Ravens: Kelechi Osemele to play 'substantial role' this season

Ravens rookie offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele sees himself playing a major role in the offense to start this year, though it may be in a backup capacity when Baltimore opens its regular season with Cincinnati next Monday.

Osemele, drafted in the second round (60th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft, has been the most impressive rookie this preseason. He started each of the four preseason games, though the last two were due to right guard Marshal Yanda being out with a knee injury.

With Yanda back in the lineup for the opener, Osemele figures to be the primary backup for Michael Oher at right tackle and for Bobbie Williams at left guard.

"The feel I'm getting is I'll pretty much have a substantial role, as far as my preseason went," Osemele said. "I'm not really sure how things will go as far as starting or at what point."

At Iowa State, Osemele started 38 games at left tackle and five at left guard. Though Baltimore was looking at Osemele to potentially fill an opening at left guard (before the Ravens signed Williams), he initially was hoping he would play tackle.

Having played and practiced at both tackle and guard spots this preseason, Osemele now isn't wary of playing guard in the NFL as he once was.

"You just don't have the range of difficulties at guard and you don't face the same type of athletes you do at tackle," Osemele said. "It makes it easier."

Baltimore likes to cross-train its offensive linemen, especially the young talent on the roster. Osemele, Jah Reid (when healthy), Ramon Harewood and Gino Gradkowski all played multiple positions on the line this preseason.

But one position Osemele has never played is center, which is fine with him.

"I've never even actually snapped a ball before," he said. "I hope to keep it that way."

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.