With the Ravens practicing in shells and shorts on Tuesday afternoon, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. After leaving the field early on Monday, Odell Beckham Jr. practiced fully and turned in his best performance of the summer, making a couple highlight catches as well as several other receptions. His chemistry with Lamar Jackson continues to grow, and his routes are looking as smooth as ever.
2. Big plays in the passing game have been rare this summer, but Beckham made a catch of 40-plus yards in a 7-on-7 drill and Mark Andrews caught a long touchdown during an 11-on-11 period. We’re waiting to see Jackson hit Zay Flowers on a deep bomb in full-team work, however.
3. After angst over nine interceptions thrown during Saturday’s practice that was heavy on third-and-long situations, Jackson and the other quarterbacks haven’t thrown a pick the last two days. With this passing attack aiming for a higher ceiling, some growing pains were inevitable, especially competing against a good defense every day.
4. While the other running backs spoke to media on Wednesday, John Harbaugh said he expects J.K. Dobbins to begin practicing “very soon” while reiterating “the ball’s in J.K.’s court.” For now, his coaches and teammates continue to say the right things — at least publicly.
Gus Edwards on J.K. Dobbins: “I know he’s going to be ready because that’s the type of guy he is.” #Ravens pic.twitter.com/T4bZ925Zgu
5. With Tyus Bowser still not practicing and Justin Houston signing with Carolina over the weekend, the Ravens kicking the tires on Jadeveon Clowney hardly comes as a shock. Clowney’s exit from Cleveland was ugly, but that wouldn’t stop Eric DeCosta from exploring all options at a position of need.
6. Speaking of depth concerns, the Ravens continue to be light at cornerback with Rock Ya-Sin, Arthur Maulet, and Damarion Williams not practicing on Tuesday and Harbaugh revealing Trayvon Mullen could miss the entire season after undergoing toe surgery. Another outside corner addition still feels like a must.
7. That said, veteran defensive back and reliable special-teams contributor Kevon Seymour has been one of the surprising stories of camp with quality play on the outside that’s earned him meaningful reps. Crediting improved health, Harbaugh said the 29-year-old’s “talent is really starting to express itself.” We’ll see if that continues.
8. After beginning his career as a defensive tackle, four-time Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard exploring a move to offensive guard is an interesting development and another reminder that this isn’t Greg Roman’s offense anymore. Such a transition is easier said than done, of course.
9. Melvin Gordon is looking more comfortable in Baltimore’s offense over the last week and has flashed his skills as a receiver out of the backfield and in pass protection. The 30-year-old also puts in work after practice on a daily basis. He’s doing all he can to earn a spot.
10. Gus Edwards has caught only 18 passes in his career, but he’s shown solid receiving ability out of the backfield. At the very least, he is moving better than he did last season and has removed the doubts he once felt about returning from his serious knee injury in 2021.
11. After previously working for Jack and Jim Harbaugh, new running backs coach Willie Taggart is working for John for the first time and said, “All three of them are different, but they’re the same.” The longtime college head coach admits he’s enjoying not being on his phone constantly recruiting.
12. Rashod Bateman has begun running on a side field during practices and appears to be moving well. His timetable to start practicing remains unclear, but it’s a positive sign after he was expected to miss the early weeks of training camp with lingering foot discomfort.
