With the Ravens completing their sixth full-squad practice of training camp on Tuesday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. As the temperature climbed, Baltimore was back in shells and shorts the day after practicing in pads for the first time. John Harbaugh called it an “execution” practice that emphasized communication. “Like we told them, we want to be fast and perfect. That’s the goal.”
2. The play of the day came when Tony Jefferson batted a slightly underthrown Lamar Jackson deep ball and came away with a nifty interception. Considering how infrequently Jackson is picked during practice, it’s worth noting Jefferson got him twice during minicamp in June. The veteran safety must have his number.
Put some respect on @_tonyjefferson's name
@oakley play of the day
pic.twitter.com/PJCcXAmFTJ— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 2, 2022
3. That turnover aside, Jackson rebounded from Monday’s rough practice by completing his first six passes and going 15-for-19 overall in the 11-on-11 periods. As Harbaugh confirmed after practice, the Ravens ran quite a few run-pass options to expose the defense to those types of plays.
4. Rashod Bateman looks the part of a No. 1 wide receiver at times, but he’s still chasing the consistency. At one point, Bateman had a chance to make a highlight catch on a Jackson pass heaved into traffic. It wasn’t the easiest play, but it’s one he needs to make.
5. Without delving into specifics, Harbaugh acknowledged giving vet days to a few individuals while others were dealing with “minor things” that kept them out of practice. Patrick Queen and Brandon Stephens were among the new absences who didn’t really fit the veteran category.
6. Ja’Wuan James returned after a one-day absence and practiced on a somewhat limited basis with a wrap on his left knee. Given James’ injury history and lack of experience at left tackle, the Ravens had to be happy to have him back on the field.
7. Count Michael Pierce among those impressed with Travis Jones, calling him “the one.” “He’s about as big as I am, and he can move — like really, really fluidly move. I don’t know why he went in the third round, but you don’t really see too many people [like that].”
8. In bringing back the 6-foot-7 Brent Urban, the Ravens added another defensive lineman nearly as tall as Calais Campbell. Urban batted down a pass Tuesday and is capable of disrupting passing lanes if he can stay on the field, which has been a problem during his career.
9. Just days before the start of camp, Corey Clement joined a running back picture still lacking clarity, but Harbaugh said he “didn’t know how physically impressive he was [until] you see him in person.” The 5-foot-10, 220-pound veteran’s easiest path to a roster spot is via special teams, of course.
10. With multiple edge defenders sidelined or limited, Vince Biegel has taken extensive snaps in the spring and early summer and has flashed enough to keep himself in the roster conversation. He stripped rookie wide receiver Makai Polk of the football during an 11-on-11 period.
11. Former practice-squad wide receiver Binjimen Victor rebounded from a slow start in camp to have a strong practice with multiple receptions down the middle on throws from Jackson. Tight end Tony Poljan also had a solid day that included an impressive grab on a Tyler Huntley pass thrown behind him.
12. David Ojabo finally inked his rookie contract on Tuesday, making him the final NFL draft pick to sign. The second-round edge rusher is now expected to go on the active non-football injury list as he continues rehabbing his Achilles injury, but the Ravens definitely wanted him back in the building.
