With the Ravens holding their seventh full-squad practice of training camp on Wednesday afternoon, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Having labored through recent practices, Kyle Hamilton left the field late in the workout with what appeared to be some cramping at the very least. The rookie made a terrific breakup on a Lamar Jackson seam pass intended for Isaiah Likely, but he took only one more rep after that.
2. Hamilton wasn’t the only one bothered by the heat as several players dealt with cramps during the 2 1/2-hour practice, the longest of the summer. Brandon Stephens remained sidelined with an undisclosed ailment while Devin Duvernay missed a third straight practice with a thigh bruise.
3. The play of the day was a deep connection from Jackson to Rashod Bateman with Hamilton barely missing getting his hand on the ball. A clean pocket afforded Jackson plenty of time to look downfield, and Bateman continued a strong practice that included multiple touchdown receptions in red-zone drills.
4. The pass protection was otherwise spotty with Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington, and Aaron Crawford creating interior pressure on multiple occasions during 11-on-11 periods. Brent Urban was also disruptive and likely would have picked up a sack in a live-game setting.
5. After a relatively quiet start to camp, fourth-round rookie cornerback Damarion Williams came down with an interception when Jackson threw a deep ball intended for undrafted rookie receiver Makai Polk. Williams broke up another deep pass later in practice to finish off his strong day.
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6. As J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards continue rehabbing, Greg Roman said the running back competition remains “wide open.” While Tyler Badie flashes the most upside and Justice Hill has shown good quickness, Mike Davis has probably received the most “starter” reps. The preseason rotation should be interesting.
7. Roman said the wide receiver competition is also “wide open,” and former practice-squad member Jaylon Moore and undrafted rookie Shemar Bridges are among the roster hopefuls to stand out some. Moore had a good showing on Wednesday while Bridges displays some quickness to go with his 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame.
8. With Duvernay currently sidelined, one wide receiver you’d like to see a little more from is Tylan Wallace. The 2021 fourth-round pick from Oklahoma State isn’t practicing poorly, but this is an opportunity for him to gain some ground on the projected top trio of receivers.
9. Baltimore native Kyle Fuller hasn’t made many plays on the ball through the first week, but Mike Macdonald praised the football intellect and perspective provided by the ninth-year cornerback. Despite a rough 2021 in Denver, the experience he gained playing the slot should help his path to potential playing time.
10. Roman confirmed Jackson’s personal quarterback coach, Adam Dedeaux, has been present for the last couple practices and has been at the facility before. “After talking to him initially, I was like, ‘Man, this guy is really sharp. He’s really good.’” An unusual dynamic, but it could be a fruitful one.
11. Nick Moore was excused from practice after having “some things come up,” according to special teams coordinator Chris Horton. Moore is expected to return on Thursday, but his absence left Baltimore without a long snapper for the workout.
12. Marcus Peters watched a portion of practice from the sideline, at one point joking around with retired punter and special teams consultant Sam Koch. His high-level play is a given, but the Ravens really missed Peters’ personality and leadership last year. It’ll be fun seeing him back out there soon.
