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He has the speed to play anywhere on defense, the smarts & instinct to take advantange

Man, I sure hope this kid stays healthy because I am really looking forward to seeing him play.

It was the last question after the last voluntary practice of organized team activities Wednesday in Owings Mills, and pass rush coach Chuck Smith couldn’t wait to share his thoughts on second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. The words were as impassioned as they were revealing. Asked about Orr’s growth from last spring to this one, Smith spoke fervently for 2 1/2 minutes about Orr, calling him the “truth,” “smart,” and a “special coach.” His answer also appeared to lessen the impact of former senior adviser Dean Pees. “I was hoping somebody asked me this,” Smith began. “All of last year, I was watching everybody broadcasts and talking. I’ve lived it; I’ve walked it; I’ve seen it. I watched this coordinator stand on 10 toes. Zach is the guy. “Zach Orr, I’m telling you, is going to be an incredible coordinator, and let me tell you why. When we were struggling last year, I watched him stand in front of these mics every week and talk to you all, and he didn’t flinch.” Over the first half of last season, Baltimore had one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses in what was Orr’s first season calling defensive plays on any level. The nadir came in a Week 10 win over the AFC North foe Bengals, with Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow torching the Ravens for 428 yards and four touchdowns despite being without No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins. His top target, Ja’Marr Chase, also went wild, with 11 catches for 264 of those yards and three scores. The game also sparked changes, with Orr meeting with players, altering the structure of defensive meetings as well as making personnel and scheme adjustments. Down the stretch, Baltimore boasted one of the league’s top defenses. “Zach Orr looked those players in the eye, and he never lets the highs get too high or the lows get too low; he stayed in the middle,” Smith said. “And I’m telling you, he always would be positive, but he was tough. He’s tough on the coaches and the players. He would tell everybody, and he would show everybody how close we were to actually having success. It might be an angle of a defensive back running to the ball, or it might be a pass rusher that ran past the quarterback, and the quarterback ran, and he led.” It was after a Week 5 win over the Bengals in another wild shootout, however, that Pees, who was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, was brought on by coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh described him as a good sounding board and credited him for connecting last year’s defense to prior ones. Should the Ravens' defense return to being among the best in the NFL this season, Zach Orr could be a head coaching candidate next offseason. (Kim Hairston/Staff) On Wednesday, Smith pointed to Orr, though. “I know last year a lot of people in the media were saying, ‘Well, this guy came in and helped,’” Smith said in an apparent reference to Pees. “No, Zach Orr did it. Zach Orr, in those rooms, with the coaches, he led, he made the changes in support with coach Harbaugh and the guys on that staff. But, Zach Orr truly led the charge. I’m a witness to it, and I’ve been wanting to say this, because the dude is the truth. Dude didn’t flinch, and dude is going to be one of the best coordinators in the league. Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: Owner Steve Bisciotti makes first appearance Ravens rookie watch: This is what practice looks like for Malaki Starks Ravens kicking competition brewing? Both rookies are impressing. Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus “He is smart, he is a leader, and when you watch him work every day, this dude comes to work, I’m telling you. I’m just glad that was my last question, because I wanted to set the record straight because I’m a part of it, and I have no reason to come up here and ‘B.S.’ you all, because you know how I roll. But, Zach Orr was the one who changed what we did last year, and give [coach] John Harbaugh a lot of credit. He was in there with us, too. But, I’ve got to give Zach most of the credit for the adjustments that happened in that secondary … He’s a special coach, and I’m really blessed to be around a guy like that.” Should the Ravens’ defense return to being among the best in the NFL this season, Orr could be a head coaching candidate next offseason. Pees, meanwhile, is expected to stay on as a consultant but will not have a full-time role, according to Harbaugh. Pees’ son, Matt, was also hired as the team’s assistant inside linebackers coach this offseason. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Wednesday marked what ended up being the final voluntary practice of organized team activities for the Ravens with coach John Harbaugh deciding to cancel Thursday’s edition, but it marked the first appearance on the field for team owner Steve Bisciotti. Bisciotti made his way to the festivities via his golf cart, then saddled up next to Harbaugh for much of the two hours, bending his coach’s ear at times during warmups and individual drills as well as team action. It’s also not particularly unusual for Bisciotti to be on hand for practices in the spring and summer. Bisciotti, who hasn’t spoken with reporters since 2022, has had a busy offseason, most notably including the team parting ways with kicker Justin Tucker after he was accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by several massage therapists from several Baltimore-area spas. It won’t be his last appearance, either, with the 65-year-old usually a presence during training camp, which will kick off later this month. Hamilton arrives Ravens Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton attended Wednesday’s voluntary practice, his first in since sessions opened to reporters two weeks ago. His presence could be an indication that contract negotiations between the club and Hamilton are moving in the right direction. The Ravens have already exercised Hamilton’s fifth-year option worth $18.6 million, guaranteeing that he will be a member of the team in 2026. As a rookie and No. 14 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Notre Dame, Hamilton signed a four-year deal worth $16.25 million. He might be NFL’s top safety and last year finished second on the team in tackles with 107. He has also emerged as an impact player near the line of scrimmage as far as stopping the run and rushing the passer. Combined with rookie Malaki Starks, the team’s first-round pick out of Georgia, the Ravens have one of the best safety tandems in the league, but it will cost them. It will be an interesting month or two leading into training camp. Besides Hamilton, the Ravens are expected to extend the contracts of quarterback Lamar Jackson and center Tyler Linderbaum, as well as possibly tight end Isaiah Likely and defensive tackle Travis Jones. Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in good shape coming off a bounce-back season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Stanley in shape The Ravens’ best running play still seems to be the quick toss around the left end to halfback Derrick Henry. Opposing defensive backs don’t want to see the 6-foot-3, 247-pound Henry running behind left tackle and lead blocker Ronnie Stanley followed by 300-pound fullback Patrick Ricard. That will keep a lot of them up late at night. As for Stanley, his lower body appears to be as thick as a year ago, and that’s another good sign heading into training camp. Andrews’ intensity high Tight end Mark Andrews was running 40-yard sprints at full tilt before practice started Wednesday. A year ago, Andrews appeared hobbled at times catching a pass in full stride, but that won’t be the case this season. Andrews has always had that competitive fire, but it seems more intense after his fumble and dropped 2-point conversion attempt in the Ravens’ AFC divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills last season. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop converted just five of nine field goal attempts during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) In the Loop Rookie kicker Tyler Loop is still the favorite to land the starting job to replace the jettisoned Tucker, but he’s had his ups and downs this spring. Wednesday fell into the latter. During one session the sixth-round draft pick converted just five of nine field goal attempts between roughly 32 and 60 yards (the vantage point from where reporters were allowed to watch made it difficult to see the exact spot). Almost all of the four misses were wide right, with one, from approximately 60, sailing wide left. His makes came from 32, 38, 43, 55 and 53 yards, while his other misses were from 50 and 55 (twice). On the upside, distance was not a problem as he has shown to have plenty of leg. Still, as the one kicker that senior special teams coach Randy Brown identified and stumped for ahead of the draft, there is pressure — on Loop and Brown — with it being the only kicker Baltimore has ever used a draft pick on. Opportunities for young players A lot of veterans and expected starters got a decent amount of rest during team play. That paved the way for some of the younger players hoping to make the roster or practice squad to try to show off their skills. Tight end Sam Pitz was one player who made a couple of really nice catches, including one leaping and twisting grab on a deep ball to the sideline during 7-on-7 play and then another contested grab during full team action. Veteran Anthony Miller, who was on the practice squad last season, also made a nice outstretched catch over the middle on a pass from Devin Leary that was too far out in front of him. He then made another one-handed snag, but was out of bounds in the back of the end zone on an overthrown ball. Dayton Wade, who signed a reserve/futures contract earlier this year after spending his rookie season on Baltimore’s practice squad, also had several catches throughout the course of the day. Kane angling for third safety role Second-year safety Sanoussi Kane was “flying” around Wednesday, as Harbaugh put it. He wasn’t wrong. Kane was a regular pest in the secondary during the two-hour session. Though there’s still a long way to go between now and training camp and the start of the regular season, the seventh-round pick out Purdue has a shot at playing a meaningful role after logging just 22 defensive snaps last season and mostly being limited to special teams. “I think he’s taken a big step this year,” Harbaugh said. “Starting to look like he could be that guy.” Harbaugh added that Kane has a “shot” to be the third safety alongside Kyle Hamilton and rookie Malaki Starks. That would certainly help with Ar’Darius Washington expected to be out for most if not all of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. A proclamation like that from Harbaugh at this point is also revealing. Minor injuries There were a few notable players who missed practice because of injuries. Among them were safety Beau Brade, new veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and rookie edge rusher Mike Green. None were due to anything “serious,” Harbaugh said. He added that Brade and Awuzie were dealing with ankle injuries, while Green, who still hasn’t signed his rookie contract, is “fine.” Meanwhile, backup guard Ben Cleveland participated in the first three quarters of practice but was seen walking softly on the sidelines in the last 30 minutes. The fifth-year player and 2021 third-round pick out of Georgia has struggled to stay healthy during his career. The only other player who spends more time in the training room has been cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, a 2022 fourth-round pick from Alabama. He has suffered several leg and ankle injuries, but got some extensive work along with second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. on Wednesday. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stretches before works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., front, works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, center, lines up a practice kick with fellow kicker John Hoyland, left, during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in good shape coming off a bounce-back season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens special team coordinator Chris Horton, center, conducts OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens insider linebacker Roquan Smith works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that "intentionality has been a real big message in this offseason." (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)June 11, 2025: Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop converted just five of nine field goal attempts during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, left, works out during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, center, works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, and special team coordinator Chris Horton, right, conduct OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens head coach John Harbaugh conducts OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop lines up a practice field goal during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Show Caption1 of 24Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stretches before works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Expand Final practice Initially, the Ravens were scheduled to have another voluntary practice on Thursday. But on Wednesday, Harbaugh decided to cancel it. The past few weeks, he said, were about “weeding” and preparing for training camp later this month after next week’s two-day mandatory minicamp. The full team is expected to be on hand, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been absent since the first OTA open to reporters. “I feel really great about it,” Harbaugh said of the past few weeks. “Intentionality has been a real big message in this offseason. We’re trying to be intentional about everything we do, understand what we do, we do it for a reason and understand what the reason is. “I believe they’ve really taken it to heart and when you do that it makes for a better practice, so I feel really good about the practices.” In the next breath, however, he said there are still “lots of things” to work on, something we’ll see in earnest beginning next week before players break for camp. Extra points • Let’s see how the Ravens use rookie Aeneas Peebles, a sixth-round pick and defensive linemen out of Virginia Tech. Peebles has exceptional quickness and could be a factor in passing situations, but his 289 pounds is on a 6-foot frame. He could form an effective pass rushing combination with end Nnamdi Madubuike, but he might get pushed around in the run game. • It’s early, but two of the team’s top linebackers have been impressive. That includes veteran Roquan Smith, but third-year outside linebacker Trent Simpson has also played well. Simpson has been effective as a pass rusher, but his added 10 to 15 pounds of bulk is clearly noticeable. • Neither of the backup quarterbacks, Cooper Rush or Leary, have been impressive. Rush has been more disappointing because he had success with Dallas, but he hasn’t shown much touch on the long ball. Leary appears to be a training camp casualty. • Emery Jones Jr., the rookie right tackle and third-round pick from LSU, was expected to challenge for some playing time this season, but that will be difficult after he had recent shoulder surgery and has not lifted weights in several months. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Malaki Starks' education at OTAs has included staying after practice, watching extra film, and sideline discussions with teammates and coaches. Starks is going the extra mile because the first-round safety from Georgia is willing to pay the price to be everything the Ravens expect and more. "The more you learn, the faster you can play," Starks said following Monday's practice. "You can be free, and I think I just want to keep expanding my knowledge and keep diving into the system." Starks made a similar transition at Georgia, where he started as a true freshman and helped the Bulldogs win the national championship in 2022. Helping the Ravens win a Super Bowl in his rookie season would be quite an encore for Starks, but that's his goal, and he's embracing that challenge. His versatility is a major reason the Ravens wanted him. They envision Starks joining safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins in an elite secondary that can morph into different looks at any time. "I like being anywhere, if I'm being honest," Starks said. "We talk about a positionless defense. I've been playing a lot of free safety, but I've also been the other safety, and I got some reps at dime, as well, so just being able to move around." To take full advantage of his skillset, Starks must master the defense to avoid making coverage mistakes in a secondary with so many moving parts. At 5 a.m. before Monday's practice, Starks said he received a text message from Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach Chuck Pagano, who sent film from last week's practice. "I woke up, and I was like, 'OK, cool. That makes sense,'" Starks said. "That's how I want to be coached. I received that very well, so just being able to have somebody like that in my corner, it's a blessing." Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has been impressed by Starks' willingness to engage in conversation and communicate on the field. "I've already seen the impact that 'K-Ham' has had on Malaki with his communication, his knowledge, and just his football savvy," Orr said. "I have a great vision for those guys. I think they're going to help us out and play great football for us." After early-season struggles in 2024, Baltimore's pass defense took a major leap when Ar'Darius Washington became a starter and Hamilton stayed primarily at free safety. Unfortunately, Washington suffered a torn Achilles last month that is expected to keep him out and play great football for us." https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/malaki-starks-otas-learn-faster-marlon-humphrey-kyle-hamilton-zach-orr-chuck-pagano

Nearly every player on the Ravens finds time to kneel during practice. Whether it’s in between drills, as they watch other teammates or during post-practice prayers, most will take a brief break from standing in the summer heat. Except safety Malaki Starks. The first-round draft pick didn’t leave his feet during Baltimore’s practice on Friday. Starks was one of the first teammates to high-five backup defenders after drills, constantly spoke with coaches during breaks and made a leaping interception in man coverage against tight end Mark Andrews. Starks chuckled when asked about his unwillingness to leave his feet. Arriving from Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s program, the rookie was surprised by the relative freedom of the NFL. On his first day in Baltimore, he was told to arrive at the facility at 6:30 a.m. “What time do I [really] have to be there?” Starks asked. The team responded by sending the schedule again. “At Georgia, you don’t sit down,” Starks said. “The league is a little different; they’re not as strict. I mean, this is your job.” To get a sense of the rookie’s early impact in Baltimore, The Baltimore Sun followed Starks for Friday’s practice. Here’s what we observed. Starks wakes up at 5:50 a.m. and is at the Ravens’ practice facility by 6:30 a.m. to use the cold tub and hot tub before practice starts. He warmed up with cornerback Nate Wiggins, safety Beau Brade and rookie cornerback Robert Longerbeam. Starks seemed reserved, calmly going through each workout with relative ease. The rookie is notably bigger than most of his defensive back peers, standing at 6 feet 1 and 203 pounds. But his mobility was also evident during a secondary drill, smoothly flipping his hips back and forth. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr said that Starks can play a variety of positions, but the rookie lined up as the deep safety for the majority of practice. During last offseason, Orr was watching the esteemed Georgia defense and other defensive back prospects. He kept circling back to the Bulldogs’ No. 24. It’s part of why Starks earned the “red star” grade from Baltimore’s scouting department, the team’s highest designation for a prospect. Related Articles Ravens kicking competition brewing? Both rookies are impressing. Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? “By week or by game plan, he played all around the secondary, and he still was the best player back there,” Orr said. Starks played alongside Wiggins, Brade and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Jalyn Armour-Davis during team periods. He seemed to be a strong communicator, signaling with his hands and talking to Humphrey after reps. During a break, linebacker Roquan Smith and Starks shared a long conversation. Kyle Hamilton has been mostly absent during OTAs, but the All-Pro safety and two-time All-Pro Humphrey are ideal role models for the rookie. “I think my biggest thing is, I want to learn from Kyle,” Starks said. “He’s the best safety in the league, and Marlon is the best nickel in the league. So just being able to be around those guys and take pieces from their game and figuring out and really just pick their knowledge and be a sponge is huge.” The rookie’s highlight of the day came during the 11-on-11 red zone drill. Starks covered Andrews in man-to-man coverage before intercepting a pass from Cooper Rush. The rest of the defense sprinted after Starks, waving their arms in excitement. Senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano even joined in on the fun, pointing at the offensive coaching staff. But the play wasn’t perfect. Starks said that Orr and Pagano told him that he bit on Andrews’ initial fake, letting his eyes wander to the quarterback. He recovered to make the interception, but it was a teaching moment, Starks said. “When you come into an organization that’s very successful and has very high standards, I think the expectation is known,” Starks said. “And I think they also did a really good job of like, ‘Hey, you’re a rookie, you’re going to make rookie mistakes’. But just being able to be myself and learn.” Ravens safety Malaki Starks spent time with former NFL coach Jon Gruden in preparation for the draft. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) On this Friday, there was another respected coach to offer advice to Starks. Longtime NFL coach Jon Gruden observed the Ravens’ practice last week, speaking to the defense on Thursday. Starks and Gruden share a history, as he trained with Gruden in Tampa, Florida, during the predraft process. During their third meeting, the two were watching tape when Gruden told Starks, “Baltimore, they’re going to get you.” Months later, Gruden approached Starks at practice. The circumstances have changed since their last meeting. Starks is expected to be a key cog in the Ravens’ defense alongside Hamilton, forming one of the most potent safety tandems in the NFL. It seems like a perfect fit on paper. “Hey man, I told you [Baltimore was going to get you],” Gruden told Starks at practice. But the rookie’s trying to keep a broader perspective. “It’s not about when you get here. It’s about how long you stay,” Starks said. “Being able to be here for a while, that’s my goal.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

When the Ravens released the embattled Justin Tucker in May, two weeks after drafting a kicker for the first time in the organization’s history, the prevailing reaction was that that selection will be the Week 1 starter. Sixth-round pick Tyler Loop winning the job is still the most likely outcome. But he’s not the only kicker regularly fitting the ball through the uprights during the open portion of practice at organized team activities. John Hoyland has been sharp, too. On Tuesday, Hoyland, an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming, attempted six field goals. The team drill allowed one third-down play for the offense that set up a kick. Hoyland nailed all six, from distances ranging between 37 and 52 yards. Two of them were from an impressive 48. Hoyland’s career long in college was from 56 yards, which he did twice as a senior. Loop last kicked on Monday, part of an alternating plan between the rookies during minicamp and OTAs. He too made all six of his tries from as close as 27 yards and as far as 41. Loop’s most impressive day of voluntary workouts happened last week, when he buried a 60-yarder. His record at Arizona was from 62. The media viewing area at OTAs isn’t always conducive to seeing how close a kick is against either upright. Coach John Harbaugh said Friday that he had a good angle on Loop, noting “they were all right down the middle” and he “made that 60-yarder easily.” These past few days of practice have been particularly strong for the quasi kicking competition. On Thursday, however, Hoyland made only half of his six attempts, including a stretch of three consecutive misses. Both Loop and Hoyland struggled more during rookie minicamp and the first few sessions of OTAs. It seems they’ve both gotten their bearings since. Special teams coach Randy Brown was the one who found Loop. Brown canvassed the country looking for a potential successor to Tucker. He returned to Baltimore and told general manager Eric DeCosta, “There’s one guy that I really covet.” They drafted Loop in the sixth round, making him the favorite in this kicking competition, which has a tad more variability compared to other positions. Related Articles Ravens rookie watch: This is what practice looks like for Malaki Starks Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Hoyland, on the other hand, was in Baltimore for a tryout last month, then signed with the team after rookie minicamp. He went undrafted, like Tucker in 2012, but is getting every chance to compete. “Both kickers, I thought, looked really good today,” Harbaugh said after the first day of rookie minicamp. “So, we got them out there behind the line with the snap and everything, and I think they made them all, didn’t they? So that’s good to see. It’s a good start that way.” The real competition begins later next month at the start of training camp. Those kicks will be diligently tracked until the powers that be name one a starter and presumably cut the other — although a trade can’t be ruled out. In 2019, the Ravens sent undrafted kicker Kaare Vedvik, a former soccer player from Norway who impressed during the preseason, to the Minnesota Vikings in return for a 2020 fifth-round pick. The Vikings waived him three weeks later, while Baltimore used that selection on defensive tackle Broderick Washington. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. John Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming, is making it a competition so far during practices. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

Sure. But 2 of the best ever to teach the really subtle stuff that gives up what the play is at the line is more than pages can give.

When Pagano gets excited, I'm excited.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos beefed up their offensive backfield on Tuesday, agreeing with free agent running back J.K. Dobbins on a one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million. A 2020 second-round pick by the Ravens, Dobbins has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, but he’s been productive when healthy. He gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Los Angeles Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. Word broke of Dobbins’ acquisition just as the first day of the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp was wrapping up, and coach Sean Payton was coy when asked about, saying, “I’m not going to answer to any reports. I think we’re close.” When Dobbins visited the team last week, Payton said: “It’s just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win.” If healthy, Dobbins figures to be one of the primary ballcarriers along with rookie R.J. Harvey, a second-round draft pick out of Central Florida. Other running backs on the roster include second-year pros Blake Watson and Audric Estime, third-year player Jaleel McLaughlin and fourth-year pro Tyler Badie, a 2022 sixth-round pick of the Ravens who spent most of his childhood in Randallstown. A lot will be expected of Dobbins on third down after the Broncos lost their best pass protector in their backfield when Javonte Williams left for Dallas in free agency. One of Dobbins’ best games last season was at Denver in mid-October, when he rushed 25 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ 23-16 win. “Yeah, he’s a good back, especially when healthy,” Broncos safety Brandon Jones said. “We kind of go back a little bit to high school and college, so I’m very familiar with him as a person and his game on the field. Yeah, he’s a baller. He was one of the running backs that had the better rushing games against us last year. “So, I’m super excited for him to be here.” Related Articles Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson ‘excited’ to face Aaron Rodgers and Steelers in Week 1 Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season was ‘best for my soul’ Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? View the full article

Wiggins, Tampa, Starks, Hamilton, yeah, and nice secondary forming for a few years

Lamar Jackson was a full participant for the Ravens’ first open practice of organized team activities on May 28. He hasn’t returned to the field since, costing him $750,000 for the second consecutive year. In the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player’s contract through 2027 is a clause that would pay out three-quarters of a million dollars should Jackson attend at least 80% of the team’s voluntary workouts. He’s stacked enough absences to forfeit that bonus money, lowering his 2025 compensation from $43.5 million to $42.75 million. John Harbaugh hasn’t seemed worried. Attendance isn’t something the longtime Ravens coach is measuring, he said last week. Plus, Jackson was an infrequent participant during last year’s OTAs and proceeded to have the best statistical season of his career. While the franchise quarterback has only practiced once thus far, he has not met with reporters since Baltimore’s AFC divisional round loss against the Buffalo Bills. He’s in the minority there. Only two teams have not made a quarterback available: The Ravens and the Colts. Indianapolis is practicing without Anthony Richardson because of a shoulder injury and presumed backup Daniel Jones met with the media when he signed in free agency three months ago. Encouraging attendance Ten players were absent from Tuesday’s voluntary practice. Two were expected because of previous injuries: Safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles tendon) and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder). Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has not attended an OTA practice yet and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike hasn’t been seen at the team’s Owings Mills facility since the first week they hit the field. Jackson, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins and safety Kyle Hamilton were also, to some extent, expected absentees. There were, conversely, a pair of discouraging absences in the secondary. Second-year safety Beau Brade and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, whom the Ravens signed this offseason, were both seen leaving the field with injuries on Monday. Neither returned on Tuesday. No update has been provided for either. Tuesday was the first OTA practice for Jake Hummel. The linebacker and special team ace who signed in March was away from the facility to be with his wife, who gave birth to a son last week. Related Articles Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Could the Ravens sign CB Jaire Alexander? Their history says it’s possible. READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? The rest of the roster was accounted for on what was perhaps the best-attended OTA practice since the first open session. Two takeaways A Ravens practice sans Jackson is bound to feature some shaky quarterback play, with the caveat that most of the 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills were run at three-quarters speed with no tackling. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green grabbed his first interception in a Ravens jersey. The second-round pick undercut a route in the flat on a throw Devin Leary was trying to squeeze to his right side. Green promptly danced and got a noticeable reaction from his teammates. Sanoussi Kane recorded the day’s only other interception. The second-year safety dropped back toward the right side of the end zone and hauled in a floater from Cooper Rush. John Hoyland, an undrafted rookie kicker out of Wyoming, was sharp on Tuesday during Ravens OTAs. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Kicker impresses The undrafted kicker sent out on the practice field fighting for reps with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop looked sharp Tuesday afternoon. John Hoyland went a perfect 6-for-6 on his field goal attempts. Three were from 48 yards, one was from 46 and another was from 37. His longest of the day sailed through the uprights from 52 yards. Presnap penalty issues persist In 2024, the Ravens led the NFL in penalties with 140. Of those infractions, 21 occurred in the first four weeks of the season. All told, Baltimore was a middle-of-the-pack team in presnap penalties — far worse than expected for a team in Super Bowl contention. It was a point of emphasis in meetings all of last year, second-year offensive line coach George Warhop said. And it has continued into camp. Asked whether he’s seen encouraging signs these past few weeks, Warhop said matter-of-factly, “Too many false starts. So, no. We gotta do better.” Warhop said that defensive holding penalties were a particular point of emphasis from Harbaugh. But for the offense, it was presnap infractions. ‘Glad he’s back’ Before left tackle Ronnie Stanley signed his three-year, $60 million extension in March, second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten was, admittedly, bugging him endlessly. He tried recruiting other offensive linemen to do the same. Rosengarten took a small vacation with his family shortly after the season ended and was still texting or calling Stanley every day. “I was like, ‘Left side’s lookin’ real good,’” said Rosengarten, who would have likely moved to left tackle had Stanley departed in free agency. Rosengarten wanted to keep his mentor and blind side counterpart around, “because I thought we had a really good dynamic duo of me and him bouncing off each other from left to right. I think it all played out at the end of the day, glad he’s back.” Stanley signed the deal in early March. Rosengarten said his message that day wasn’t necessarily a “thank you,” but read more like a “finally” or a sigh of relief for the sake of continuity and keeping the All-Pro in town. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Ravens second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten doesn’t consider himself a “nobody” anymore. “I think last year ‘nobody’ was kind of a harsh word for myself,” he said Tuesday in Owings Mills. “I’d much rather [have said], ‘I know I’m a rookie.'” It was amid last season’s Week 18 rout of the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium that Baltimore’s second-round draft pick out of Washington introduced himself to one of the game’s premier pass rushers, Myles Garrett. Between plays, he sought a jersey after the game from the four-time All-Pro and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett replied in the affirmative, but then heaped praise on the rookie starter. “Hey, you’re in the league,” he said in a moment that NFL Films captured for “Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North.” “Y’all winning games. Y’all looking great. You ain’t never a nobody. I got you.” Just over a week later, Garrett lived up to his word. Quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered an autographed jersey to Rosengarten in the Ravens’ locker room. It was a cool moment for the first-year starter. It was also telling of just how far he’d come in a short time. On Rosengarten’s first play in Week 1 against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, defensive tackle Chris Jones made the rookie go viral for a different reason. The three-time All-Pro shot past him and strip-sacked Jackson. The turnover led to a go-ahead touchdown for the Chiefs, who never relinquished the lead. Later that week, Rosengarten acknowledged that he’d gotten the “rookie yips” in what was his “welcome-to-the-NFL moment.” Related Articles Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Could the Ravens sign CB Jaire Alexander? Their history says it’s possible. READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? “My first play was not how you want it to go,” he said Tuesday. “I wanted to build off that.” That he did. Two weeks later, it was Rosengarten’s block (along with one by tight end Mark Andrews) that helped spring Derrick Henry for an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first offensive play in a blowout of the Buffalo Bills in Baltimore. He continued to progress and by midseason was a largely dependable blocker in the pass and run game. Rosengarten allowed just four sacks and 36 pressures on 548 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. That included not giving up any against Garrett, who finished the year with 14 sacks, in that finale. And despite opening the season with PFF grades of 31.0 in pass blocking and 48.2 in run blocking, he finished the year with a total grade of 70 in the former and 60.7 in the latter — good marks in a division replete with elite pass rushers, including Pittsburgh Steelers standout T.J. Watt and Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks last season. Still, there is much to work on, offensive line coach George Warhop said. Rosengarten also said that he’s his own toughest critic. There isn’t one specific area he’s trying to improve on — there are “about 10 or 11.” “Too many to list,” he said. “I’m super critical of myself.” Roger Rosengarten said he's "super critical of myself." (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) One thing that should help is the return of left tackle Ronnie Stanley. A Pro Bowl selection last season and All-Pro in 2021, Stanley was due to hit free agency this offseason but instead signed a three-year, $60 million extension to remain in Baltimore. Before that, there had been talk about the possibility of moving Rosengarten to the left side should Stanley bolt. Along the way, Rosengarten, who was one of the players Stanley routinely tutored after practice last season, wrangled some of his fellow offensive linemen to encourage the veteran to stick around with regular text messages about how good the left side of the line could be with Stanley returning. Once the deal was done, the message was “finally.” It was an important one, too. Though the Ravens have some potential questions about their two guard spots with Daniel Faalele returning on the right side and Andrew Vorhees hoping to regain his spot on the left side after suffering an ankle injury an being replaced by the since-departed Patrick Mekari, they are in good shape elsewhere with Stanley, Rosengarten and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. “I thought we had a really good dynamic duo of me and him and just bouncing off each other from left to right,” Rosengarten said of his relationship with Stanley. “I think it all played out at the end of the day. “Going into this year, I’m gonna play with way more confidence.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Wiggins is the real deal.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens secondary coach Chuck Pagano didn’t wait for the play to officially end. As cornerback Nate Wiggins headed upfield, setting up his blocks along the way, following an interception of an overthrown pass during Friday’s organized team activity, Pagano broke out the celebratory dance moves on the sideline. The 64-year-old coach shuffled up and down and waved his right arm in the air as if he were riding an imaginary horse. It doesn’t take much to get Pagano going, but the sight of Wiggins securing the football and using his speed to race toward the end zone was enough to get anybody associated with the Ravens excited. Wiggins, a first-round pick in 2024, had a strong rookie season. He played in all but two games, broke up 13 passes and held quarterbacks to a 66.7 passer rating when they targeted him. Wiggins allowed just 31 receptions on 62 targets, forced a key fumble in Dallas and had a pick six in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns. Yet, it was hard for Ravens coaches this offseason not to think about how much better Wiggins could get when he became a little stronger and had a better grasp of the fundamentals of the cornerback position and how offenses were attacking him. “Last year, he was just running like a chicken with his head cut off, trying to figure out what to do,” Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said last week. “Now, he understands the system. He understands the defense. He’s been in the league for a year, so he understands formations from offenses. Now, he can really just hone in on his technique. Man, that guy right there, he takes his technique to another level on a consistent basis. The sky’s the limit for him.” Wiggins, who had an interception and a pass breakup in the Ravens’ last OTA on Friday, is off to a solid start this offseason. He’s added 10 pounds after prioritizing getting bigger and stronger. Possessing a better understanding of the position, he’s playing with more decisiveness and confidence. And he no longer has to wonder about his role on a week-to-week basis. The Ravens, influenced partly by health issues for Wiggins in the first half of the season, somewhat eased the rookie in. He played more than 75 percent of the team’s defensive snaps just twice over Baltimore’s first 10 games. But those days are over. He’ll enter the 2025 season as a starting outside corner and one of the Ravens’ core defenders. He says he’s ready for that. “Last season, I didn’t feel like I was really a pro yet,” Wiggins said Friday. “Now, I’m knowing how to be a pro. I feel like now it’s going to pay off.” The Ravens lost some key pieces from last year’s defense, which started agonizingly slow but turned things around and was playing at a high level by season’s end. Nose tackle Michael Pierce retired. Starting cornerback Brandon Stephens departed to the New York Jets in free agency. Malik Harrison and Chris Board, part of the linebacker rotation, signed elsewhere. Baltimore’s cornerback depth thinned out with veterans Tre’Davious White and Arthur Maulet not returning. Safety Ar’Darius Washington, whose ascension into the starting lineup was a catalyst for the defensive turnaround, tore his Achilles during a May workout and will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6410680/2025/06/09/ravens-nate-wiggins-organized-team-activities/

Yes, yes, for sure. But having Pags as a teacher will help him tremendously as well

No the kid is a football sponge. Ed and Ray need to get with him.

True. But the tape is there.

It may just be camp, but Starks is recognizing and making plays all over the field. Really nice to hear and cant wait for him to get game action. Yes, Tampa has been hurt which slowed his chances of play. Now that he is healthy the big corner is flashing his talent.

Good news on T.J. We need as many corners as we can get since they always seem to get hurt here. Interesting comment about Likely from Starks!

I wasn't calling out Oweh specifically. I just meant that generally you can't go by much until you see them compete against each other or a different team.

Green produced in school. Oweh didn’t. It’s not the same.

The Ravens kicked off their third week of organized team activities Monday afternoon with temperatures feeling closer to training camp. Baltimore is scheduled for four straight days of practice during this final week of OTAs. Lamar Jackson was one of about a dozen veterans who didn't practice Monday, including players who are currently dealing with injuries. The Ravens' injury report may have grown, as safety Beau Brade left practice early after inadvertently colliding with a defensive teammate on a deep throw down the sideline. Brade slowly walked off the field with the help of a trainer. Head Coach John Harbaugh was not scheduled to speak with reporters after practice, so there was no update on Brade's status. The Ravens are already without safety Ar'Darius Washington, who suffered a torn Achilles earlier this offseason. Here are more notes from Monday's practice: Cornerback T.J. Tampa made an impressive interception on a throw down the seam from Cooper Rush that was intended for tight end Charlie Kolar. The ball was a bit behind Tampa, but he reached back for the snag. Tampa also broke up an end zone pass later in practice. The 2024 fourth-round pick is looking to stand out after injuries limited his rookie season to just seven games. Fresh off his contract extension, Rashod Bateman led the wide receivers with an active practice, making several nice grabs over the middle, including a big gain between the hashes on the first 11-on-11 play of practice. Rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester made the best catch of practice, diving to haul in a pass over the middle with a defender on his back. His interception was a bit of a gamble, but Rush had a particularly sharp practice leading up to that throw. He was dialed in and accurate. Rookie safety Malaki Starks crashed down to break up a short pass intended for tight end Isaiah Likely, who Starks called the toughest offensive player to cover thus far during OTAs. Likely also caught a long touchdown pass despite a hold from a defender later in practice. The Ravens worked on their screen game for a good chunk of the early portion of 11-on-11 work. Keaton Mitchell made a one-handed snag on one out of the backfield. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green was in perfect position to blow up another intended for Rasheen Ali. Green also stopped Wester on a jet sweep. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/beau-brade-injury-tj-tampa-interception-ravens-practice-report-otas-2025

We shall see what type of player he is, by that I mean, is he interested in being paid the most, assuming he is among the best,? Take some of these guys, they get the top pay one year, as soon as the next best at position gets more, player A wants to redo his contract. Take Dallas, waiting on doing a contract for their top edge rusher. He strikes me as the type as had Dallas given him his big deal 2 years ago, he would now be asking for more since he would no longer be the highest paid. Tough choice, pay in year 3 or wait.

I'm going to try and keep an open mind about this until I can see him do well in camp and play in some preseason games. I've been disappointed before about rave reviews in OTA's that fade away a couple of months later.