ExtremeRavens

Mike Green hasn’t had a “welcome to training camp” moment, per se. But his “welcome to the NFL” moment — a jarring first look at life at the highest level of football — came during rookie minicamp. The 6-foot-3 edge rusher from Marshall who led the FBS in sacks last year stepped into his new defensive huddle. At every level of football, Green has been considered one of the heavyweights. Now, towering over him was C.J. Okoye, a 6-6, 370-pound defensive lineman. “Big C.J.,” as they call him. “Dude is huge,” Green said. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m really here.’” Since then, Green sounds comfortable in his first preseason camp, even if the flashy dominance has been few and far between during live repetitions. Pass rush coach Chuck Smith said that he hasn’t noticed much of a learning curve beyond what’s normal for a rookie. But he noted that Green, who relishes the game’s physicality and was eager to finally put on pads Monday, looks comfortable. While players were still in helmets and shorts last week, defensive coordinator Zach Orr promised, “It’s going to crank up next week.” The first highly anticipated day came and one reporter caught him on film pancaking tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden on Monday. “He’s taking his lumps,” Smith said. “But he’s also giving out his lumps.” Green was part of an offseason oddity. By mid-July, he was one of 30 second-round draft picks who hadn’t inked their rookie deals, all hung up on guaranteed money thanks to an unprecedented deal by the Houston Texans with wide receiver Jayden Higgins. Green signed his four-year, $7.4 million deal on July 17, when the dominoes started to fall. With that hurdle cleared, he’s lined up to be an important part of Baltimore’s long-term pass rush plans. There’s an expectation that 2025 will be the encore to Odafe Oweh’s double-digit sack season of 2024. Kyle Van Noy, at 34, is coming off the best season of his career. Anything close to his 12 1/2 sacks would be a win. Those two led the way for Baltimore’s 54-sack season, good for second most in the NFL. Tavius Robinson and Green are the two younger guys who could complement and eventually backfill those roles. Green said that he spent the whole predraft process trying to prove to teams that he’s a power rusher. That he can overpower a tight end or an offensive linemen, not just beat him with speed. Two days into pads, “I’ve been able to at least show what I’m capable of doing,” he said. Green wants to put on film that he’s not just a pass rusher either; he wants to use this time to let everyone know that he can set the edge and takes pride in his run defense. “When people think you have deficiencies,” Green said, “you’re gonna go out there and show them what you can do.” Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy watch tight end Sam Pitz and outside linebacker Mike Green, right, during camp at the team’s training facility. Green, a rookie from Marshall, led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 17 sacks in 2024. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) If there’s one guy he’s trying to model himself after, it’s Robinson. Green didn’t know much of anything about the outside linebacker going on Year 3. Smith repeatedly sings Robinson’s praises, calling him a glass eater last summer and pointing out this offseason that Robinson has never missed a practice or a rep. “The way I see him work, he’s out here flying around. He’s being very disruptive,” Green said. “My time being here, that’s definitely [someone] that I can look up to and I can follow behind.” Pass rusher can be a tough position to determine success in training camp, particularly when the pads are off. For one, they can’t bring down the quarterback. Green might get by his man, but it’s not always obvious, on a given play, if he’s bringing the quarterback to the turf for the money stat. That, and certain individual drills have less-than-obvious objectives about engaging a blocker or trying out pass rush moves. Related Articles Ravens hire former NFL referee to help with persistent penalty problems Ravens observations on juicy veteran matchup, rookie learning curve, improved LB Ravens TE Isaiah Likely carted off field, will be out ‘a few weeks’ How the Ravens can unlock Zay Flowers as a No. 1 wide receiver | ANALYSIS Do the Ravens have too many pass catchers? 2025 will test team’s balance. What Green is capable of won’t be clear until at least the preseason. And, more definitively, when he’s thrown into the fire with games against three 2024 playoff teams in the first four weeks. Still, there’s been no shortage of praise for how Green has adjusted to NFL meetings, schemes and physicality. Orr said that he’s been sharp knowing his assignments. Smith called Green the best example “of this new generation that have learned from the pros, and he comes in already really highly skilled up.” Robinson said he’s “going to be a baller, for sure” and Oweh called him “twitchy,” finding success within the defense “doing what he’s told to do.” It’s Green’s first training camp, which means there’s a lot to learn and a lot thrown at him — more than just seeing how big his teammates are. But to every question about adjusting to new levels of coaching, physicality and responsibilities, Green’s answer circled home to the same spot: He’ll only get better with time. “Mike has earned his stripes,” Smith said. “Mike’s a rookie. And Mike has to play his position and get in line like any other rookie. … But when we talk about pass rush, Mike is all in. Mike is everything he was advertised to be.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

It’s worth the price of admission to watch Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy go against left tackle Ronnie Stanley. It was like the old days when former Ravens defensive end Michael McCrary was matched up against left tackle Jonathan Ogden. Ogden always won, but it made both better as Ogden eventually went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and both were inducted to the Ravens Ring of Honor. But this Van Noy and Stanley matchup is so, so good. Both are veterans, and both have that combination of speed and power. The key, though, is that neither of them stops working. If Van Noy hits a move and Stanley counters, then Van Noy quickly goes to a second or third move. Stanley has really strong hands and can knock down some of Van Noy’s best moves. It’s great for a film study, but after Day 2 in full pads, Stanley won the overall battle. It’s the feature attraction of pass protection when those two go head-to-head. Now, onto the events of Day 2 in pads: Rookie watch Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green might one day develop into a good pass rusher, but he still has a ways to go. The second-round draft pick out of Marshall has the motor and plays with good leverage, but he is pretty one-dimensional because he is only a speed rusher. Right now, he needs to develop more moves, much like fifth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh in his rookie season. Here is a suggestion: Go watch the Stanley versus Van Noy matchups. Tight end depth Tight end Isaiah Likely was carted off the field near the end of practice and coach John Harbaugh said that he will know more about the severity of the apparent leg injury after an MRI on Wednesday. Fortunately for the Ravens, they have two other strong tight ends in starter Mark Andrews and third-stringer Charlie Kolar, but Kolar is considered more of a blocker. When both Likely and Andrews are on the field at the same time, both can be moved to the outside as passing weapons. Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, right, battles tight end Charlie Kolar. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Kicking update Rookie free agent John Hoyland converted on field goal attempts of 27, 32, 37, 43 and 48 yards while missing a lone attempt of 51. Tyler Loop didn’t kick Tuesday, a scheduled off day for the sixth-round pick. Simpson looks strong Weakside linebacker Trenton Simpson had a strong day. The 2023 third-round pick got pressure on quarterback Lamar Jackson several times, something he couldn’t do last season. Then later in the practice, he ran stride-for-stride down the field with Andrews to knock down a pass, another major weakness in 2024. So far, the 24-year-old Simpson has been out there with middle linebacker Roquan Smith with the starting defensive unit. Raw talent If 6-foot-3, 360-pound nose tackle John Jenkins were three inches shorter, he’d have a body very similar to former Ravens tackle Michael Pierce, who retired at the end of last season. Their girth is amazing. Speaking of defensive tackles, C.J. Okoye (6-6, 370 pounds), who was born in Agbogugu, Nigeria, and didn’t play college football, has amazing strength. Once he becomes more of a technician, he might become quite a player. He gives new meaning to the term “raw talent.” Better blocking The tight ends were better in pass protection in the individual period compared with Monday’s practice. Zaire Mitchell-Paden was better as far as getting his body in position and not getting overextended, and fullback Lucas Scott, the rookie fullback from Army, performed well. In fact, Scott has held his own in most drills. Injury report The Ravens got most of their players back Tuesday, including receiver Rashod Bateman (illness) and cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (sprained knee) and Chidobe Awuzie (undisclosed). Harbaugh was pleased until Likely went down near the end of practice, but every team has these types of injuries during training camp. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gestures to young fans during practice. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Happy feet Jackson makes a lot of plays with his scrambling ability, but sometimes it would serve him well not to have “nervous feet” and start panicking in the pocket. There are times when he just needs to settle and make a strong throw, unlike the underhand flips he has made in the past two days. Those plays lead to turnovers, and they can be costly. Catch of the day The best catch of the day belonged to wide receiver Tylan Wallace on a 20-yard reception over the middle. The pass itself was excellent because it showed both touch and accuracy from backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Maybe he is starting to learn this offense. Also, still waiting for a receiver to run a deep comeback route in practice. The Ravens haven’t had anyone run it like quarterback Joe Flacco throwing to Derrick Mason, who earned the nickname “King of The Comeback.” Related Articles Ravens hire former NFL referee to help with persistent penalty problems Ravens rookie Mike Green starts to find his footing: ‘Going to be a baller’ Ravens TE Isaiah Likely carted off field, will be out ‘a few weeks’ How the Ravens can unlock Zay Flowers as a No. 1 wide receiver | ANALYSIS Do the Ravens have too many pass catchers? 2025 will test team’s balance. Offensive line intrigue I’ve been impressed with starting right guard Daniel Faalele. The 6-8, 370-pound Faalele usually comes to training camp out of shape, but has played well so far. Also, center Tyler Linderbaum, in his fourth year out of Iowa, is handling power rushers at the nose tackle position better than he has in recent years, but I’d still put a big body over him. I’m not sure he could handle that intensity for a full game. One more thing about the offensive line: It wasn’t a good day for starting right tackle Roger Rosengarten. The second-year player whiffed trying to pass block Oweh and then got outmuscled by Van Noy in his next matchup. Big-time play Jackson had a long touchdown run during practice and celebrated with a flip into the end zone. It was well-earned and deserved. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks catches the ball over Beau Brade during training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks at a press conference after training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Rashod Bateman (7), left, and Jahmal Banks (86) run drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens guard Darrian Dalcourt signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jahmal Banks (86) runs drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide reciever Zay Flowers (4) runs drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Young fans enjoy the bouncy house during Baltimore Ravens training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens new cornerback Jaire Alexander signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Fans watch as the Baltimore Ravens conduct drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)A young fan holds a sign and tries to get Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s attention on his 12th birthday during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens full back Patrick Ricard signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace signs autographs for young fans after practice during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) tosses a football with young fans before practice at the team’s training camp in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) thanks fans during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Fans watch as the Baltimore Ravens conduct drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) practices throwing during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Fans shout “Best QB in the NFL!” and “MVP!” as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anthony Miller (6) runs drills during training camp at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) tosses a football with young fans before practice at the team’s training camp in Owings Mills, Md. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy watch tight end Sam Pitz and outside linebacker Mike Green block during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh adjusts his helmet during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebackers Odafe Oweh #99 and Mike Green stand together during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, right, battles tight end Charlie Kolar. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith watches tackle Joseph Noteboom, left and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson collide during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Ravens rookie outside linebacker Mike Green locks arms with tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden during Tuesday's practice. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden practice blocking during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kaimon Rucker and tight end Mark Andrews practice blocking during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh drinks water during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green practices blocking during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh walks during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden tosses a towel during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green jogs during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens safety Sanoussi Kane looks upfield during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh jogs during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens cornerback Reuben Lowery sprints during training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Show Caption1 of 39Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks catches the ball over Beau Brade during training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Expand View the full article

Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely suffered an apparent leg injury toward the end of training camp practice Tuesday and was carted off the field. Coach John Harbaugh said that Likely rolled his ankle and will be out “a few weeks.” Harbaugh said the fourth-year player will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury, which happened during one-on-one drills against safety Sanoussi Kane. Likely punched the ground in frustration after going down. The 25-year-old Likely is in the final year of his rookie contract and is a candidate for an extension. He recorded a career-high 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns last season. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Zay Flowers’ second season was everything the Ravens could have hoped. The former first-round pick became Baltimore’s first Pro Bowl wide receiver, had over 1,000 yards and emerged as a quality No. 1 wideout. But if Flowers is going to evolve into an elite NFL receiver, it’ll require continued development and a more intentional effort from the Ravens to feature him like a top-tier wideout. The team seems to be using him as such early in training camp. By increasing Flowers’ usage in the slot, the Ravens could unlock another element in their offense and the wideout’s game. He’s been more effective from that position in his brief NFL career and would allow for offensive coordinator Todd Monken to move Flowers around the field and use his top wideout as a matchup playmaker. “I just know how to create separation going across the field … I’m explosive out of breaks,” Flowers said Monday. “I feel like I can run every route in the route tree.” Baltimore moved on from wide receiver Nelson Agholor in the offseason, who was the team’s primary inside option the past two seasons. But Flowers played over 40% of his snaps from the slot last season, a 7% increase from his rookie year, according to Pro Football Focus. He had 26 catches for 374 yards from that position. Flowers’ 14.4 yards per catch from the slot were the seventh-highest in the NFL last season (among players with a minimum of 75 total targets). That mark was ahead of star wideouts Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua. The wide receiver’s 2.10 yards per route run out of the slot was better than his 1.85 yards per route run when he was lined up out wide, according to PFF. His game fits well inside, as his shiftiness and run-after-the-catch ability are among the best in the league. At Monday’s practice, Flowers repped more inside than outside during team drills. He’s been the beneficiary of several explosive plays in practice. Flowers said he’s gotten even faster after running on hills during the offseason. “Zay is a matchup problem anywhere on the field. If you can get him the ball, something special is going to happen,” wide receivers coach Greg Lewis said. NFL offenses are increasingly moving their top wide receivers around formations to find stronger matchups. Seven of the NFL’s top 10 receivers last season spent over 30% of their snaps in the slot. In the nine games in which Flowers lined up in the slot on more than 40% of his snaps, he totaled 689 yards on 66 targets and 44 catches. In the other games — when his slot usage dipped below 40% — he managed just 370 yards on 46 targets and 30 receptions. “We just gotta get him the ball more,” Monken said in June. “He’s not only an outside receiver that has elite route running skills, but he’s unbelievable with the ball in his hands, so you have a guy who fits two positions, plays two positions. “You can use him in a variety of roles to get him the ball, which allows your volume to go up. … I expect him to take another leap in terms of his consistency.” Part of the numbers disparity stems from the Ravens’ personnel packages. When they throw more, Flowers naturally sees more snaps in the slot. But in heavier formations, he often shifts outside or comes off the field entirely. The Ravens also have a dearth of options to play inside. Tight end Mark Andrews has been one of the NFL’s best slot options over his career, as he played nearly half of his snaps from that spot last season. Tight end Isaiah Likely is a mismatch problem across the field. Tylan Wallace and sixth-round draft pick LaJohntay Wester also have experience inside. But DeAndre Hopkins, who’s spent a majority of his career on the outside, joined the team this offseason, and Rashod Bateman has rarely shifted from his role as the X receiver. “I believe our offense has no limits because we got guys that can play any position,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “Like [Flowers] going inside, got [Hopkins] on the outside, [Bateman] outside, it’s no roof.” Related Articles Do the Ravens have too many pass catchers? 2025 will test team’s balance. Meet the mechanical engineering major turned Ravens training camp darling Ravens observations on 1st padded practice, a skirmish, rookies and kicker battle Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lands in Madden 99 club with 6 other NFL stars Ravens secondary among best in NFL but already dealing with injuries If coach John Harbaugh wants Flowers to take the next step toward becoming “the best,” using the third-year player in several ways is the next step for him to become a premier No. 1 wide receiver. The fans are certainly treating him that way. The calls for “Zay” at training camp are more than almost any other Raven. He rewarded a young boy with a high-five during Monday’s practice, and the kid walked away with a proud smile on his face. If Flowers can take another leap, he’ll become even more of a household name. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

Zay Flowers is coming off his first 1,000-yard season and an accompanying Pro Bowl nod. Rashod Bateman scored nine touchdowns last season, this after managing four his first three years in the NFL. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the league’s most revered veteran receivers. Mark Andrews is Lamar Jackson’s longest-tenured option, still considered his safety blanket. And Isaiah Likely has improved each of his first three seasons. That’s a lot of pass catching mouths to feed in Baltimore. “You’d rather have too many players that want the ball than not enough or that [don’t] deserve it,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. Three receivers and two tight ends, all proven commodities, can make for an egotistical nightmare or yield an historically productive offense. The challenge for Monken will be how he can spread the ball around with the luxury of keeping his guys fresh by way of variance in personnel groupings. “To me, that’s balance,” Monken said. “Balance is having enough players that it’s not just run and pass, it’s touches. That they’re not just defending one player, that you’re defending modes, you’re defending formations, you’re defending players, you’re defending concepts, all the above. And we’re very fortunate to have that, and we’ll see because we have to do it this year.” Of the 1,055 plays the Ravens offense ran in 2024, 31% were in 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends), 27.8% were 11 personnel (three receivers with one running back and one tight end), 18.8% were 21 personnel (two running backs, two receivers and a tight end) and 12.6% were 22 personnel (two running backs, two tight ends and one receiver). That’s all according to sports data platform SumerSports. For comparison, 47.7% of the Ravens plays in 2023 were 11 personnel. Monken let loose last year, his second at the helm, with more two tight end sets while mixing and matching receiver and running back combos on the heels of adding running back Derrick Henry. It produced the league’s best offense by DVOA, each play a concert of skill position play makers. Then the Ravens went out and signed Hopkins. They also should get a healthy Keaton Mitchell returning to the backfield, joining Henry and Justice Hill. Monken and quarterback Lamar Jackson are working with a full house that will need to set egos aside to reach their potential. “It’s an unselfish group,” Andrews said. “And that’s not to say that guys aren’t going to want the rock and to have their yards, have their carries or have their catches, and I think that’s a great thing. I think Coach ‘Monk’ talks about that a lot. And for us, it’s being unselfish, trusting the process and trusting No. 8 [Lamar Jackson].” As far as pass catchers go, there’s a diverse skillset in the room. Wide receivers coach Greg Lewis said they try to hone in on each’s niche and put them in those situations. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson passes during Monday's practice. The Ravens have no shortage of weapons heading into the 2025 season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Flowers is the shifty one of the group, a whirling dervish digging into sharp cuts to find separation over the middle. He said he’s even faster than he was last year. Bateman, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million extension in the offseason, is more of a long ball threat. He’s 6-1, lanky and has become more reliable on go routes. And Hopkins figures to be an outlet for Jackson to throw the ball to past the first down line knowing he’ll go up and get it. A few of those instances have already manifested in training camp. Andrews is a similar 50-50 ball threat. And Likely thrives in scramble situations when Jackson uses his feet to extend a play. Flowers said Monday that he anticipates the offense taking more deep shots. It’s something they’ve been working on and “it’ll show throughout the season.” Are there conversations about sharing the wealth in the offense? Is that something that gets ironed out in August? “It’s been that way since I’ve been here, so we’ll figure it out,” Flowers said, matter of factly. Related Articles Meet the mechanical engineering major turned Ravens training camp darling Ravens observations on 1st padded practice, a skirmish, rookies and kicker battle Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lands in Madden 99 club with 6 other NFL stars Ravens secondary among best in NFL but already dealing with injuries READER POLL: Should the Orioles trade Cedric Mullins? On paper, it’s true because Hopkins is the only addition to the quintet since Flowers’ rookie season. But Andrews was the only established threat in 2023. All of them have made significant strides since. Whether there’s a harmonious union will determine their success. Coach John Harbaugh made the odd analogy to warfare, “like maybe the Civil War,” he said. “You’ve got all these lines of battle. Maybe we can attack them where their defense isn’t displayed quite as strongly, personnel being one of those things,” Harbaugh continued. “If you’ve got guys all across the front that can attack effectively, that’s a good thing.” Is this the best offense of Jackson’s eight-year career? “Yes, absolutely,” he said with conviction, before admitting he says that around this time every year. “We never know until we’re out there,” Jackson said. “I believe we’ll be a lot better this year as well.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The first thing to know about Ravens rookie defensive back Reuben Lowery — other than his ascendance to training camp darling for three interceptions during the spring and another one last week — is that coach John Harbaugh knows his name. Most times, a number will suffice. “Reuben is all ball,” Harbaugh said of the undrafted free agent out of Tennessee-Chattanooga. “He’s all ball every day. All he thinks about, all he talks about, eats it, sleeps it. He comes out here and flies around. He’s a very smart player. He is doing a nice job.” Perhaps the most revealing thing to know about the Powder Springs, Georgia, native, however, is that he majored in mechanical engineering, graduated with Latin honors and a 4.0 GPA, and was a member of the “Rocket Mocs,” a student group that earned NASA recognition as one of the best in the country for five years running. For good measure, Lowery, the youngest of three with two older sisters, was also a prominent member of the school’s Fellowship for Christian Athletes Group and nominated as a junior in 2023 for the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, an annual award given to players who “demonstrate exceptional community service and volunteerism.” “He’s like the perfect human,” Tennessee-Chattanooga defensive coordinator Mike Yeager told The Baltimore Sun. “He’s the nicest person alive. He’s the hardest worker. He’s the smartest kid.” It has apparently been that way for a while. “He’s the kid you want to date your daughter, marry your daughter,” Lowery’s former high school coach, Phillip Ironside, told The Sun. “He checks all the boxes. “He’s not gonna be in trouble, you’re not gonna read about him doing something stupid, he’s gonna know his playbook. He’s prepared.” For five years, he also prepared to be an engineer — his father Reuben II, a former pastor, is an engineer and IT professional, his mother Tisha a math teacher. Given his small size (5-foot-9, 204 pounds) it was, like an aerospace or energy project, a plan rooted in logic. But it will have to wait — Lowery has a history of playing bigger than he is. In 46 career games at Tennessee-Chattanooga, he had 166 tackles, including 19 for loss and two sacks, 15 passes defended with three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. As a senior, he was second on the team in both tackles (62) and tackles for loss (7.5), had six pass breakups and two interceptions and was a first-team All-Southern Conference selection. At Hillgrove High School — where he was teammates with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy, Los Angeles Rams safety Jaylen “Tank” McCollough and Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo — he was at or near the top of the team’s weight room rankings for squats and power clean. He also played all over the field at cornerback and safety for Phillips’ 4-2-5 scheme. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr speaks with media after a training camp practice. Orr is one of the Ravens coaches impressed by rookie defensive back Reuben Lowery. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “He was a coach’s dream in the secondary,” said Phillips, adding that Lowery is cerebral, intelligent, quick to process information and always got the defense in the right call. Still, playing in the NFL always seemed more like fantasy than possibility for much of Lowery’s childhood given a diminutive stature. “It was, ‘What’s your reality?’” his father said. “He always said his goals were to make sure to go to school, no student loans and a good career.” But when Lowery was able to hold his own against varsity players at a strong high school as a freshman, that reality began to shift. Then at Tennessee-Chattanooga’s camp for high school players, he caught head coach Rusty Wright’s attention, was offered a scholarship and quickly proved a worthy investment off the field and on it. After appearing in all five games as a freshman during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the next season he helped spearhead a defense that gave up its fewest passing yards (153.5) per game in seven years. And as a third-year sophomore, he returned his first career interception 45 yards for a touchdown. By his junior season, he was named team captain and started at slot safety and outside corner. “He was the best blitzer we had, one of the best man coverage guys we had, one of the best zone coverage guys we had, one of the smartest guys in terms of fits, had great hands getting off blocks,” Yeager said. “He’s a technician. Whatever the coaches told him to do technically, he worked at it every single day so it’s a natural reflex.” All the while, he maintained a spot on the dean’s list and honor roll. “We’d have a team meeting and Reuben would be sitting in there with a laptop doing homework,” Tennessee-Chattanooga coach Rusty Wright told The Sun. “As soon as we started meeting, it went off and it was time to go play football. “He’s very compartmentalized. He knows how to handle his business.” Making the Ravens’ roster, however, could be Lowery’s most challenging math problem yet. Related Articles Ravens observations on 1st padded practice, a skirmish, rookies and kicker battle Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lands in Madden 99 club with 6 other NFL stars Ravens secondary among best in NFL but already dealing with injuries READER POLL: Should the Orioles trade Cedric Mullins? The best Ravens defenses were feared. Will this year’s unit be? Baltimore already has a deep and talented secondary, led by safeties Kyle Hamilton, first-round rookie Malaki Starks, and second-year safeties Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, along with cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie, Jalyn Armour-Davis and T.J. Tampa, among others. But the Ravens also like versatility and keeping a lot defensive backs, for their prevalence of nickel and dime looks and to account for injuries. Already, they lost safety Ar’Darius Washington for what is expected to be at least most of the season with a torn Achilles suffered during offseason workouts. On Monday, Armour-Davis also suffered an undisclosed injury that required an MRI, while Alexander was out because of swelling in his knee. Barring any significant long-term injuries, there don’t figure to be a lot of open jobs, but that could of course change. And at the least Lowery has an excellent shot at the practice squad. “This is one of the most competitive rosters that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “But, Reuben has made plays since he’s been here. We’re upfront with our guys in the meeting rooms. We tell them, ‘Hey, block out distractions. Don’t count numbers, don’t worry about who’s in the room. All you do is show up, work hard, make plays and be consistent. That will lead to productivity. Now you put yourself in a great situation to do great things,’ and so far, Reuben has done that, so he’s playing all over the secondary for us.” That bodes well. “He’s been really impressive,” Orr said. That much, at least, has never been in doubt. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens had their full padded practice of the season Monday, but there wasn’t a lot of thumping during the two-hour session. It was basically an upscale OTA, with a few more bruises. There was limited hitting. The entire team went through one session without helmets. Afterward, coach John Harbaugh said he wanted to avoid any unnecessary injuries and stressed players staying off the ground and on their feet. Mission accomplished. This wasn’t a full hit practice from the 1970s or 1980s, or even when the late Ted Marchibroda was coaching the Ravens in their first season in Baltimore in 1996. Back then, they hit every day for two straight weeks. But there were some moments: Another first The first fight of training camp was between fifth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson, the fifth-round pick out of Alabama. It was basically a lovefest between the two before the scuffle was broken up almost immediately by teammates. It was a rough day for Vinson. Not only did he get in a fight with Oweh, but he was beaten several times during one-on-one sessions and got in a brief altercation with outside linebacker Tavius Robinson. But there is some good news for Vinson. He isn’t expected to play much in 2025 and is considered a developmental player. Based on his playing too high and not using the proper leverage, the Ravens made the proper evaluation. Vorhees needs work Another player who had trouble being too upright in pass protection was left guard Andrew Vorhees, who might be their starter. Nnamdi Madubuike worked under Vorhees’ pads several times and once pushed him back into what would have been the quarterback’s lap. Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lands in Madden 99 club with 6 other NFL stars Ravens secondary among best in NFL but already dealing with injuries READER POLL: Should the Orioles trade Cedric Mullins? The best Ravens defenses were feared. Will this year’s unit be? Mike Preston: Best Ravens team ever? Let’s compare them. | COMMENTARY Vorhees runs well when pulling around the corner and blocks well on running plays, but he stands too high. That’s a big mistake because of Madubuike’s power and speed. Some good and bad for a tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden had a nice catch in the middle of the field and then strode down the middle for what would have been a touchdown. He took a high-five from Harbaugh going back to the huddle, but the coach won’t be so impressed when he watches Mitchell-Paden’s pass blocking on video. First, he got driven into the ground by rookie outside linebacker and second-round pick Mike Green, then he got blown up by outside linebacker Diwun Black on his next repetition. It was downright ugly. Green, Ojabo stand out While talking about Green, he got some pressure on the quarterbacks Monday, which might have been his best day of training camp. He worked the spin move inside a couple of times and got pressure on both Lamar Jackson and Cooper Rush, forcing them to either step up in the pocket or throw check-downs to the running backs. In the first four practices, Green showed athleticism, but he wasn’t much of a factor. He had a presence Monday. Another outside linebacker who played well was fourth-year player David Ojabo. A year ago, he looked stiff but is now showing more bend and flexibility. Ojabo and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis were both on the hot seat entering training camp. Armour-Davis didn’t practice Monday and Harbaugh said he had to get an MRI, but would not specify on what part of the body. Starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman also didn’t practice; Harbaugh said he was sent home early because of an illness. Cornerback Jaire Alexander had his knee drained Monday but is expected back Tuesday, and cornerback Bilhal Kone was out after hitting his shoulder Saturday. Ravens running back Derrick Henry showed off his burst on Monday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Check mate Few fans in attendance would agree, but the best play of the day was a short swing pass to running back Derrick Henry, who ran down the left sideline untouched for a 65-yard touchdown. It’s still unbelievable that a running back at 6 feet, 3 inches and 252 pounds can run that fast. Nobody wanted to touch him or get in his way. Making magic Regardless of how much this offense changes, the Ravens’ best play is still Jackson either scrambling around or throwing to tight end Mark Andrews. It was on display several times Monday. As for Andrews, he still struggles to block, but so did fourth-year tight end Charlie Kolar. It’s good that they probably won’t be called on to do much pass blocking. To be honest, backup tight end Isaiah Likely doesn’t like to block either. Meanwhile, fullback Patrick Ricard, all 6-3 and 300 pounds of him, was extremely successful going one-on-one with the outside linebackers. Ravens rookie Tyler Loop missed a field goal on Monday for the first time this training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Kicking update In case you are keeping count, undrafted rookie free agent kicker John Hoyland was 4 of 4 on field goals Monday, converting on kicks from 33, 38, 45 and 47 yards. His counterpart, Tyler Loop, drafted in the sixth round out of Arizona, was 5 of 8 after he made every kick during his first week of camp. He made field goals of 33, 33, 47, 41 and 44 yards but missed on kicks of 43, 38 and 35 yards. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

It’s not even August, but Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is already being honored for his play. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player is one of seven NFL players to earn a 99 rating in Madden 26. “This is crazy,” an excited Jackson said in a social media video. Wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman broke the news to the quarterback, even giving him a necklace with 99 on it. “I might practice with this thing,” Jackson joked. Joining Jackson in the 99 club are Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Three of the seven players to earn a 99 rating play in the AFC North. Notably, quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow didn’t make the 99 club. Several offseason quarterback rankings, including one from The Associated Press, have Burrow and Mahomes above Jackson. Jackson threw 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions in 2024, eclipsing 5,000 total yards in the process. While he had the best statistical season of his career, Jackson and the Ravens fell short in the postseason with a 27-25 loss to the Bills in the AFC divisional round, while Allen was named NFL MVP. Madden’s ratings don’t seem to care about Jackson’s postseason shortcomings, instead focusing on his all-world skills. Jackson’s passing ability, coupled with elite rushing skills, makes him one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and it’s part of why fans and experts alike have such lofty expectations for the franchise in 2025. “Shoutout Madden for putting me in the 99 club,” Jackson said. “Let’s get ready for this season.” Madden will release its full 2026 player rankings by the end of the week. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

On paper, the Ravens might have the best secondary in the NFL. It’s a defensive backfield loaded with Swiss Army knives, chess pieces and all the other clichés about versatile pass disruptors that help explain five first-round picks in the same secondary: Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Jaire Alexander, Nate Wiggins and Malaki Starks. After a tumultuous start to last season, defensive coordinator Zach Orr said, “We’re light-years ahead of where we were at.” As fortified as Baltimore’s secondary appears, it’s also one injury away from having to trot out an unproven backup. The injuries — although minor — are already piling up one week into training camp and a day into padded practices. Alexander missed Monday’s practice, needing to get some swelling drained from his knee, according to coach John Harbaugh. The two-time Pro Bowl selection should be back to practice on Tuesday. Jalyn Armour-Davis, who would have been one of the first cornerbacks off the bench, missed Monday’s practice with a lower-body injury. He’s scheduled to get an MRI, Harbaugh said, but the hope is it’s “nothing too serious.” Rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone left practice early on Saturday with a shoulder injury. Harbaugh believes it’s a minor setback, but his return will be based on pain tolerance. And veteran Chidobe Awuzie appeared to not take live reps on Friday or Saturday before returning to practice Monday. “I think it might’ve been Ozzie [Newsome], I think he said, ‘You can never have too many DBs.’ I feel like for every team at some point in the year, it seems like everybody’s thin at DB,” Hamilton said this offseason. The Ravens are starting to feel it in July. But at full strength, they should boast among the best groups in the league. Hamilton returns as one of the top safeties in the league, and Humphrey is coming off arguably the best season of his eight-year career at cornerback. Those two have four combined All-Pro selections. They’re complemented by Wiggins, the rising sophomore cornerback poised for a breakout year, and Starks, a 2025 first-round draft pick with the maturity and tools to be an immediate starter at safety. Baltimore will be without safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles) until at least November. Training camp will shed some clarity on — if there are setbacks during the season — who might get the call. Related Articles Ravens observations on 1st padded practice, a skirmish, rookies and kicker battle Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lands in Madden 99 club with 6 other NFL stars READER POLL: Should the Orioles trade Cedric Mullins? The best Ravens defenses were feared. Will this year’s unit be? Mike Preston: Best Ravens team ever? Let’s compare them. | COMMENTARY The safety battle should draw more eyes because of how quickly either Beau Brade or Sanoussi Kane might have to fill in, each vying for the No. 3 spot behind Hamilton and Starks with Washington still on the shelf. Last season, the Ravens cycled through Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson before landing on Washington. So nothing is guaranteed in center field. The cornerback depth chart is a bit more crowded — all floating on the same life raft, trying to make the 53-man roster. Armour-Davis is the senior-most option. He had a nice pass breakup and an interception during the first week of camp before the pads came on. Armour-Davis is going into Year 4, coming off a season in which he appeared in seven games with two starts. Injuries have hindered his development, but there have been flashes if he can get healthy. August is a big month for TJ Tampa Jr., too. The 2024 fourth-round pick missed the majority of his rookie season with an ankle injury. Like the failed Williams and Jackson experiments, the Ravens never got consistent play from Tre’Davious White or Brandon Stephens last year. Tampa made financial investments in his own health this offseason. He told The Baltimore Sun that, in addition to extra post-practice yoga and tub recovery, he bought a sauna and Normatec boots to have at home. “This year is definitely gonna be different with my preparation,” he said. Ravens secondary coach Chuck Pagano, right, has a deep but relatively inexperienced unit to work with. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) When the Ravens hired secondary coach Chuck Pagano, Tampa and Brade were two of the first young guys to blow up his phone seeking advice. Orr said Pagano gave those guys “a deep, detailed summary.” Reuben Lowery could prove to be the training camp surprise. He’s on the fringe to make the final 53-man roster, likely closer to the outside than the inside. But the undrafted rookie profiles as another versatile back, having played corner, nickel and safety at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Harbaugh noticed Lowery flying around, too. “He’s ‘all ball’ every day,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a very smart player. He is doing a nice job.” Thus, this secondary becomes a quasi-positional battle to follow through the preseason. Not for who might start, but for who might be forced to fill in to a defense with lofty expectations. “We didn’t like what we did last year, especially the first half of the season,” Orr said. “And we made a vow that we wouldn’t do that again. So, we know that’s just words. We have to put action behind it. But so far, throughout the spring and this first week of training camp, the action’s been real good, so I’m happy with the group.” Hamilton thinks Starks is further along now than he was as a rookie. The group is feeding off Alexander’s confident vibes and “weird” energy. Wiggins has had a productive start to camp. And Humphrey, the spokesman of the defensive turnaround, said teammates are “really running to the ball like it means something.” Much of Orr’s plans for this season hinge on the flexibility of a dynamic secondary — guys who can play all over the field to mess with a quarterback’s reads. That approach might shift should there be an injury. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta took two more cornerbacks in the draft. It was the one position the reticent DeCosta admitted he’d be prioritizing. “Corner is a critical, important position,” he said back in March. “They break down. They’re like Bugattis.” Enter, sixth-round picks Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Both entered training camp as bubble guys who will spend every day fighting to stick around. Neither will be guaranteed a roster spot but could stay in Baltimore with a practice squad invitation. In a matter of a year, the discourse flipped from a secondary in the basement of the league to Alexander saying after a few practices, “Defenses win championships, so I’m in the right place to do that.” It will just be a matter of staying healthy. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The trade deadline is near. The Orioles and the rest of MLB have until 6 p.m. Thursday to make moves. Baltimore, almost certainly one of the most aggressive sellers this year, has several trade chips. Cedric Mullins, a fan favorite, is among them. The center fielder has been one of the Orioles’ best players and one of the few remaining who survived the rebuild and multiple 100-loss seasons. But with the 30-year-old set to become a free agent after the season, the Orioles are likely going to listen to any offers for Mullins. Should Baltimore trade him? We want to hear from you. After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton peeled off his jersey after a long, hot day of work last week in Owings Mills, revealing a T-shirt emblazoned with a simple but paramount message: “Life Is Too Short, Run To The Ball.” Even at the highest level, football is often not about subtlety. Earlier this month, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was a guest on “The Sitdown w/ Malik Wright” podcast, and when the conversation turned to the toughest cornerbacks he has faced, the All-Pro rattled off a handful of names. None of them play in Baltimore. Even a neophyte would not confuse the 2024 Ravens defense with the 2000 edition. “I know when I first got here, obviously the Ravens defense, I felt like teams feared what we did,” Ravens veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “Now, we are trying to get that back. But I mean, I don’t think the Bengals fear our defense. I don’t think the Steelers fear our defense. “So those expectations, when it’s in your own division, people kind of like, ‘Sweet, we play the Ravens.’” That was especially true for Chase, who broke an NFL record that had stood since 1963 with a staggering 21 catches for 457 yards and five touchdowns in a pair of shootouts against Baltimore last season. The Ravens won both, but the performances were emblematic of a deep and concerning problem that had lingered from the summer through much of last season. Though Baltimore’s defense featured a dramatic turnaround down the stretch, it still ranked 31st in passing yards allowed per game (275.7). Many of those yards also came in chunks, especially early, with Baltimore allowing 58 passing plays of at least 20 yards, which was 18th-most in the league. Whether that trend continues this season remains to be seen, but the early returns after the first week of training camp point toward a paradigm shift, if not a potential about-face. First, the Ravens made significant personnel changes. They waived obstreperous safety Eddie Jackson in November and released malcontent safety Marcus Williams after the season. They also added veteran cornerbacks Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and Chidobe Awuzie in free agency to a group that already includes Humphrey, an All-Pro in the slot last season, and rising second-year corner Nate Wiggins. Related Articles Mike Preston: Best Ravens team ever? Let’s compare them. | COMMENTARY Ravens observations: False starts continue to be a problem early in camp Ravens special teams coordinator explains thinking behind kicker battle Ravens observations: New-look secondary strapping in, standing out 43 thoughts on every Ravens defensive player in early days of training camp And though they lost defensive back Ar’Darius Washington for most if not all of the season because of a torn Achilles he suffered during offseason workouts, rookie first-round safety Malaki Starks has already drawn high praise from teammates and coaches for his ability, football IQ and maturity. “He’s miles ahead of where I was at that point in his NFL career,” Hamilton said. “He’s just so instinctual, and he has that little bit holding him back, just because he hasn’t been in [the NFL for] a long time. So, once that clicks, then he’ll be a great player. “I think he knows the playbook more than I did. He’s confident out there. He’s talking, and he’s just so willing to learn and be a sponge, and it’s very admirable for somebody his age.” Alexander, meanwhile, in addition to talent when healthy, has brought a “swag,” Humphrey said, to a defensive backfield that has largely been devoid of it since the days of Marcus Peters. “I think confidence is the biggest key you can have at cornerback,” Humphrey said. “So, I think he’s a perfect fit for our secondary.” Cornerback Jaire Alexander, pictured, has brought a “swag,” Marlon Humphrey said, to a defensive backfield that has largely been devoid of it since the days of Marcus Peters. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Coach John Harbaugh also made changes to his staff, notably firing assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt as well as inside linebackers coach Mark DeLone, who lasted just one season. Harbaugh also did not bring back Dean Pees in a full-time role after he hired the former Ravens defensive coordinator as a senior adviser five games into last season. Though they were part of the defensive turnaround later in the year, it was not difficult to read between the lines that the system was not being taught effectively, a point that crystallized in the form of communication issues that multiple players spoke about over the course of 2024. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr, in his first year calling plays at any level, also initially entrusted his assistants perhaps a little too much, further exacerbating the issues. Replacing them are senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano and inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci. Pagano, a longtime NFL assistant who was part of Harbaugh’s first staff in Baltimore and later the coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2017, brings familiarity and experience. In 2011, his lone season as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Baltimore ranked third in yards allowed per game (288.9) and points per game (16.6). Santucci, 37, is making his NFL coaching debut this season, but was considered one of college football’s top defensive coordinators. He helped turn around a struggling Georgia Tech defense last year, and before that led Duke and Texas A&M to top 25 defenses in scoring. In the weight room and on the field, the Ravens have also been intentional about their goals. Reviving the breakfast club workouts that took root with former Ravens safety Eric Weddle, Humphrey and a handful of others on offense and defense gather each morning for workouts at the team’s facility at 6 a.m., even though practice doesn’t begin until the afternoon. If a player shows up at 6:01, he has to wait until later. In a tweak to the team’s grading system of every player on each play of every practice, coaches have honed in on a handful or so of specifics on both sides of the ball and especially on defense, including pursuit to the ball, blowing up blocks and forcing turnovers. After ranking 13th in turnover margin, which included forcing the seventh-fewest turnovers in the NFL last season with 17 — and none in two playoff games — the latter has been a particular point of emphasis and has borne fruit with a few interceptions and several impressive pass breakups so far this summer. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said, “When we take the ball away, we'll win. When we don't, we’ve got a good chance of winning, but why put ourselves in that position?” (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “We’re getting better at teaching it, teaching in the classroom, showing opportunities on film, showing how to get the football out and understanding how important it is,” Orr said. “When we take the ball away, we’ll win. When we don’t, we’ve got a good chance of winning, but why put ourselves in that position?” The new faces, in addition to the returning ones, should help. Alexander has 12 career interceptions over seven injury-interrupted seasons, which included a career-high five for the Green Bay Packers in 2022. Awuzie, meanwhile, has seven in eight seasons. Humphrey is coming off a career-high six to lead the Ravens last year. And Starks had six in three seasons for Georgia. All of which has the Ravens positioned to be one of the best defenses in the league again after just two years ago becoming the first team to lead the NFL in takeaways, sacks and fewest points allowed per game in the same season. “Based off what we’re seeing defensively, guys are really running to the ball like it means something,” Humphrey said. “I think if we can get nine guys doing that, I think we’ll be a good defense. But if we can get 11 guys doing that to where it could be a cliff behind you, you just turn around, and we all go into the cliff together. … I think that’s something that I’ve seen early on that I think if we can keep building on, that we’ll be a great defense.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

While celebrating their 30th year in the NFL, the Ravens have pieced together their most complete and balanced roster. But with the return to football comes lofty expectations. It’s Super Bowl or bust. There can be no other outcome. In the past two seasons, the Ravens have had one of the best rosters in the league but came up short both times, losing 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore two years ago and getting upset by the host Buffalo Bills, 27-25, in the divisional round in January. But this year’s version is the best since Baltimore’s return to the NFL in 1996. The franchise has won two Super Bowl titles, which is remarkable considering there are 12 teams that haven’t won any. Yet those championship teams were composed of strong defenses that featured Hall of Fame players such as Ray Lewis, Rod Woodson, Ed Reed and a potential selection named Terrell Suggs. In retrospect, those offenses were basically required not to implode. The 2025 Ravens are different, but not perfect. They still need to upgrade their special teams with a kicker and a punt returner, and it remains to be seen whether the secondary can improve after making significant offseason additions. But this offense, oh my. It’s almost flawless. The Ravens have a two-time Most Valuable Player in quarterback Lamar Jackson, who passed for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns last season and also rushed for another 915 yards and four more scores. They have one of the best big, multi-purpose backs in league history in Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,921 yards last season, second in the NFL behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley. Even the receivers are good despite the team’s previous failures to find one in the draft. The Ravens have “super vet” DeAndre Hopkins, Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers as well as tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Whom does Jackson throw to? Anybody he wants. The only problem for offensive coordinator Todd Monken is finding enough touches for so many playmakers. The offensive line isn’t great, but there aren’t many that are in the NFL. This group struggles with pass blocking, but that’s where Jackson provides the added dimension with his scrambling. This offense is loaded, pure and simple, equipped with a tempo-changing running back in Keaton Mitchell as well as a third-down specialist in Justice Hill. The scenario on the other side of the ball is different, but the possibilities are endless. Saving a wide pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson with a flick of his fingertips, Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins makes an incredible catch on the first day of training camp. Hopkins is one of the many stars on the Ravens' offense. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The secondary should be improved from a year ago when the group was ranked 31st out of 32 teams. The Ravens made significant improvement in the second half of the season but also faced some bad quarterbacks such as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson (twice), the New York Giants’ Tommy DeVito and the Cleveland Browns’ Bailey Zappe. To increase the talent level, the Ravens drafted Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first round and signed free agent cornerback Jaire Alexander in June. Alexander was a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and 2022 with the Green Bay Packers, but injuries have forced him to miss 20 games during the past two seasons. If Alexander returns to form, defensive coordinator Zach Orr has a lot of combinations he can play on the backend with safety Kyle Hamilton near the line of scrimmage, rising cornerback Nate Wiggins on the outside opposite Chidobe Awuzie or Alexander and veteran Marlon Humphrey manning the slot. With Chuck Pagano helping coach the secondary, this group should be better complementing a run defense that was ranked No. 1 in the league a year ago. Nose tackle Michael Pierce retired, but the team has an ample supply of bulk up front with linemen John Jenkins, Nnamdi Madubuike, Broderick Washington, Travis Jones and rookie Aeneas Peebles. What’s missing? They don’t have a proven kicker. Justin Tucker, perhaps the best in league history, was released in early May and later suspended for the first 10 games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after more than a dozen female massage therapists accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior at several Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers. Sixth-round pick Tyler Loop and undrafted rookie John Hoyland are competing for the job now. Tucker and Matt Stover made major contributions in both of the Ravens’ championship seasons. Tucker converted 30 of 33 field goal attempts in 2012, and Stover was 35 of 39 in 2000 when Baltimore went five games without scoring an offensive touchdown. Another missing ingredient is the return game. In 2000, the Ravens had Jermaine Lewis, who averaged 16.1 yards per punt returns. Lewis also had an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second half of the Ravens’ 34-7 win against the Giants in the Super Bowl. In 2012, Jacoby Jones led the NFL with 1,167 kickoff return yards and scored two touchdowns. There are other intangibles. In 2000, quarterback Trent Dilfer was conservative but was a great game manager. In 2012, quarterback Joe Flacco had one of the greatest postseasons ever, tying Joe Montana’s record with 11 touchdown passes without an interception. The Ravens need to get hot. In 2000, then-coach Brian Billick went with running back Jamal Lewis down the stretch as Lewis finished with 1,364 yards to complement the record-setting defense. Flacco was exceptional in 2012. Jackson needs to get hot in the postseason, where he is 3-5 during his eight years in Baltimore. In those eight games, he’s passed for 1,753 yards and 10 touchdowns but has thrown seven interceptions and lost three fumbles. There is also the Ray Lewis factor. Not only was he the best player in the NFL in 2000, but his personality energized the Ravens, especially the younger players in 2012. Without Lewis, the Ravens don’t win either of their two titles. Related Articles Ravens observations: False starts continue to be a problem early in camp Ravens special teams coordinator explains thinking behind kicker battle Ravens observations: New-look secondary strapping in, standing out 43 thoughts on every Ravens defensive player in early days of training camp Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ The Hall of Fame linebacker’s absence has been hard to fill. After the 2012 season, Ravens coach John Harbaugh got rid of the alpha males such as Lewis, Reed, safety Bernard Pollard and receiver Anquan Boldin, which forced the team into mediocrity for the next five seasons. Those years coincided with the early seasons in Baltimore when the Ravens didn’t have enough cash flow to compete on both sides of the ball until Steve Bisciotti became a minority owner in 2000. But now they are back on pace again. Only one team has more overall talent than the Ravens, and that’s Philadelphia. The defending champion Eagles can dominate with both interior lines, but they play in the NFC, so the AFC is a wide-open race. The expectations in Baltimore are justified, even though that might serve as both motivation and a distraction. But there are no more excuses for the Ravens to miss the Super Bowl, because this team is loaded. It’s easily the most balanced in franchise history. It’s time for them to play in a third Super Bowl. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

A point of emphasis for the Ravens this summer has been cleaning up the presnap penalties that plagued them last season. In 2024, 32% of Baltimore’s 132 penalties came before the ball was snapped, according to Sharp Football Analysis, thus setting the offense behind schedule. Through the first week of training camp, not much has changed. On Saturday, the offense was flagged for five false starts in the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 periods, including once from its own 1-yard line. A timeout also needed to be called at one point over apparent confusion on the play call. Of course, now is the time of year to work out such kinks. Still, it doesn’t make it any less annoying, especially when it’s a consistent problem. “It’s real easy to get frustrated, which I do,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “I’m the king of overreacting. But if you do that, then you’ll just go on one [with the snap] all the time and that doesn’t help you either. “So where is that sweet spot? Now is the time to do that. We’re practicing some other things in the throw game and the run game to try like heck to be on point when we play the first game. But obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do.” Last season, left tackle Ronnie Stanley led the team with 13 penalties, per nflpenalties.com, with left guard Patrick Mekari with 11. Of those 24 flags, nearly half (11) came before the ball was snapped. With Mekari now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, one would expect those numbers to be down this season, but that hasn’t been the trend through the first handful of practices. Monken also said that there hasn’t been more variance in the cadences of snap counts this week, either. “There really isn’t anything different other than were starting back up again and it’s hot and we have a number of guys going in the game,” he said. “Sometimes it’s the quarterback that takes a little bit of time at the line of scrimmage, more than he should, then all off a sudden you’re making calls at the line and you forget a different cadence. All those things are a part of it.” He added that there’s no reason that Baltimore can’t be “elite” with its cadence. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has enjoyed having Jaire Alexander on the team so far. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) 1-on-1 highlights Training camp isn’t just about conditioning and running plays. The roughly two-hour long practices are broken down into different periods, focusing on specific areas of the game. Perhaps the most glamorous and entertaining of them is when players go one-on-one, with receivers and tight ends matching up against cornerbacks and safeties mano a mano. Saturday was no exception, as the session delivered a few fun plays. Unsurprisingly, two-time Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton shut down a pair of throws from backup Cooper Rush, first to Isaiah Likely, whom he was running stride-for-stride with, then Mark Andrews, whom he undercut to break up the pass after the tight end tried to juke him to the outside. Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker, meanwhile, made a nice catch against cornerback Jaire Alexander on a comeback route, while receiver Rashod Bateman plucked one off the turf on a similar route with Marlon Humphrey on him in tight coverage. The referee called the play incomplete, though, and Bateman flung the ball away in disgust after an obvious catch, while Humphrey sarcastically dapped up the official for the call. Kicking update The kicking job is still to be determined between sixth-round draft pick Tyler Loop and undrafted free agent John Hoyland, but one thing that’s not debatable is that the ball comes off Loop’s foot with an authoritative thump. That was evident again Saturday. A day after only Loop kicked during practice, both men were in action, and Loop had the better day. Hoyland converted on kicks from 26, 34 and 36 yards but was wide right from 42. Loop, on the other hand, drilled all six attempts from 33, 33, 26, 34, 36 and 40 yards. How long will it be until a winner is decided? “You just let the guys go out and compete,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton Jr. said. “What [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] has these guys doing is gonna prepare for them. When the winner shows, it’s gonna show. How soon is that gonna be? I don’t know.” One possible timeline would be sometime between the Ravens’ first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts in just under two weeks and the second against the Washington Commanders nine days after that. More praise for the new guy Alexander has a reputation of being a bit brash. He described himself as a bit “weird” and knows that he brings a certain energy to the defense. So far, that’s been a welcome addition in Baltimore. “He’s everything we thought he would be and more,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. Kyle Hamilton said that his energy was something the defense needed. Humphrey added that he’s been fun to practice with. During Saturday’s practice, Alexander had a pass breakup on a throw to Tylan Wallace up the sideline. A bit of sticky defense (with help from a less-than-perfect throw) forced the ball incomplete and Alexander wagged his finger like Dikembe Mutombo. Teammates have started doing his patented seatbelt celebration too. “He brings energy, confidence, hard work and playmaking ability,” Orr said. “We go against our offense every day and they challenge our corners, especially on the outside. He’s done a great job. So we’ve been happy, pleased with him. He’s a great student of the game. I’m pleased with how fast he’s picked up the system. … He can still play at a top level.” Related Articles Mike Preston: Best Ravens team ever? Let’s compare them. | COMMENTARY Ravens special teams coordinator explains thinking behind kicker battle Ravens observations: New-look secondary strapping in, standing out 43 thoughts on every Ravens defensive player in early days of training camp Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Attendance and injuries For the second consecutive day, the Ravens had perfect attendance outside of wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and the trio of expected absences: Safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles tendon), on the physically unable to perform list, as well as linebacker Jake Hummel and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr., both on the non-football injury list. There were two notable cornerbacks on Saturday who did not fully participate. Chide Awuzie, who has a long injury history, spent most of Friday on the sideline. Harbaugh said that the 30-year-old is “fine” and that “he’ll be OK.” Awuzie did not participate in live scrimmage situations. He was seen running on the far field by himself. Ravens rookie Bilhal Kone also appeared to leave practice and did not return. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Ravens’ Lamar Jackson takes selfies with fans after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens’ Lamar Jackson signs autographs for fans after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens’ Lamar Jackson signs autographs for fans after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins has been an early standout in camp for his sticky coverage. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has enjoyed having Jaire Alexander on the team so far. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens wide-receiver Anthony Miller works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, right, speaks with wide-receiver Anthony Miller, left, during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens wide-receiver Malik Cunningham makes a catch during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr speaks with media after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens special team coordinator Chris Horton speaks with media after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken speaks with media after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens’ Mark Andrews signs autographs for military fans after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens running back Derrick Henry works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens running back Justice Hill works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens running back Derrick Henry works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens coach Tee Martin, second left, walks with his quarterbacks, from left, Lamar Jackson, Devin Leary and Cooper Rush during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, throws as backup Devin Leary, left, looks on during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, works out in front of quarterback coach Tee Martin during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens quarterbacks from right, Lamar Jackson, Devin Leary and Cooper Rush work out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson works out during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Show Caption1 of 21Ravens’ Lamar Jackson takes selfies with fans after training camp work out at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)Expand View the full article

Ravens decision-makers won’t figure out who their next kicker is based solely on which one drives the ball through the uprights more often during training camp over the next few weeks. There’s a tad more nuance than that, according to special teams coordinator Chris Horton. If it were so simple, Tyler Loop would be leading in the polls. The first kicker drafted in Ravens history made all 23 of his field goal attempts during the first week of training camp in Owings Mills. His challenger, undrafted rookie John Hoyland, has converted 16 of 18 attempts, including a 42-yard miss on Saturday. “When the winner shows,” Horton said, “it’s gonna show.” Horton didn’t reveal any specific timeline for when he hopes that might happen. They’ll both get valuable work, he said, in practice and in preseason games — which implies that Baltimore might go into the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 7 with two options. What goes into one player emerging from the two-man pack? “It’s all about consistency in everything that we do,” Horton said. “Especially at that position. We want to see kicks made, right? We want to see good foot-to-ball contact. There’s a process about how these guys are going about it and where they’re kicking from and where they’re kicking in practice and the things that [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] is talking to these guys about every day. “One might look more powerful than the other,” Horton added, “but the kicks are there.” Fans making the trip to the Under Armour Performance Center have been treated to something they haven’t seen since 2012. Even with Loop as the front-runner, it’s the first kicking competition since the now-embroiled Justin Tucker’s rookie year. In May, the Ravens released Tucker for in what they called a “football decision,” a reference to the down year the NFL’s most accurate kicker endured in 2024. The release, and complementary decision to draft Loop in the sixth round in April, came on the heels of a months-long league investigation into several sexual misconduct allegations brought against Tucker earlier this year. In late June, the 35-year-old kicker was suspended by the NFL for the first 10 weeks of the regular season. He can serve the suspension despite not being on a roster. If a team so chooses, he would be allowed to participate in training camp and preseason games. The suspension takes effect on Aug. 26, and Tucker can be reinstated on Nov. 11. The Ravens are rightfully more concerned with the kicking competition brewing in Owings Mills. Through four days of practice, each kicker has taken one day off. “It’s all about consistency in everything that we do,” Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff) Loop entered training camp as the odds-on favorite. His workload reflects that. Despite an imperfect performance at rookie minicamp and organized team activities, he has been sharp the first week of full-team practice. Loop hasn’t missed a kick in three days of situational attempts. His best was a 63-yard make to end his practice on Friday and a 68-yarder without a defense that the team caught on camera. “It was a good test day,” Harbaugh said after Friday’s practice. “He had kicks kind of situationally all week, and then to come out here and take it deep like that is a good day.” Added Horton: “With Tyler, the thing we understand is when we brought him in and we looked at him, the dude has a strong leg. Technically, he’s sound. He kicks the ball the way we want to kick the ball. He’s been consistent. And that’s what we’re looking for.” Hoyland, the kicker vying to knock off Loop, hasn’t been a slouch either. He’s just slightly off perfection, which can be troubling for a positional battle with razor-thin margins. Related Articles Ravens observations: New-look secondary strapping in, standing out 43 thoughts on every Ravens defensive player in early days of training camp Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Ravens observations: Too many tight ends? Not on this team. Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy knows clock is ticking, but doesn’t plan to slow down Hoyland made all nine attempts during his first full kicking day Thursday. Two of them were from 40-plus. Putting his cleats back on Saturday, he made three of four. His last attempt was a 42-yarder that sailed wide right. But Horton noted how consistent Hoyland was in college and how he has fit the mold of someone who can compete with Loop. “It’s all about foot the ball, kicking a straight ball,” Horton said. “And the axis of the ball — the ball is turning. We want the ball to be straight every time. That’s what we’re working for. That’s been a big improvement since the spring, and I think both guys have gotten a lot better at doing that.” The two kickers have been seen wearing a GoPro atop their helmets this week. Harbaugh said it’s “a little bit new.” The point-of-view camera offers additional insight with a direct angle to study foot placement, swing plane, hold patterns and other positional minutiae. So each practice means tracking kicks and placement and body language. All of that has made for an interesting bit of training camp theater. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn’t looking ahead just three days into training camp. “It’s not too big picture right now,” he said Friday. “It’s a lot of little things.” But on a day when the temperature soared near triple digits in Owings Mills, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s accuracy was a tad cold on some of those little things. To borrow from A.I., the great philosopher and former NBA star Allen Iverson, it’s just practice. If there’s a player coaches and teammates aren’t worried about, it’s the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, who is coming off career highs in touchdown passes and passing yards. Jackson also, of course, did make some nice throws, connecting with Rashod Bateman on a couple of passes over the middle in 11-on-11 play. New receiver DeAndre Hopkins also bailed him out twice, pulling in one crossing throw that was slightly behind him as he had a step on cornerback Jaire Alexander and then making a sliding grab on an off-the-mark throw during 7-on-7 work with cornerback T.J. Tampa trailing. The only player to throw for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in the same season, Jackson also had a nifty run in which he faked the toss one way then broke the other, leaving the edge defender in his wake. Unlike earlier in the week, when Jackson was able to connect with Bateman on a 60-yard touchdown with the receiver getting behind Nate Wiggins, the two were unable to link up on a similar play this time. Bateman had a step on Wiggins again, but with the ball underthrown, the speedy corner was able to close the gap and swat it away. As Bateman came to a jog, he extended his arms, a signal for Jackson to get the ball deeper as he had earlier in the week. Where’s Mike Green? A year ago, Mike Green led college football with 17 sacks. Through the first few days of camp, the controversial edge rusher out of Marshall who fell to the second round because of a pair of sexual assault allegations is still looking for his first. It’s early, but he hasn’t been close to getting to the quarterback, no matter who has been in. On one play Friday, Green raced into the backfield only to get gobbled up by undrafted rookie fullback Lucas Scott. On another, he got off the line quickly and sped by rookie fifth-round tackle Carson Vinson, but the former Alabama A&M standout still kept him away from the quarterback on what should have been a pressure, if not a sack. Ravens linebackers Mike Green, left, and Chandler Martin run a drill Friday. Green has struggled to make an impact thus far at practice. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Green’s speed and quickness are obvious, but so far he hasn’t registered more than maybe a single pressure. On Monday, players will be in pads for the first time. Green, who is expected to be a significant contributor in Baltimore’s pass rush this season, will be worth watching to see if he’s able to dial it up. Tyler Loop’s best day Tyler Loop has kicked at two of three training camp practices, sandwiching a scheduled day off Thursday, and has been perfect both days. But Friday’s session featured the first real look at the rookie’s boot, as he connected from 60-plus yards out. Loop first took four attempts in red zone situations. The offense would run a play, then trot out the field goal unit. Those were all inside 25-yard attempts. After that, Loop ripped one kick after another. He nailed five tries between 30 and 45 yards, inching back with each effortless make. Then came the real test. Loop fired a kick from 63 yards away off the right hash. It split the uprights with a few extra yards to spare, much to the delight of his teammates, coaches and the onlooking fans suffering through the July heat. The Ravens also said on their team website that Loop converted a 68-yard attempt on the opposite field on a non-team drill. After a solid, but not overly impressive minicamp and OTAs, which included one 60-plus-yard miss, Friday was Loop’s best kicking day of the offseason’s open practice portion. Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop has been perfect so far in training camp, including a 63-yard field goal Friday. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Strap in Whether Jaire Alexander invented it is up for debate. But during the veteran cornerback’s time in Green Bay, he certainly popularized what is known colloquially as the seatbelt celebration. The hand-across-the-chest move that mimics strapping in a seatbelt — a reference to strapping down a receiver — is popping up in the early days of Ravens camp. Alexander debuted it Wednesday after breaking up a pass from backup Cooper Rush. On Friday, Marlon Humphrey whacked the ball out of tight end Isaiah Likely’s hands, stood up and promptly clipped the imaginary seatbelt to his waist. Then Wiggins, on his second pass breakup of a productive practice, did the signature celebration alongside Alexander. Safety Kyle Hamilton was asked if he might get in on the big play fête. He thought about it for a second and decided maybe if it was a crazy play. Either way, the All-Pro safety has enjoyed the extra juice. “We probably needed some of that,” Hamilton said. “Guys can be a little eccentric at times. I’m more even keeled so I need that brought out of me a little bit. Jaire does that for us. Everybody follows his lead when it comes to the energy. He’s only been here three practice days but everybody can feel the difference with him here.” ‘Miles ahead of where I was’ Hamilton was the 14th overall draft pick in 2022 and finished his rookie year with the highest Pro Football Focus grade by a first-year Ravens defender in the previous 16 years. He ascended to All-Pro status by his sophomore season and has been awarded two Pro Bowl bids in three seasons. Hamilton believes that first-round pick Malaki Starks is “miles ahead of where I was at that point.” “One, he’s just uber-talented,” Hamilton said of the former Georgia star. “He does amazing stuff without even trying and probably doesn’t even know that he’s doing it. He’s just so instinctual. And he’s that little holding him back but that’s just cause he hasn’t been in it a long time. Once that clicks, he’ll be a great player.” Hamilton said that his rookie counterpart knows the playbook better than he did at that time, he’s confidently talking through plays and he’s a sponge in meeting rooms. “He’s generous,” Starks said with a smile. Starks hauled in his first interception of training camp Thursday, his first time picking off Jackson. Beyond the one highlight, he’s looked comfortable in live situations. Starks said that he often goes right to Hamilton trying to make sense of different scenarios. “He’s so smart,” said Starks, who himself was lauded for his football IQ throughout the draft process. “You think you know football until you get around people who know football and you realize you don’t know that much about football.” Wiggins stands out If there was a player the day belonged to, it was Wiggins. In the first 11-on-11 period, he broke in on a short pass to Anthony Miller and nearly intercepted Jackson. A moment later, he crashed in to blow up a sweep play. Later, he tracked down Bateman on Jackson’s deep ball and easily poked it away. Even with adding a few pounds, the listed 182-pound Wiggins is still rail thin, but he has been sticky in coverage and can fly. “I think he’s gonna be one of the best in the league,” Hamilton said. “He’s one of those guys that’s not afraid to line up against whoever. “Today especially, he’s competing at a high level. He’s done that the past three days. … I think he’s probably gonna have one of the bigger jumps from last year to this year than anybody on the team.” Related Articles 43 thoughts on every Ravens defensive player in early days of training camp Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Ravens observations: Too many tight ends? Not on this team. Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy knows clock is ticking, but doesn’t plan to slow down READERS RESPOND: Fans think the Ravens are the best team in the NFL Injuries and attendance Last season, the Ravens were comfortably the healthiest team in the NFL with an adjusted games lost of just 16.3, per FTN Fantasy. That’s mostly been the case through the first week of training camp, too. Hopkins, who missed Thursday’s session after landing awkwardly on his knee, was back on the field Friday and made a couple of nice grabs. Meanwhile, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie spent most of the day on the sideline during team play, but Harbaugh said that the 30-year-old veteran, has a long injury history, is “fine” and that “he’ll be OK.” The only new absence, meanwhile, was fellow receiver Keith Kirkwood. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The Ravens’ first training camp practice was Wednesday, and with the regular-season opener against the Buffalo Bills just months away, The Baltimore Sun offered thoughts on the 43 defensive players on the team’s roster. The offense’s version can be found here. Interior defensive line Nnamdi Madubuike Madubuike’s pressures, sacks and run stops all regressed last season after the team awarded him a four-year, $98 million extension. But the Ravens’ most proven lineman faced a high rate of double teams and still finished top 10 among defensive tackles in sacks. He’s primed for a bounce-back season. Travis Jones The pass-rushing defensive tackle had his best season in Baltimore last year, tallying a career-high 35 pressures from the interior, according to Pro Football Focus. Over 65% of his snaps come in pass-rush opportunities, which is among the highest in the league for defensive tackles. He’s entering a contract year and could earn a pay raise in the offseason. Aeneas Peebles The Ravens wanted more pass-rushing juice from their interior linemen, which is why they selected Peebles in the sixth round of April’s draft. The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler had Peebles graded as a third- or fourth-round prospect. At just 6 feet and 288 pounds, the former Virginia Tech standout’s low-center of gravity helps his pocket-pushing ability. Broderick Washington The Texas Tech product has been a reliable option for Baltimore since he debuted in 2020. As a rotational player, Washington is solid as a run stopper and should continue to play alongside Madubuike on early downs. John Jenkins After Michael Pierce’s retirement, the Ravens needed a nose tackle to replace the 355-pound veteran. Enter Jenkins. The 6-3, 327-pound lineman is entering his 13th NFL season and will be playing for his seventh team. He played a career-high 609 defensive snaps with the Las Vegas Raiders last season, but he likely won’t be asked to play that large of a role with Travis Jones in the mix. Jayson Jones Jones, who was rated as the No. 1 offensive tackle in Alabama as a high schooler before switching positions, committed to Oregon before transferring to Auburn. He totaled 84 total tackles including four for loss, 1 1/2 sacks and a fumble recovery over three seasons with the Tigers. Adedayo Odeleye From Nigeria, Odeleye played for the Houston Texans’ practice squad for two seasons. Before that, he played for the Berlin Thunder in the European League of Football. C.J. Okoye Another defensive lineman with Nigerian heritage, Okoye has one of the best stories on the team. He was a part of the NFL Africa camp in Ghana in 2022 and then was invited to the NFL International combine in England, where he was eventually selected to the NFL’s International Pathway Program, which allocated him to a team. He played in the Los Angeles Chargers’ first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams and recorded a sack in his first organized game of football. Okoye said afterwards that he didn’t know what a sack was until after the game. Edge rushers Odafe Oweh Oweh added 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason to increase his power off the edge. He had a strong season last year, setting career highs in sacks and pressures as well as ranking 17th among edge rushers in pass rush win-rate, per ESPN analytics. But almost all of his pressures came with speed rushes. With plenty of young edge defenders in waiting, Oweh could price himself out of Baltimore with a strong season. Kyle Van Noy It’s not often that a player in his 11th season in the league has a breakout campaign, but Van Noy’s 56 pressures last season were the second most of his career. He’s reliable, can play on every down and is one of the vocal leaders on the team. The 34-year-old is a perfect fit in the edge room. Kyle Van Noy chats during Ravens training camp in 2024. The pass rusher had a career season in 2024, reaching double-digit sacks. (Staff file) Mike Green Green slid in the draft because of two accusations of sexual assault against him. He’s one of the most talented pass rushers in the rookie class and could make an immediate impact in Baltimore as a rotational edge rusher. Green racked up 17 sacks with Marshall in his final college season. David Ojabo The 2022 second-round pick hasn’t found his footing in Baltimore. He was a healthy scratch in four games last season and failed to play in more than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps in a game after Week 2. Entering a contract year, Ojabo has one more chance to make an impact with the Ravens. Tavius Robinson The 2023 fourth-round pick took a leap in his second season, registering 13 pressures. There is a firm belief within the Ravens’ pass rush room that Robinson is tracking toward a breakout year. Pass rush coach Chuck Smith called Robinson a “bona fide pass rusher” and John Harbaugh said that he’s established himself as a three-down player in December. Adisa Isaac Isaac was drafted in the third round of the 2024 draft but was limited during his first training camp and was eventually placed on the non-football injury list. He showed a lot of pass rushing juice at Penn State, which could help Baltimore. Diwun Black The former Florida and Temple player was unproductive in college but has some strong athletic traits. In 2021, he was the No. 1-rated junior college recruit according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Malik Hamm A Baltimore native, Hamm has had some horrible injury luck. The City College graduate has suffered two season-ending knee injuries in consecutive seasons, which prevented him from potentially making the roster both years. Kaimon Rucker Rucker signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. He has some bend and was named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2023. Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith practices during the team’s minicamp in June. Smith made it a goal to show up to training camp in better shape in 2025 compared to previous seasons. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Linebackers Roquan Smith The unquestioned stalwart of the Ravens’ defense, Smith led the team in tackles (154) and wore the green dot as the on-field communicator. But it was also a down season by his standards. PFF ranked Smith as just the 86th best linebacker in the NFL last season with a mark of 65.2. Through his first nine games, he had only one tackle for loss, no sacks or quarterback hits, and three pass breakups. Smith acknowledged that his play last year did not match his goals, and he said that health and covering for others’ mistakes were the main reasons. Expect a bounce-back year for the 2018 first-round pick. Trenton Simpson After Patrick Queen left last offseason, Simpson was expected to be a breakout candidate. Instead, his snaps completely dwindled after the midway point of the season and he was benched. But with Malik Harrison and Chris Board departing in free agency, Harbaugh said that Simpson is the first in line to fill the void. It’s a big season ahead for the former Clemson star. Teddye Buchanan The fourth-round rookie led California in tackles and stops for loss in his final college season. A former high school quarterback, the 6-2, 235-pound Buchanan can be a strong depth piece and also play on special teams in his first season. Jay Higgins IV Cut from the mold of old-school Iowa linebackers, Higgins was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2024. He racked up 341 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles with the Hawkeyes, but the 6-2, 232-pound Higgins does not have great lateral movement and struggled in zone coverage in college. He’s on the roster bubble and seems like a strong candidate for the practice squad. Chandler Martin Martin transferred from East Tennessee State to Memphis and was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference. He had eight tackles, 2 1/2 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery in the Tigers’ win over Florida State. Jake Hummel Hummel set the Rams’ record for preseason tackles in 2022 and played for the team for three seasons. The 6-1, 227-pound linebacker was a special teams standout, making eight tackles in 2024 and blocking a punt that led to a touchdown. William Kwenkeu Baltimore signed Kwenkeu to its practice squad in 2024, adding training camp depth at a thin position. Cornerbacks Nate Wiggins There weren’t many rookie cornerbacks better than Wiggins last year. The 2024 first-round pick had 13 passes defensed and allowed a 47.8% completion rate when targeted, according to Next Gen Stats. If he becomes a true No. 1 boundary corner, the Ravens’ secondary has the potential to be the best in the NFL. Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown this past season. Wiggins is a projected starter at cornerback entering 2025, with the Ravens hopeful the second-year player can blossom into one of the NFL's best. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Jaire Alexander After quarterback Lamar Jackson advocated for the team to sign his former college teammate, the Ravens added him just days later. The former Green Bay Packers star has been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL since entering the league, and he’s got a chance to reestablish himself as a premier player. If Alexander is healthy, he’s a home run addition by general manager Eric DeCosta. Marlon Humphrey The longest tenured Ravens defender had one of the best seasons of his career last year. He’s thrived since moving to the nickel spot, which should continue this year with Alexander and Wiggins playing on the outside. Humphrey spoke this offseason about wanting Baltimore’s defense to return to the premiere defenses of the 2000s and how much time he’s spent in the facility. Jalyn Armour-Davis Armour-Davis has been impressive in offseason practices, often manning a starting outside cornerback position. Entering his fourth season in the league, the Alabama product could be the Ravens’ top cornerback reserve. He also has the ability to play safety. Chidobe Awuzie Awuzie had one of the worst seasons of his career last year, according to PFF. He played in only eight games for the Titans, who released him just one-year into his three-year, $36 million contract. As a backup with positional versatility, the 30-year-old Awuzie has a chance to be a versatile depth piece. Bilhal Kone The rookie’s story is filled with perseverance. He grew up in poverty, lost his younger brother to cancer and had to move away from his family. Kone led Western Michigan in passes defended each of the past two years and was ranked as the No. 14 cornerback in the 2024 class, according to The Athletic. He’ll be competing against fellow rookie Robert Longerbeam and 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa to make the 53-man roster. T.J. Tampa Tampa was viewed as a draft steal in the 2024 class, but he did not make an impact as a rookie. The former Iowa State star did make a plethora of excellent plays during OTAs, including an interception during a red zone drill. The 6-1, 199-pound defensive back needs his strong play to continue in training camp to beat out Armour-Davis or the pair of rookies. Robert Longerbeam The other sixth-round rookie cornerback, Longerbeam was a three-year starter at Rutgers who led the team in passes defended in three of the past four seasons. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine but is only 175 pounds. Reuben Lowery It will be tough for an undrafted rookie to make the team in a crowded secondary, but Lowery seems to have the best chance. The 5-foot-9, 204-pound corner from Chattanooga is small but extremely physical. Keyon Martin Another sub-6-foot cornerback, Martin is an undrafted rookie out of Louisiana. He ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Marquise Robinson Robinson transferred from South Alabama to Arkansas and registered seven pass breakups with the Razorbacks. He started in eight games and will be battling for a spot on the practice squad. Safety Kyle Hamilton One of the NFL’s top safeties since entering the league, Hamilton is a true wildcard. But after the Ravens’ secondary struggled mightily at the beginning of the 2024 season, he shifted to a different role. He played as the deep safety more than 50% of the time over the second half of the season, a 32% increase from the beginning of the year. But with Malaki Starks expected to fill the free safety slot, Hamilton can return to being the game-wrecking chess piece who plays all over the defense. Malaki Starks The prized first-round pick of the Ravens’ draft class, Starks has immediately assumed a starting spot during offseason practices. He’s mature, ball-savvy and communicative for a rookie. The Georgia product could be in the mix for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Related Articles Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Ravens observations: Too many tight ends? Not on this team. Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy knows clock is ticking, but doesn’t plan to slow down READERS RESPOND: Fans think the Ravens are the best team in the NFL 43 thoughts on every Ravens offensive player as training camp begins Beau Brade Brade was one of the top stories during last year’s camp, making the roster as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland. The second-year player from River Hill is battling for the third safety position with Sanoussi Kane. Brade played in the box at Maryland and is a downhill, physical safety who typically defends the run well. Sanoussi Kane Kane has a strong athletic profile, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at 210 pounds. The Ravens picked him in the seventh round in 2024 and he will compete with Brade for the third safety role. Desmond Igbinosun A physical safety, the 6-2, 223-pound Igbinosun totaled 186 tackles at Rutgers. He set the team record for tackles for loss in a Big Ten game with four against Michigan State. Keondre Jackson An undrafted rookie from Illinois State, Jackson was named to the Senior Bowl after earning FCS All-American honors. He’s got a strong chance to make the practice squad. Ar’Darius Washington Washington’s Achilles tendon injury will likely hold him out for the entirety of the regular season. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

The jawing was friendly, but Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander wasn’t backing down. He wanted a piece of tight end Mark Andrews. But the one-on-one drill during Thursday afternoon’s practice came to an end too soon, leaving the juicy matchup to the imagination, if not another day. “What I like most is his swag to the game,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said of his new defensive backfield mate. “I think confidence is the biggest key you can have at corner. “He’s a perfect fit for our secondary.” So far, Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been getting acclimated to his new teammates, surroundings and the defense. It was just the second day of training camp, and Alexander, who was released by the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason, didn’t sign with Baltimore until the final day of mandatory minicamp in June, when players broke until earlier this week. Still, he’s made his presence known on the field. On Wednesday, he had a couple of pass breakups and was on the receiving end of a dime from his former college teammate, quarterback Lamar Jackson, who didn’t waste any time connecting with new receiver DeAndre Hopkins on a back-shoulder fade up the sideline. Hopkins was ruled out of bounds, but Alexander, who was in tight coverage, bowed in appreciation. “I’m in love, what can I say?” Alexander said Thursday of his early impressions of the Ravens in what was his first meeting with reporters since signing a one-year, $4 million contract that’s worth up to $6 million with incentives that are mostly centered around his ability to stay healthy. Staying healthy has been a big if, though. Alexander, 28, has missed at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. Last season, he appeared in just seven games because of quadriceps and knee injuries. After Thursday’s 2-hour session he said, “physically, I’m great.” Mentally, too, it seems. “It’s definitely a different culture here,” he said. While Alexander did not elaborate on what was an ugly exit from Green Bay, it’s hardly surprising that he is thrilled to be reunited with Jackson. “That’s my boy,” he said. “We was always talking about this.” He also acknowledged that he might not have signed with Baltimore if not for the quarterback. “That’d be tough man,” he said, pondering the question. “I probably would’ve explored more options. But that’s my boy and I wanna win [a Super Bowl] with him.” Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander catches a pass during training camp. When healthy, Alexander is one of the NFL's top cornerbacks and a likely starter for the Ravens. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Even with Jackson pleading for general manager Eric DeCosta to sign Alexander the moment he came available and the signing taking place the following day, it at least took some thought. Alexander drew interest from about a dozen teams. He also wanted to play for a contender and where the “vibes” fit his unique personality. Check and check. “Vibes never lie,” Alexander said. “I’m big on energy, energy exchange. I got good vibes here. They wanted me here. They cared. That played the biggest part in it.” It didn’t take long, Alexander said, to notice that things are “different” compared with his first seven years in Green Bay. Recently, some Ravens players have rekindled breakfast club workouts, a tradition started by former Ravens safety Eric Weddle. A group of about eight, including Humphrey and Alexander, gather at 6 a.m. in the team’s weight room. If a player gets there at 6:01, Humphrey said, it’s too late. The idea is to create an environment where everything matters, with accountability being important. “We work hard here,” Alexander said. “The workouts are intense.” As for Alexander’s role, that’s still to be determined, but his addition gives the Ravens plenty of flexibility in the secondary, including using Humphrey more in the slot, where he was an All-Pro last season, and playing more match-ups depending on the game and opposing receivers. It also provides depth with injuries inevitable. “I’m embracing any role here,” Alexander said. “My goal, and I know the team’s goal, is to win the Super Bowl, so however we can do that. What does he provide in that goal? “I’m gonna bring that energy and that juice,” he said. “Everything else will fall into place.” Related Articles Ravens observations: Too many tight ends? Not on this team. Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy knows clock is ticking, but doesn’t plan to slow down READERS RESPOND: Fans think the Ravens are the best team in the NFL 43 thoughts on every Ravens offensive player as training camp begins This photographer shoots from the stands. Ravens players love his work. He added that he “loves” the Ravens’ potential, and being around Humphrey, who Alexander said might be more weird than him. Alexander also spent time watching tape of old Ravens games, including one from two years ago when an agitated Humphrey mixed it up with a couple of Steelers defensive linemen during a game in Pittsburgh. It’s no wonder then that Alexander and Humphrey have jelled. Alexander also said he didn’t circle Week 17 on his calendar, which is when Baltimore travels to Green Bay to face his former team. “I circle every week,” he said. “Everybody’s gonna get it.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens have a problem a lot of teams in the NFL would welcome. They have five tight ends on the roster and three of them — Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar — are really good. It was intriguing on Day 2 of training camp Thursday to watch how the Ravens would rotate them, but the team has different formations. The catch of the day belonged to Likely, who made a one-handed grab on a pass across the middle from Lamar Jackson, easily turned the corner and took off for what would have been a 65-yard touchdown. But throughout Thursday’s practice, all three quarterbacks used the tight ends on different formations, both inside and outside of the red zone, as well as in the 7-on-7 period. One of my favorite plays was a toss to running back Derrick Henry with Kolar leading the way. That’s a sign of versatility while also using Henry’s great vision. Rookie watch Training camp is only two days old, but rookie safety Malaki Starks, the first-round pick out of Georgia, has been impressive. Not only does he play well on the back end of the secondary, but he breaks on the ball extremely well. He knocked down one pass intended for Kolar and then intercepted what looked like an arm punt from Jackson late in the team period. There is talk that Starks is the best safety to come out of college since the Ravens took Kyle Hamilton in the first round out of Notre Dame in the 2022 draft. First impressions It wasn’t an exceptional day for newly acquired cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was beat for a long touchdown down the right sideline by Devontez Walker. First of all, let’s give Walker credit. The second-year receiver out of North Carolina has played well though offseason workouts and so far in training camp. As for Alexander, he has looked good so far in practice. He backpedals well, can sit down with receivers and recovers quickly. The 28-year-old veteran against the 24-year-old Walker is one of the better matchups in training camp. Injury updates While on the subject of receivers, veteran DeAndre Hopkins didn’t practice because of a knee injury he suffered on a hard landing in Wednesday’s opening practice. The injury is not believed to be serious. Also, slot receiver Zay Flowers was at full-tilt in practice for the second straight day after suffering what appeared to be either a knee or ankle injury on Wednesday that forced him to miss about 10 minutes of practice. Flowers was at his artful best catching several short passes and easily juking defenders. He is by far one of the best open-field runners after the catch in the NFL. Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is competing to start next to Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Secondary shaping up Receiver Rashod Bateman ran an out-and-up against cornerback Nate Wiggins that resulted in a 55-yard touchdown pass from Jackson. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player tried to make the same play versus Wiggins on the next snap, but the second-year player wasn’t fooled and knocked down Jackson’s pass intended for receiver Keith Kirkwood. Wiggins might only be in his second season, but he’s no fool and could become one the best at his position in the NFL. Because of his ability, he might not get tested a lot this season with Chidobe Awuzie, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Alexander competing to play on the opposite side. The Ravens had Armour-Davis playing over the slot at times during Thursday’s practice and even blitzed him a couple of times off the edge. This is a big season for Armour-Davis, as well as outside linebacker David Ojabo. Both are about to enter their fourth seasons before entering free agency. Offensive line battle Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees both took snaps with the first-team offense at left guard Thursday, but Vorhees seems better suited for the position. Why? Neither are great pass blockers, but Vorhees is more versatile and durable. Play of the day The best overall play of the day was middle linebacker Roquan Smith running stride-for-stride with running back Justice Hill down the left sideline and knocking down a long pass. The Kansas City Chiefs exposed Smith’s inability to cover in the season opener a year ago and several teams attacked him in similar fashion in the early part of the season. Smith, though, regrouped and appeared to get in better shape deeper into the year. Pass rush intrigue When watching the Ravens do sled work, no one rocks it harder than 6-foot-4, 341-pound Travis Jones, the fourth-year defensive lineman out of Connecticut. When he strikes it, the earth moves. Outside linebacker and third-year player Tavius Robinson also showed good technique and explosion. Also of interest, fifth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh is thicker across the chest but appears to be not as quick as a year ago. It will be interesting to see what weight he plays at during the season. He is listed at 6-5 and 265 pounds. Kicker watch With sixth-round kicker Tyler Loop sitting out, presumably for a scheduled day off, undrafted rookie John Hoyland went 9-for-9 on his field goal attempts. Three were from 40-plus, and one was from 50-plus. Hoyland was wearing a GoPro camera on his helmet, which coach John Harbaugh said allows coaches to see what he’s looking at and different angles of his leg. Related Articles Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy knows clock is ticking, but doesn’t plan to slow down READERS RESPOND: Fans think the Ravens are the best team in the NFL 43 thoughts on every Ravens offensive player as training camp begins This photographer shoots from the stands. Ravens players love his work. Draft gem? If you want to see quickness, keep an eye on rookie defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, a sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech. He is getting better with the spin move and did a lot of work with pass-rush specialist Chuck Smith before the beginning of practice. Still getting better One of the best improvements from Jackson is his ability to drift to the left, even with a soft shuffle, keep his eyes down the field and complete the pass. The eighth-year veteran couldn’t do that earlier in his career. In fact, he wasn’t very good rolling to his left at all. It’s all part of his development as a top-tier quarterback. Baltimore Sun reporter Sam Cohn contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Kyle Van Noy knows he isn’t LeBron James or Steph Curry. The 34-year-old Ravens linebacker won’t be playing as long as two of the NBA’s oldest superstars, ages 40 and 37, respectively. Van Noy’s career clock is ticking. But as far as he’s concerned, he can play as long as he wants to. “That’s my mindset,” he said, after Thursday’s training camp practice in Owings Mills. “I thought about it a lot this offseason. I’m just grateful to continue to play. My body’s still good and I can play at a high level.” Van Noy is coming off the most productive of his 11-year career. The one-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion led all Baltimore pass rushers with 12.5 sacks — the first double-digit sack season of his career, worthy of a Chuck Smith-branded hoodie. Baltimore has emboldened him as a pass rusher, he has said before, more than any of his four prior stops. Van Noy still believes he’s one of the best at the position in the league. He logged the fourth-most sacks in the NFL and his pass rush win rate (16%) last year was top 20. He also finished top 20 in quarterback hits (9) and total pressures (52), per Pro Football Focus. Still, PFF ranked him as the 30th best EDGE rusher entering 2025. Van Noy didn’t contemplate retirement this offseason. But there was some internal dialogue about the state of his career and current situation. It’s been an “interesting offseason,” he said. Van Noy was asked to clarify that adjective. “There’s just other situations where I feel I’m very valuable,” he said. “And some people think I’m more valuable than others.” This season is the last on Van Noy’s two-year, $9 million deal. He’s set to make $3.75 million in 2025, carrying a $6.1 million cap hit — by all accounts a bargain for Baltimore considering his 21 1/2 combined sacks the past two seasons. Van Noy is also the oldest pass rusher in a group that includes 26-year-old Odafe Oweh, who logged double-digit sacks last season and is also entering a contract year; Tavius Robinson, who has gotten rave reviews from his coaches about his development; and now rookie second-round pick Mike Green. But Van Noy said he’s grateful to be with his Ravens teammates. He wants to insert himself a bit more to help uplift the younger guys. And he would love to celebrate a win in February under confetti alongside his family. Van Noy told The Sun back in February that he knows he can still play at a high level. “It’s something where they have to make a decision, too,” referring to Ravens decision makers. General manager Eric DeCosta said during his end-of-season news conference that Van Noy “comes to work every day with a great attitude, he’s a leader, and he’s a fun storyline this year for us.” Ravens coach John Harbaugh sees no signs of slowing down from Van Noy. Related Articles Ravens’ Jaire Alexander leaves Packers in the past: ‘I got good vibes here’ Ravens observations: Too many tight ends? Not on this team. READERS RESPOND: Fans think the Ravens are the best team in the NFL 43 thoughts on every Ravens offensive player as training camp begins This photographer shoots from the stands. Ravens players love his work. “Guys play until they can’t,” Harbaugh said. “He’s playing great. He’s still playing at a high level. So all these other narratives, the age narrative, it’s all nothing.” In March, Van Noy completed a 72-hour water fast. In other words, he only drank water for three days — no meals, no snacks, no other drinks. Just H2O. He wrote on X that he “ate real good” on vacation and needed the reset. UFC CEO Dana White was the inspiration, and he saw a few others online try it. Outside of some headaches, Van Noy said the water fast had him feeling brand new. He shed a handful of pounds. The chicken, caesar salad and vegetables after the three days helped get him back on track. Diet aside, the secret to playing at the level he has been able to the past two seasons, at his age, he said, is being “built different from a lot of kids these days” and “part of an old school cloth.” Van Noy has always considered himself a valuable asset, albeit an underrated one. ESPN did not include him in its top-10 EDGE rushers, nor was he one of four honorable mentions or among the seven who also received votes. He scoffs at that stuff. But it’s certainly fair to question whether he can repeat such a productive year entering the twilight of a long career. “The end is closer than the beginning, I know that. Everybody knows that,” Van Noy said. “But I can play as long as I want.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

We asked readers who they think is the best team in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season. The Ravens are among the franchises beginning training camp this week, and they open their 2025 season on Sept. 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Here are the results from our online poll: Ravens — 62% (97 votes) Eagles — 21% (33 votes) Chiefs — 9% (14 votes) Bills — 3% (5 votes) Lions — 3% (4 votes) Other — 2% (3 votes) Rams — 0% (0 votes) Here’s what some fans told us about the NFL’s best teams (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Dallas will be better this year. America’s team! — Jeff The Ravens have the best and deepest roster. But they need to be the best in the playoffs or it will be another disappointing finish. — Pat Kiernan The Ravens always have the best team. Makes you wonder why they don’t win the Super Bowl. — Rob Fickes Right now, it’s the Eagles. — Michael Andrews The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article

With Ravens training camp set to start this week, The Baltimore Sun offered a few thoughts on the 42 offensive players on the team’s roster. The 53-man roster will be finalized Aug. 26 before the Ravens’ regular-season opener Sept. 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Lamar Jackson One of the NFL’s biggest stars keeps finding new sources of motivation. Jackson was ranked as the league’s No. 4 quarterback in ESPN’s poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, behind the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow. The 28-year-old veteran is coming off a record season, albeit without an NFL Most Valuable Player Award. He was ranked as the most efficient quarterback in the NFL, both by expected points added and yards per attempt. Jackson threw 41 touchdown passes to just four interceptions, becoming the only quarterback in league history with those numbers. Baltimore’s Super Bowl hopes ultimately rest on his shoulders. Cooper Rush Rush signed a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million this offseason, giving the Ravens their most proven backup in years. Despite looking mediocre in voluntary offseason practices, the 31-year-old Rush went 9-5 as a starter with the Dallas Cowboys and has offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s trust. Devin Leary The former Kentucky quarterback is aiming to potentially make the practice squad or the 53-man roster. The NFL allows teams to elevate a third quarterback from the practice squad for games, but that player would count against the game-day roster limit. Running back Derrick Henry “King Henry’s” 2024 season was perhaps the most impressive of his career, as he converted his 20.4 touches per game into 2,114 combined rushing and receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. That earned him a two-year, $30 million extension in the offseason and he should continue to get heavy usage. How the Ravens balance the 31-year-old’s workload with other talented running backs, including Keaton Mitchell in his return from injury, will be a storyline to watch. Justice Hill The Oklahoma State product has carved out a nice role in Baltimore as RB2. Hill was the Ravens’ best receiving back last season, catching 42 passes for 383 yards, both career highs. His usage could dwindle with Mitchell returning, but Jackson clearly trusts the 27-year-old out of the backfield. Keaton Mitchell After suffering a devastating knee injury in December 2023, Mitchell, 23, is looking to return to form as both a running back and potentially the Ravens’ kick returner. Mitchell reached 22.4 mph during an offseason workout inside the team’s practice facility, which is faster than his reported speed before the injury. “He looks way better than he did at the end of last season just as far as movement,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I have hopes for him. I expect him to be really good.” Rasheen Ali A fourth-round draft pick in 2024, Ali was a nonfactor last season. He played in just six games, recording 10 carries. The former Marshall standout has some juice, and his draft pedigree puts him squarely on the roster bubble. But with Henry and Hill entrenched in their roles, and Mitchell coming back, Ali’s chances are slim. Marcus Major The 24-year-old rookie signed as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota after playing five seasons at Oklahoma. He’s squarely fifth on the depth chart. Wide receiver Zay Flowers The Ravens’ No. 1 wideout missed last season’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, an underrated aspect of the loss. Flowers took a massive leap in his second season. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl, led the team in catches (74) and receiving yards (1,059) and was 16th in the NFL in yards per route run at 2.25. Baltimore wants to involve the third-year star even more: he had five or fewer targets in five games and had less than 50 receiving yards in eight regular-season contests. “We’ve just got to get him the ball more,” Monken said. “He’s an unbelievable football player. He’s not only an outside receiver that has elite route-running skills, but he’s unbelievable with the ball in his hands.” Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers works out during a June practice. Flowers has spent time working out with quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason, building increased chemistry ahead of the 2025 season. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP) Rashod Bateman Bateman earned his third multiyear contract with the Ravens, becoming the first wideout in the team’s history to do so. Finally healthy, the 25-year-old was second in the league with one or more steps of separation while getting open, picked up 39 first downs, forced 10 missed tackles and had 26 catches of 15-plus yards, according to Pro Football Focus. If he can avoid the injury issues that have plagued his career, Bateman is a perfect complement to Flowers as the Ravens’ No. 2 receiver. DeAndre Hopkins Perhaps the biggest offseason addition on offense, the 33-year-old Hopkins is looking for a Super Bowl ring in Baltimore. While not the receiver he once was, the five-time All-Pro is still a big outside target who can allow for Flowers and Bateman to shift into the slot. Expect modest numbers but valuable contributions from the veteran this season. Tylan Wallace Wallace has never had more than 15 receptions, 200 yards or two touchdowns in a season, but he’s tied for the longest-tenured receiver on the team and can play in a pinch. The 26-year-old former Oklahoma State star brings punt returning experience, including a game-winning touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, and could be the Ravens’ best option at that spot. Devontez Walker Walker, 24, played in just 11 games as a rookie and recorded one catch for a touchdown but has looked improved this offseason. He’s got the frame (6-1, 200 pounds) and speed (4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine) to be a depth piece and should make the roster. Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker leaves the field after a September practice. Walker was rarely used as a rookie, but he has impressed during offseason workouts. (Staff file) LaJohntay Wester The lightest player on the offense (170 pounds), Wester has a chance to make the roster on special teams. He’s a dynamic athlete, showcasing a ton of wiggle during OTAs. He took the majority of reps at punt returner during practices. His punt return average was 12 yards and his kick return average was 15 yards during his lone season at Colorado. Anthony Miller Miller made a spectacular one-handed catch during offseason practices, but the 30-year-old veteran is a known commodity at this point of his career. He’s played just two games over the past three seasons, both with the Ravens. Malik Cunningham Cunningham has one of the most interesting stories on the team. He was selected in the 2023 USFL draft, although he chose to bypass the regular season and signed an undrafted contract with the New England Patriots as a quarterback. The Ravens reunited him with Jackson, his former college teammate at Louisville, in 2024 and transitioned him back to wide receiver. The 26-year-old signed a reserve/future contract with the team in February. Keith Kirkwood Another big body, Kirkwood has been in the league since 2018. The Ravens signed the 30-year-old to the practice squad during training camp in 2024 and he seems destined for a similar role in 2025. Xavier Guillroy The undrafted free agent out of Arizona State recorded 43 catches for 565 yards and six touchdowns in two seasons with the Sun Devils. He posted a 39-inch vertical jump at his pro day, which could make for fun training camp catches. Dayton Wade Wade, a former Ole Miss standout, is a shifty athlete who is expected to back up Wester and Flowers during training camp. Jahmal Banks The 6-4, 220-pound Banks starred at St. Frances and then at Nebraska, where he led the Cornhuskers with 587 receiving yards in 2024. Tight end Mark Andrews Jackson publicly defended one of his closest teammates after Andrews received harsh criticism for his crucial playoff drop against the Bills. With a lengthy injury history, the 30-year-old veteran can’t be expected to play a full season. But when he’s on the field, Andrews is one of the league’s most consistent tight ends, finishing top 10 in yards, touchdowns and average depth of target at the position last year. From left, Ravens tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are shown during OTAs. The duo forms one of the best tight-end tandems in the NFL. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Isaiah Likely The 2022 fourth-rounder keeps improving. Likely’s six touchdowns were eighth in the league at his position and his yards per route run ranked top 15 among NFL tight ends. With another offseason, could this be the season the 25-year-old surpasses Andrews in the pecking order? Charlie Kolar Kolar, 26, is one of the best third tight ends in the game. He’s a strong blocker and should continue to get on the field in heavy packages and near the red zone. Sam Pitz Beyond the top three, the depth chart is unsettled. The undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota Duluth is a camp body with strong blocking experience. Zaire Mitchell-Paden The 25-year-old Rockville native was signed to the team’s practice squad in October but did not appear in a game. Offensive line Ronnie Stanley The 31-year-old left tackle made his second career Pro Bowl in 2024, which earned him a three-year, $60 million extension this offseason. Stanley is the longest tenured Raven and started all 17 games for the first time in his career last season. He did earn a career-high four holding penalties, which was a part of a larger penalty issue. Andrew Vorhees Vorhees, 26, is competing for the left guard spot, Harbaugh said. The Ravens scooped up the USC graduate in the seventh round of the 2023 draft and he started three games for them last season. After tearing his ACL in the predraft process, he looked fully healthy this offseason. Tyler Linderbaum With Lions center Frank Ragnow retiring this offseason, Linderbaum has a claim as the best center in the NFL. The 25-year-old has not allowed a sack since his rookie year, according to PFF, and was graded as the fourth-best run blocker at the position last season. Daniel Faalele Once the NFL’s heaviest player, the 370-pound Faalele was the 70th-rated guard last season, according to PFF. Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, right, talks with Roger Rosengarten, left, during 2024 training camp. Rosengarten performed well as a rookie and is the team's projected starting right tackle in 2025.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Roger Rosengarten Another young offensive lineman, Rosengarten was excellent as a rookie last year. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team in 2024 and started 16 games at right tackle. Ben Cleveland The 26-year-old guard signed a one-year deal worth $1.17 million this offseason even after his playing time significantly dwindled. He played just 49 offensive snaps last year, the lowest of his career. Cleveland was cited for a DUI in Georgia over the offseason. Emery Jones Jr. The rookie has not practiced this offseason with a shoulder injury and Harbaugh said that he’s not expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Even if he were able to return, it’s difficult to imagine Jones earning the opportunity to start with such little practice time. Joe Noteboom A strong veteran signing, Noteboom started almost half of his games in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old can play both tackle positions and has experience at guard. He’s the likely backup tackle to Rosengarten or Stanley. Carson Vinson The fifth-round rookie out of Alabama A&M impressed at the NFL scouting combine with his agility. The only HBCU draftee in 2025, Vinson has an opportunity to make a mark with Jones out. Garrett Dellinger The Ravens loaded up in the trenches during the draft. The LSU graduate played left tackle, left guard and center during his time with the Tigers and that positional versatility enhances his chances to make the roster. Nick Samac The center did not appear in any games in 2024 and should be in a battle for a backup role. He does have a year in the system, which should give him an advantage over other options. Related Articles This photographer shoots from the stands. Ravens players love his work. Ravens observations from opening practice of training camp What to expect in the Ravens’ kicker battle featuring rookie Tyler Loop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson not ‘trying to think about Super Bowl yet’ Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Trump White House visit: ‘I root for our president’ Darrian Dalcourt Dalcourt starred at St. Frances and committed to Alabama as a four-star recruit. He started 16 games at center for the Crimson Tide and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Jared Penning Penning, the younger brother of 2022 first-round pick and current New Orleans Saints tackle Trevor Penning, was a standout at Northern Illinois. Corey Bullock The Maryland graduate transferred to the Terps for the final season of his college career. He was the only steady force amid a shaky offensive line and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens. Gerad Lichtenhan The Oregon State left tackle was the Offensive Lineman of the Year in the two-team Pac-12 Conference and played in the East-West Shrine Bowl. He earned an 81.8 overall grade from PFF and committed just one penalty while giving up two sacks. Reid Holskey Holskey started 44 games at Miami (Ohio) and was named first-team All-MAC in 2024. Ozzie Hutchinson Hutchinson was named All-Coastal Athletic Association last fall despite playing just six games because of injuries. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

Lamar Jackson prefers to work in private. During the offseason, the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player doesn’t post training montages or pictures from the gym like many of his counterparts around the league. There’s a vague smokescreen of mystery shielding Jackson’s football life from the time one season ends and the next begins. Earlier this month, Hassan Edwards, a Baltimore native and freelance photographer, got to break that veil. He was invited to South Florida — reaping two-plus-years haphazardly sneaking his camera into M&T Bank Stadium — to capture Jackson throwing passes to Zay Flowers. “I was just like, ‘Dang, that’s my favorite player in front of me,’” Edwards said. Edwards, a 23-year-old graduate of Baltimore City College then Baltimore City Community College, had a camera growing up because he admired the one his uncle had. But it was never anything he used seriously. Then a friend needed a favor: someone to shoot his brand event. After that, Edwards brought his camera to a friend’s high school football game. There was something about capturing a moment, tapping into his creativity, that clicked. That imaginative side of Edwards, an interest in multimedia storytelling, was always there, but he never had much of an outlet for it. That changed in 2018. Someone sent a Ravens hype video in their group chat. Edwards didn’t like the way it came together. So he made his own; an “Avengers” style mixtape that gained some traction on social media. Mixing NFL highlight tapes is “where my creative process came from,” he said. But it was barely a hobby, overshadowed by a life he wasn’t happy with. In 2021, Edwards felt himself spiraling. He was in school and working part-time at Home Depot, then Target. He didn’t have any discernible passions. Late 2022 was “probably the lowest I’ve ever been.” “Photography was something I could use to escape from all that,” Edwards said. “It just helped me distract my mind off everything.” He made it to a few home Ravens games in 2022. Game day photography became part of his weekly schedule by 2023, as he chronicled the No. 1 seed’s chase to an AFC North championship. Edwards’ pictures picked up steam on social media, enough so that when Rashod Bateman needed a photographer for a lifestyle shoot, someone recommended the local kid. Other players started to catch on, asking Edwards for game photos of themselves to post to their own social media accounts: Isaiah Likely, Nate Wiggins, Keaton Mitchell, Trenton Simpson and more. Lamar Jackson during a private workout in South Florida from early July. The two-time MVP quarterback doesn't post much from his offseason training. Hassan Edwards had the chance to capture some of the summer magic (Courtesy: Hassan Edwards). There are two pictures from last season that Edwards still speaks fondly of. First was from Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Edwards snapped the frame and showed it to his buddy. “I was like, ‘Ooh, I like this one.’” It was Jackson, his back to the camera, slamming on the brakes and propped up on his tippy toes like Michael Jackson, while two helpless defenders flew by. The other was a touchdown pass to Bateman against Cincinnati, more famous for Jackson turning away from the throw chucking up three fingers like it was a Steph Curry triple. “Somebody said my pictures always look like a lock screen,” Edwards said. “I do that on purpose as well. I leave space at the top. I’m not on the field. Since I’m not up close I can’t get the whole body and keep all the quality. I try to keep a certain style where you can see a story within it but you can also grab it and use it for your lock screen.” View the full article

The Ravens opened training camp for the 2025 season Wednesday with a 90-minute session that amounted to a glorified offseason practice — except the top players were in attendance. As expected, coach John Harbaugh declared it a good practice and certain things were clearly noticeable. It appeared that most of the players reported in good shape and were ready to go, even 6-foot-8, 370-pound starting right guard Daniel Faalele. Linebacker Jake Hummel, who will be out a week with a cut on his hand, was the only unexpected absence. It will be interesting to see how that plays out in the coming days as the temperatures get hotter, but that’s plus for the offensive line. Other starters who looked good were veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who has rebuilt the lower half of his body recently, and second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who looks bigger and thicker compared with his rookie campaign. The full pads go on Monday. Here’s what else we saw from the opening day of camp: Nice hands There were several top catches on Day 1. Even though he was out of bounds, veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins hauled in a one-handed, quick 15-yard out after the ball rolled along his back. Tight end Mark Andrews caught a long touchdown pass while streaking down the right hash mark. Andrews completed the play with a 20-yard run, something he couldn’t do last season. That’s a good sign. New-look secondary The Ravens used various starting combinations in the secondary, which included cornerbacks Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander. The Ravens are hoping the injury-prone Alexander can stay healthy for an entire season and return to the form that made him one of the best in the NFL in 2020 and 2022. Alexander is cocky, and that’s desperately needed. He knocked down a pass intended for receiver Dayton Wade in the middle of practice and then did one of those signature celebrations. You didn’t see much of that last season when the Ravens had the No. 31-ranked pass defense in the NFL. I will wait to see if that happens consistently throughout training camp, but it was nice to see some swag back on defense from another player besides Humphrey. Ravens receivers didn’t get much separation Wednesday, but the defense is always ahead of the offense early in the season. Injury scare Fans were holding a collective breath when slot receiver Zay Flowers went down with either a knee or ankle injury after a catch along the left sideline during a 7-on-7 period. Flowers sat on a water cooler for about 10 minutes before returning to action. Within minutes of returning, he caught a short pass over the middle, made a jump cut and then juked past a defender, so apparently he was OK. Of course, we’ll see if he is on the field Thursday because a lot of swelling might occur overnight. Flowers, though, looked healthy. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews showed his speed on a long touchdown catch. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Missed opportunities The Ravens had two big misses in practice as second-year receiver Devontez Walker failed to hold onto a pass after diving over rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone and falling to the ground. Third-year running back Keaton Mitchell simply dropped a pass from backup quarterback Cooper Rush in what should have been a 40- to 50-yard touchdown reception. Mitchell is in a battle to be the third-down back with Justice Hill, but Hill’s ability to block gives him the edge in passing situations. Mitchell might have made the play if he didn’t stop running because he didn’t think that he was going to get the ball. Where’s the syrup? The pancake award goes to fullback Patrick Ricard, who easily knocked defensive end David Ojabo to the ground during a pass protection drill. I kept waiting for the late boxing announcer Howard Cosell to say “Down goes Frazier!” Ojabo won’t want to look at the film on that hit. Deal or no deal? With Lamar Jackson in training camp, the Ravens might finally be able to negotiate a new deal with the star quarterback. Everyone knows that Jackson has to be pinpointed, and there is no better time than with him practicing every day. This isn’t hard to figure out. Top-caliber quarterbacks rotate being the highest-paid player in the NFL, so Jackson will make more on his next deal than the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, who averages $60 million per year on his $240 million extension. Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard, left, and fullback Lucas Scott clash during a drill. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Kicker watch The rookie kickers performed well. Tyler Loop, drafted in the sixth round out of Arizona, was 6-for-6. John Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming, was 4-for-5 with his lone miss from 40 yards. “With the kickers, it’s a process, and nobody’s more processed than the kickers,” Harbaugh said. “It’s probably more like golf than any other sport in terms of process, swing, replicating that time and time again [and] making a good kick. Arnold Palmer used to talk about making a good putt. Did I make a good putt? If I made a good putt, whether it goes in or not is not the point. The point is, if I make a good putt, I’m going to give myself the best chance to be successful. We want our guys to learn how to make a good kick over and over again in every circumstance. Related Articles What to expect in the Ravens’ kicker battle featuring rookie Tyler Loop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson not ‘trying to think about Super Bowl yet’ Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Trump White House visit: ‘I root for our president’ What NFL power rankings say about the Ravens entering training camp The Ravens’ defense goes as Roquan Smith goes — and he knows it “So that process goes into when they’re over there on the side, and nobody’s paying attention to them. When they bring it over to the team period, when they bring it over to a team situation period like we did the second period today in practice where they had to run on the field and make a kick — as game-like as we can make it now — and then when we take it into the game, replicate the kick every single time. That’s what we’re chasing with those guys.” Harbaugh on Henry Running back Derrick Henry has already made a fan out of Harbaugh after only one season with the Ravens. “The intangible thing is the work ethic and the attitude, the enthusiasm for the day,” Harbaugh said of the 31-year-old veteran, who rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. “My dad talks about ‘attacking the day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,’ and I see that every day, and it’s not necessarily in what he says — although, he’ll have fun — [but] it’s what he does and the way he works at it and how hard he works to get better, how intentional he is about being the best player he can be. That’s his biggest trait, I think.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

At the Ravens’ first training camp practice, while most of the 90-man roster crowds one field, a small quartet of players stands alone on the other. Kickers Tyler Loop and John Hoyland, along with punter Jordan Stout and long snapper Nick Moore, work off to the side during most team drills, practicing different variations of kicks. They will then join the team for simulated attempts. Both kickers were solid during Wednesday’s first glimpse in Owings Mills. The two combined to go 9-for-10 on field goal attempts, with Hoyland’s final kick being the only miss of the day. Loop made kicks from 34, 36, 32, 27 and 30 yards. Hoyland converted his opportunities from 37, 27, 32 and 37 yards, while he missed a 40-yarder. Expect the competition to continue well into training camp, as the Ravens are hoping to see how the specialists perform in high-pressure, game-like situations. That includes simulated drills, end-of-practice kicks and potentially preseason games. Coach John Harbaugh compared kicking with golf and said that kickers should look at their attempts through a process-based lens. If they made a good kick, but it sailed wide, that’s fine. If they struck the ball poorly, but it went through the uprights, what adjustments can they make? The Ravens are aiming to replace longtime kicker Justin Tucker, who was released by the team and subsequently suspended by the NFL for the first 10 weeks of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after more than a dozen female massage therapists accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior at several Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers. Tucker, who went undrafted out of Texas, made 89.1% of his field goal attempts in 13 seasons with Baltimore, making him the most accurate kicker in NFL history. Loop was the first kicker drafted in the team’s history and was the second specialist to come off the board in April. “We felt like he was the best kicker. It made sense for us to take him,” general manager Eric DeCosta said after the draft. Loop had one of the strongest legs in the class and made several 60-yard field goals during voluntary offseason practices. He finished his Arizona career with a program-record 83.75% success rate on field goal attempts, including a 62-yarder that set a school record. However, drafted kickers tend to be hit-or-miss in their rookie seasons. The Bengals’ Evan McPherson became one of the NFL’s top specialists in his first season, drilling several game-winning field goals in Cincinnati’s run to the Super Bowl in 2022. He tied Adam Vinatieri for the most field goals made in a single postseason with 14. But others have struggled. New England Patriots draft pick Chad Ryland, a former Maryland standout, made just 64% of his kicks in his 2023 rookie campaign and was released the following year. Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York was also cut after converting only 75% of his field goal attempts in his 2022 rookie season. Since 2016, drafted kickers have made an average of 81.22% of their field goal attempts during their rookie season. But more than half of the kickers drafted in the past decade were on a new team in their second NFL season. Related Articles Ravens observations from opening practice of training camp Ravens QB Lamar Jackson not ‘trying to think about Super Bowl yet’ Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Trump White House visit: ‘I root for our president’ What NFL power rankings say about the Ravens entering training camp The Ravens’ defense goes as Roquan Smith goes — and he knows it The Ravens added Hoyland, an undrafted free agent, in the offseason to compete with Loop. Hoyland is Wyoming’s all-time leading scorer and converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts in his final season. While his leg is not as strong as Loop’s, he still made several 50-plus-yard field goals in college. The most likely outcome is that Loop wins the job. He has the college pedigree, the front office invested a draft pick in him and he’s outpaced Hoyland in practices so far. But the competition isn’t decided yet. Whichever kicker performs better in practice and preseason games will likely be the replacement to one of the franchise’s most reliable players. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

Lamar Jackson dropped back for his first pass in 11-on-11, cocked and fired the ball toward an out-breaking DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline, the pass too far in front of the new wide receiver as it skidded to the grass. One throw later, he connected with a more familiar target, with third-year Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers hauling in a pass over the middle and breaking loose in the secondary. And so it begins. Jackson and the Ravens kicked off their first day of training camp under warm, sunny skies Wednesday in Owings Mills, where the goal of a trip to the organization’s first Super Bowl since 2012 began in earnest but remains a distant thought. “I’m really not trying not to think that far,” Jackson, 28 and entering his eighth season in Baltimore, said. “Because every time we have those discussions, man, we get to the playoffs, we don’t punch in, we don’t finish. So I’m pretty much trying to finish camp the correct way and get ready for the Bills. “I’m not really trying to think about the Super Bowl yet.” Buffalo, on the other hand, is a more immediate target. The Bills are the ones who ended the Ravens’ bid for a championship in excruciating fashion, 27-25, on a snowy evening at Highmark Stadium in January. The teams will meet again in Week 1 on Sept. 7, also in Orchard Park, New York, on “Sunday Night Football.” First, though, six weeks of training camp, including three preseason games and two joint practices. “We’re just trying to have a great day today,” coach John Harbaugh said when asked about Jackson entering his third year under offensive coordinator Todd Monken and second alongside three-time All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. “We have a lot of goals in terms of what we’re trying to do specifically with our offense. We’re trying to get better at 1,000 different things that apply to what we’re trying to do. “That’s kind of an advantage of Year 3. We have a really good handle on who we are, what our guys are good at, our identity if you want to call it that.” Jackson is of course at the nexus of that identity, and this is the time of year to refamiliarize himself with his pass catchers and introduce himself to new ones. Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, is the most notable among them. There’s also new cornerback Jaire Alexander, a former college teammate of Jackson’s who signed with the Ravens earlier this offseason after his release from the Green Bay Packers. At one point, Jackson lofted a fade to Hopkins up the sideline, who made a nifty back shoulder grab with Alexander in tight coverage. Alexander got up and bowed in a sign of respect. “He’s still that guy,” Jackson said of Alexander, a 28-year-old two-time All-Pro. So is Jackson, particularly when it comes to experimenting with plays this time of year, even when it might not be the intended one. “Coach Monk probably get on me a little bit because he be wanting me to throw the ball certain places,” Jackson said. “But I’m like sometimes in the game it might not happen the way it is in practice. “I try everything. Sometimes coach let me get away with it, sometimes he gonna coach me.” Their partnership has worked incredibly and historically well so far. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson turns during the first day of training camp. Jackson isn't shy about experimenting with plays during preseason practices. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) In 2023, Jackson set career highs in passing yards (3,678) and completion percentage (.672) and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player after leading the Ravens to the league’s best record (13-4) and the AFC championship game. Last season, he was even better, with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions while also rushing for 915 yards and four scores. Baltimore became the first team in history to throw for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 3,000, with Henry’s 1,921 the second-most in the NFL behind only the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley. Yet, the Ravens believe they — and Jackson — can be even better. “He works really hard at being better,” Harbaugh said. “That position, there’s so much that goes into playing that position and Lamar’s young. “He’s already great. He’s not one of these guys who says I’m great, I’m there, I’ve arrived, I’m already there. He never looks at it that way. … He’s grown in every way.” Still, at this point Jackson will only be measured by postseason success, and that has been tougher to come by. Baltimore is just 3-5 in the playoffs with Jackson at the helm. In that span, he has thrown 10 touchdown passes but also seven interceptions. He has lost four fumbles as well. In last season’s divisional round loss to the Bills, Baltimore had three turnovers while Buffalo had none. Two of them were by Jackson, who had an interception and a fumble. How to fix that? “Just hold onto the football,” Jackson said. Related Articles Ravens observations from opening practice of training camp What to expect in the Ravens’ kicker battle featuring rookie Tyler Loop Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Trump White House visit: ‘I root for our president’ What NFL power rankings say about the Ravens entering training camp The Ravens’ defense goes as Roquan Smith goes — and he knows it For now, though, he has other things on his mind, like finding success in training camp. “Just score on our defense,” he said when asked to define what that looks like. “We got one of the best defenses in the league. If we could put points on our defense or move the ball on our defense I feel like we’re having success.” The offense, with all but one of its starters back from last season plus the addition of Hopkins, shouldn’t be a problem. “We’re looking great on paper,” Jackson said. “But we’re gonna see when the time comes.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article