravens completed on Friday, the status of the left guard position was an interesting topic for the Ravens coach to address.
After the departure of Ben Grubbs to the New Orleans Saints last week, plenty of speculation has centered around second-year offensive lineman Jah Reid, who was a third-round selection from Central Florida in last year’s draft. The Ravens fell short in their attempt to sign Eagles guard Evan Mathis last week, leaving Reid as the best option currently on the roster.
At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Reid received a cautious endorsement from Harbaugh as the top candidate to start at left guard.
“That’s definitely a possibility,” Harbaugh said. “Jah’s a guy that could play right tackle for us. Really, he could play any position along the front line. He played every position last year in practice, so he’s definitely a possible answer at left guard. I’d say right now — today — he’s the left guard.”
Harbaugh made it clear that Reid’s starting status is not set in stone by any stretch. Less than two weeks into free agency and the draft still a month away, the Ravens will continue to monitor all possibilities for replacing their Pro Bowl left guard.
Remaining guard options on the open market are lukewarm at best, with veterans Jake Scott, Vernon Carey, and Eric Steinbach all still available. The Ravens will also weigh the possibility of selecting a guard with their 29th overall pick if a player such as Georgia’s Cordy Glenn is still on the board.
Regardless of whether Reid ultimately lines up at left guard in September, the Ravens will almost certainly add another viable option to compete against him.
“He’s got to earn that spot, but we’ll continue to be looking for players,” Harbaugh said. “Our goal will be to put the best five offensive linemen on the field. And Jah, certainly, I’d like to see him be one of those guys, but it’s going to be up to him to earn that spot.”
