OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With their rookie minicamp taking place this weekend, the Ravens announced the signing of first-round pick Marlon Humphrey and four other 2017 draft choices on Friday.
The Alabama cornerback becomes the earliest first-round signing in the 22-year history of the franchise, but it doesn’t come as a major shock considering how inconsequential draft-pick signings have become in recent years under the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011. The earliest first-round pick to sign had previously been wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who inked his rookie deal on May 11, 2015.
The Ravens also signed second-round linebacker Tyus Bowser, fourth-round guard Nico Siragusa, fifth-round offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, and sixth-round safety Chuck Clark. Their two third-round picks, defensive end Chris Wormley and outside linebacker Tim Williams, remained unsigned as of Friday afternoon, but both were participating in the weekend minicamp.
“Just seeing an NFL contract, a lot of it has paid off,” said Bowser about signing his rookie contract. “Being able to see that, it is so many great feelings, just knowing what you have been through and seeing that you have accomplished what your goal was.”
Baltimore also announced the signing of 16 rookie free agents on Friday: Michigan punter Kenny Allen, Arizona State wide receiver Tim White, Utah wide receiver Tim Patrick, Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell, Mississippi wide receiver Quincy Adeboyejo, Virginia running back Taquan Mizzell, Mississippi cornerback Carlos Davis, New Mexico safety Daniel Henry, Oregon State fullback Ricky Ortiz, Pittsburgh linebacker Bam Bradley, Stetson linebacker Donald Payne, Georgia center Brandon Kublanow, Middle Tennessee guard Maurquice Shakir, Chattanooga wide receiver C.J. Board, Maine defensive end Patrick Ricard, and Western Kentucky defensive end Omarius Bryant.
After the Ravens chose not to take a wide receiver in last weekend’s draft, it’s worth noting that four of their 16 rookie free-agent signings play that position.
The organization also announced jersey numbers for the 23 rookies currently on the roster:
2017 draft class
CB Marlon Humphrey — 29
LB Tyus Bowser — 54
DE Chris Wormley — 93
LB Tim Williams — 56
G Nico Siragusa — 65
OL Jermaine Eluemunor — 71
S Chuck Clark — 36
2017 rookie free agents
P Kenny Allen — 3
WR Tim White — 6
WR Tim Patrick — 7
QB Zach Terrell — 8
WR Quincy Adeboyejo — 18
RB Taquan Mizzell — 33
CB Carlos Davis — 38
S Daniel Henry — 40
FB Ricky Ortiz — 44
LB Bam Bradley — 53
LB Donald Payne — 58
C Brandon Kublanow — 60
G Maurquice Shakir — 76
WR C.J. Board — 83
DE Patrick Ricard — 91
DE Omarius Bryant — 95
Ravens ink five 2017 draft choices, announce rookie free-agent signings
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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