With the Ravens holding their first full-team practice of training camp on Wednesday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The electric crowd reaction to Odell Beckham Jr. only reinforces the perception that signing the star receiver to a $15 million contract went beyond on-field projections and enticing Lamar Jackson to sign a long-term contract. His star power is undeniable despite fair questions about the player he’ll be in 2023.
2. Highlights were scarce in a 90-minute ramp-up practice with a tempo that felt more like a spring OTA than training camp, but Jackson and Beckham had a nifty connection at the expense of cornerback Rock Ya-Sin during a 7-on-7 drill. The Ravens hope to see much more of that.
The @Lj_era8
@obj connection already on point
@Hyundai pic.twitter.com/l4MTSg6Fgy— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 26, 2023
3. The passing game consisted mostly of short throws underneath, but the defense had its moments with Kyle Hamilton intercepting a Jackson deep ball during a 7-on-7 period and Geno Stone picking off an overthrown Josh Johnson pass during a 11-on-11 rep. Again, Wednesday’s practice wasn’t exactly the most intense.
4. From the unprompted excitement expressed by Morgan Moses to Jackson calling him “Joystick” for his speed and shiftiness, Zay Flowers is already turning heads and was heavily involved during the first full-squad workout. There’s a lot of excitement in the building about the rookie receiver.
5. John Harbaugh was predictably vague about the status of J.K. Dobbins, but he said there are “reasonable timelines” for Rashod Bateman (foot) and Tyus Bowser (knee) to begin practicing. Bateman continuing to deal with discomfort in his foot remains unsettling, however.
6. Even if Bowser is ready soon, video of him walking so gingerly ramped up urgency for Eric DeCosta to add an outside linebacker. All appears quiet with Justin Houston, so you wonder if Baltimore prefers a more versatile option — Kyle Van Noy? — to play the run and drop into coverage.
7. Rookie Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu lining up as the starting left guard for the first practice reflects his candidacy being more than due diligence this spring. As Harbaugh said, “That’s something he’s earned because of what he’s done since he’s been here so far.” There’s a long way to go, of course.
8. With Dobbins not practicing and the Ravens likely to manage Gus Edwards’ reps this summer, two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon should have every opportunity to prove he deserves a roster spot. Of course, ball security will be paramount for the 30-year-old.
9. After signing former Pittsburgh slot cornerback Arthur Maulet, the Ravens have no shortage of options to play the nickel spot. However, outside cornerback depth remains a concern, and Trayvon Mullen — who had a solid spring — was placed on the non-football injury list on Wednesday.
10. Mark Andrews remains the Ravens’ true No. 1 receiver, but it’ll be interesting to see how Todd Monken’s offense impacts the freelancing rapport between the three-time Pro Bowl tight end and Jackson. Route discipline is expected to be a much greater priority for Monken than it was under Greg Roman.
11. I’m a fan of the new quarterback practice jerseys after years of great difficulty reading the jersey numbers from far away. Of course, you hope Jackson’s practice status won’t come into question to the same degree as the last couple seasons.
12. Roquan Smith offered the proper perspective for the start of training camp: “Not getting complacent because it’s easy to be paper champs, but what really matters is what you do between those lines.” It’s all about winning in January at this point, but the Ravens have to get there first.
