With the Ravens holding the second of three open organized team activity workouts before their three-day mandatory minicamp later this month, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Varying degrees of competitiveness in OTAs always amuse me as John Harbaugh praised Marlon Humphrey for easing off a pass intended for Mark Andrews to avoid contact. In contrast, offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith celebrated a Tyler Huntley strike to Josh Oliver like it had come during a Week 12 clash.
2. The play of the day was a long bomb from Huntley to Rashod Bateman as Kevon Seymour and Marcus Williams trailed in coverage. With Lamar Jackson absent once again, Huntley is getting plenty of first-team reps on the heels of starting three of the final four games last season.
3. Between Greg Roman’s humorous comments and Mike Macdonald joking about providing “some sense of urgency” in development, Ravens coaches clearly like what they’ve seen from Tyler Linderbaum and Kyle Hamilton to this point. Most rookies experience some ups and downs, but they’re right on schedule.
4. Nick Boyle never looked right in five games in 2021, but he wasn’t sporting the same bulky knee brace on Wednesday and looks like “a completely new guy” in Roman’s words. If the Ravens are committed to returning to their 2019 roots, Boyle must be a huge part of that.
5. Williams said Chuck Clark is “helping me in any way he can” with learning the Baltimore defense and answering any questions. Despite much chatter regarding his future since draft weekend, Clark continues to be a total pro even if he wasn’t thrilled about two high-profile safety additions.
6. Ben Cleveland remains the popular pick to start at left guard, but we’re probably selling Tyre Phillips’ chances a little short. Unfortunately, neither player has stayed healthy enough in their young careers to have a high degree of confidence. The Ravens need to find an answer at that spot.
7. Though it came on a bad throw from rookie quarterback Anthony Brown, Jalyn Armour-Davis intercepting a pass off the hands of Binjimen Victor boosts confidence, something every young cornerback needs from time to time. Even with Kyle Fuller’s arrival, history suggests Armour-Davis must be prepared to play sooner than later.
8. Tyler Badie has shown good burst and has lived up to his reputation as a legitimate pass-catching option out of the backfield. The sixth-round rookie running back should be an interesting player to watch this summer, especially with Justice Hill entering the final year of his rookie contract.
9. Though Jaylon Ferguson has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that’s limited him during OTAs, he looks much leaner than the 270-pound frame we saw over his first three seasons. With Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo sidelined, the 2019 third-round pick should have ample opportunity to impress.
10. The sight of Marcus Peters, J.K. Dobbins, and Ojabo observing from the sideline reminds of the upside the 2022 team has if — and that’s a major “if” — these players return to pre-injury form sooner than later. Dobbins caught some passes from the Jugs machine while in a stationary position.
11. After Joe Hortiz mentioned Jordan Stout’s ability to kick off in the days following the draft, it was interesting hearing Chris Horton downplay that possibility in the near and even medium-term future. I’m guessing the 32-year-old Justin Tucker has little interest in relinquishing that responsibility at this stage.
12. Macdonald noted the value of re-signing Calais Campbell to offer guidance to the coaching staff in addition to his very strong play. For the record, Campbell is 10 months older than his new defensive coordinator, who won’t turn 35 until later this month.
