With the Ravens approaching the end of their first week of training camp, Iโve offered 10 early thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The Ravens have numerous injury questions, but Joe Flacco is looking less and less like one. Other than the brace on his left knee, youโd never know heโs eight months removed from surgery. Heโs moving and throwing like he always did and says heโs not even thinking about the knee.
2. Everyone is rooting for Keenan Reynolds to make an impact after his brilliant career at Navy, but heโs a substantial work in progress. Itโs still very early, but he hasnโt played with much confidence and has dropped more passes and kicks than youโd like to see even in practices.
3. With other running backs currently sidelined, Terrance West is taking advantage of the reps and has looked the part of a motivated young player vying for a significant role in the offense. West has shed 15 pounds from last season and is noticeably more explosive running the football.
4. After missing spring workouts to have the screws removed from his right foot, Jimmy Smith has had a quiet start. He hasnโt practiced poorly, but heโs still working his way back to full strength. The defense sorely needs him to return to his pre-surgery 2014 form this season.
5. An understated need in 2016 will be for ZaโDarius Smith to become an impact player. He looks comfortable in pass coverage and has shown good pass-rush ability. If he can handle responsibilities formerly held by Pernell McPhee and Courtney Upshaw, less pressure falls on Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
6. Though Jerraud Powers remains the favorite to play slot cornerback in sub packages, rookie Tavon Young has displayed good ball skills and has shown good aggression in coverage. He also looked smooth and fast returning a kickoff at Mondayโs stadium practice. Heโs someone to watch in the preseason.
7. Much has been written about Kamalei Correa competing to start at inside linebacker next to C.J. Mosley, but he plays with an edge, evident by the skirmishes on Monday. The Ravens need more attitude and higher-end talent, and Correa has a chance to bring both to the defense.
8. Itโs unclear how much time heโll miss, but it was a shame to see rookie receiver Chris Moore walking with his left foot in a boot on Monday. It was only a couple practices, but his acceleration going after the deep ball reminds a little bit of Torrey Smith.
9. It was interesting to see Justin Tucker repeatedly pop kickoffs into the air that landed inside the 5-yard line on Monday. With touchbacks on kickoffs moving to the 25, John Harbaugh said this offseason that the Ravens could alter their approach instead of just booting it through the end zone.
10. Crockett Gillmore has a rare combination of size and quickness that is fun to watch, but you wonder if his physical style of play will continue hindering his durability. Heโs already had quite a few injuries in two-plus years with a hamstring strain the latest ailment to sideline him.

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.
Podcast Audio Vault
Share the Post:
Right Now in Baltimore
Gotta get back in time
Seth Elkin of The Maryland Lottery goes Back To The Future with Nestor as they torpedo into the swing of Home Run Riches and baseball season with Orioles homers for cash.
The weekend walkoff: Luke and Nestor sound off on Morton pitching, Harbaugh and Bisciotti counting their money and buzz of Williams leading Terps
In the aftermath of a second no-so-great start by 41-year old Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton, Luke Jones and Nestor talked about the importance of getting Gunnar Henderson back in the lineup in Kansas City and then veered into the Johnโฆ
Turning on the lights of Spring Illuminations at The Maryland Zoo
We love the Zoo and you should, too! It's time to turn on the lights of spring at The Maryland Zoo for Spring Illuminations in Druid Hill Park. Let Mike Evitts tell you everything about the gem of a placeโฆ