ExtremeRavens

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Veteran safety Tony Jefferson has come out of retirement to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers, the team announced Friday. The 32-year-old Jefferson had a tryout during the Chargers’ minicamp, which concluded Thursday. The Chargers will be the fifth team for Jefferson. He made the Arizona Cardinals’ roster as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and has also played for the Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants. He joined the Ravens’ front office last year as an intern as part of the NFL’s Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship. It’s yet another Ravens connection for the Chargers, who are led by coach Jim Harbaugh, younger brother of Ravens coach John Harbaugh, and general manager Joe Hortiz, who previously served as Baltimore’s director of player personnel. Los Angeles signed former Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards this offseason and hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman to serve in the same role. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter also coached four seasons in Baltimore. Jefferson has played in 113 regular-season games over his 10-year career and started 67 with 9 1/2 sacks, four interceptions, 24 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He played with the Ravens from 2017 to 2019 after signing a four-year, $34 million deal to replace strong safety Lardarius Webb. Jefferson gives the Chargers depth and experience in the secondary. Derwin James and Alohi Gilman are expected to be the starting safeties. View the full article

Hope springs eternal this time of year in the NFL. The Ravens have good reason for it. After 10 practices during voluntary organized team activities and this week’s mandatory three-day minicamp, they enter the six-week summer break ahead of the start of training camp in late July largely healthy. Aside from second-year running back Keaton Mitchell, who suffered a torn ACL against the Jacksonville Jaguars in mid-December and won’t be back until sometime during the season at the earliest, there are no known long-term injury concerns. That includes what is perhaps the league’s best safety tandem, All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. While Hamilton has been sidelined through most of the offseason workout program with an elbow issue, coach John Harbaugh said it’s merely a “two-to-three-week deal” and that he expects the 2023 Pro Bowl selection to be back on the field for the start of training camp. Williams, meanwhile, appears to be fully healthy again after a pair of injuries limited him last season. “Injuries happen in the year, and you’ve just got to overcome those injuries and just push past them, which I think I’m pretty good at doing,” Williams said Thursday. “I’ve been myself. This has been me.” Staying on the field has been easier said than done for the 27-year-old Williams, however, since Baltimore signed him to a five-year, $70 million free agent deal in March 2022. Over the past two seasons, the 2017 second-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints has appeared in just 21 of 34 regular-season games. Last year, he missed three straight games after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 1 against the Houston Texans and three more after injuring his hamstring in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans in London. “I never worry about showing anybody what I can do. I just stay true to me and go out there, perform to the best of my ability no matter what’s going on,” Ravens safety Marcus Williams said. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) It could have been worse, but Williams, who led Baltimore with four interceptions in 2022, decided not to have surgery after his pectoral injury and instead opted for rehabilitation. Had he chosen the former, it would have cost him most of the season, if not all of it. Still, there were signs that something wasn’t quite right with his pectoral muscle once he returned, and it appeared to impede his ability to tackle. Williams played on, but some of his performances, along with the data, signaled trouble. His seven missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus, were up from two the previous season. The 76.7% completion rate he allowed when targeted was the worst of his career. And there were obvious struggles as well, including in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars when he winced in pain while tackling wide receiver Christian Kirk near the end of the first half and had to be helped to his feet by linebacker Patrick Queen to keep the clock running. The following week against the San Francisco 49ers, he whiffed on a tackle as tight end Georg Kittle rumbled for a 58-yard gain. In all, Williams’ 55 tackles were the fewest of his career, though he only appeared in 11 games and played the fewest defensive snaps (636) of his career as he and the Ravens tried to manage a long season that would stretch to the AFC championship game. Williams simply carried on, saying in November, “I feel good.” It was also a stark contrast with his career in New Orleans, where he missed just four games over his first five seasons. Despite Williams’ struggles at times, however, Baltimore still boasted one of the league’s best defensive backfields last season. The Ravens’ secondary ranked second in the NFL with a 93 grade from PFF and tied for the third-most interceptions in the league at 18. While safety Geno Stone — now with the Cincinnati Bengals — accounted for an AFC-leading seven of them, many were the product of right place, right time and thanks to a collaborative effort. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on ‘pumped’ Kyle Van Noy, ‘nagging things’ for Marlon Humphrey and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with receivers, new cadence key for offense: ‘Next level’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman frustration, belief in Jalyn Armour-Davis and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman can’t find rhythm; Marlon Humphrey sidelined; offensive line taking shape | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Now healthy, Williams’ impact could be even greater and more important with Stone gone amid turnover in the secondary. “It’s not about showing anybody anything,” Williams said when asked if he’s out to prove what he can do when healthy. “It’s about showing myself what I can do. I never worry about showing anybody what I can do. I just stay true to me and go out there, perform to the best of my ability no matter what’s going on, and that’s just … as football players, you’ve got to overcome adversity and face that, look it in the eye and just never give up.” Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t much care for what rankings say about what the best safety tandem in the NFL is, either. In his mind, he’s already certain. “Rankings don’t mean anything,” Williams said. “Performance from last year is not performance from this year. We know what we could do. We know what type of players we are. We’re confident in ourselves. I think I’m the best. [Hamilton] thinks he’s the best. “Our expectation is to be our best, to excel past our best and go out there and perform and help us win some games.” View the full article

It remains to be seen how much will change for the Ravens’ defense this season after the departure of Mike Macdonald and the promotion of Zach Orr to defensive coordinator. Kyle Van Noy doesn’t expect it to be too different, but seeing what Orr brings to the role is part of why he returned to Baltimore. For Van Noy, the biggest difference from his first season with the team isn’t on the field. Everyone knows his name now, from his teammates to the club’s behind-the-scenes staff. Continuity has been hard to find for the veteran outside linebacker who’s played for four teams in the past four seasons. The 33-year-old kept an open mind when he hit free agency, but returning to Baltimore meant he wouldn’t have to start over again. Van Noy is back with the Ravens for his 11th season for myriad reasons. He’s eager to see what an Orr-led defense will look like. And, equipped with a full offseason with the team, he wants to prove he has more to give. “I want to continue to show myself and show people that I can still play at a high level,” said Van Noy, who skipped voluntary organized team activities but returned for mandatory minicamp this week. “I feel like I’ve been underappreciated in my career. I don’t think I’ve lost a step in my eyes.” Van Noy signed with Baltimore in the week leading up to its Week 4 matchup with the Cleveland Browns last season. That meant he had to quickly grasp the defense and get to know who he’d be playing beside. He won’t have to deal with that challenge this year. “The bullets aren’t flying yet,” Van Noy said. “Things are a little bit more calm, you can build relationships. You’re not popping in Week 3, action’s going on, ‘Hey, what’s your name?’ type of deal.” Despite those challenges, he thrived and finished with a career-high nine sacks. It was one of the first times in his career, Van Noy said Thursday, in which he felt truly comfortable in the role that was asked of him. He bounced around from playing on and off the ball throughout his previous stops, which prevented him from settling in at either spot. Van Noy echoed fellow players’ sentiments throughout minicamp that aggressiveness could be a staple of an Orr-led unit. The coordinator sent unique blitz packages at the offense throughout the week, in part to give them various looks but to also get his defenders ready for what Orr might expect. With Jadeveon Clowney now in Carolina, the veteran Van Noy would be a key cog in Orr’s potentially hyper-aggressive system. For someone who values continuity and has struggled to find it, Van Noy knows what he can do when able to be comfortable. “I feel great, excited to be here, pumped to be a Raven and pumped to be going into year 11,” Van Noy said. “It’s nice to say I beat [recently retired Los Angeles Rams superstar defensive tackle] Aaron Donald in one thing.” Lamar Jackson, left, talks with teammate Tyler Linderbaum, right, on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Zay Flowers catches a ball during a drill on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) C.J. Ravenell, left, and Justin Madubuike, right during a drill on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Brent Urban, left, and Broderick Washington, right, during a drill on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Zay Flowers smiles during a drill on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Deadrin Senat, left, and Travis Jones, right, during a drill on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Derrick Henry throws on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Lamar Jackson throws on the last day of Ravens mini-camp. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Highlights and notes • Cornerback Marlon Humphrey missed team practice Wednesday and Thursday with an undisclosed injury. The three-time Pro Bowl selection worked with a trainer Wednesday, then was present but kept off the field Thursday. Coach John Harbaugh called it “nagging things” and said the cornerback should be ready for training camp. Humphrey missed the first four games of last season after having foot surgery and was sidelined later in the season with a calf injury. • Offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, defensive lineman Michael Pierce and wide receiver Nelson Agholor were absent Thursday. Mekari and Pierce left the field midway through Wednesday’s practice. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with receivers, new cadence key for offense: ‘Next level’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman frustration, belief in Jalyn Armour-Davis and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman can’t find rhythm; Marlon Humphrey sidelined; offensive line taking shape | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY • Wide receiver Rashod Bateman was heavily involved Thursday after quiet Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Quarterback Lamar Jackson looked for him often during the 11-on-11 period, including a toe-tapping grab about 20 yards down the left sideline. He then found Bateman again for a touchdown when the offense worked in the red zone. The first two days of minicamp dampened the fourth-year receiver’s mood — he was visibly displeased with his usage throughout the week — but Thursday might send Bateman off into the summer on a high note. • Tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar have been some of Jackson’s favorite targets throughout the week. On Thursday, undrafted second-year receiver Sean Ryan and fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker joined that group with a handful of impressive catches. Ryan leapt over Marcus Williams in the back corner of the end zone for a touchdown snag toward the end of practice, and Walker hauled in a score on a deep ball earlier in the day. • The Ravens’ defense shined in the red zone, albeit without helmets and most players not going at full speed. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith picked off Jackson in the end zone, cornerback Arthur Maulet jumped a pass from backu Josh Johnson but dropped a would-be interception and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike batted down a ball over the middle when he dropped into coverage. • The full team concluded Thursday with a ball security drill, in which everyone from Jackson to Smith and left tackle Ronnie Stanley took turns carrying the ball through defenders attempting to punch it loose. Baltimore lost two fumbles in last year’s AFC championship game defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, a loss several players said stuck in their heads over the spring. View the full article

Just one more practice remains in the Ravens’ three-day mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills before players break for six weeks ahead of the start of of training camp in late July. What exactly that summer hiatus will look like for Lamar Jackson and his wide receivers and tight ends, however, remains to be seen. To wit, does Jackson plan to get his group of pass catchers together for extra work to build on that all-important chemistry away from the noise of coaches and full-team practices? “I would love to do that,” he said Wednesday. “But some guys don’t wanna leave their state. “They gonna have to come to South Florida. They gonna have to do it. We got to. We trying to get to that Super Bowl. For us to do that, we gotta grind, we gotta build chemistry.” In some ways, they have. Two weeks ago, while much of the rest of the team was participating in Baltimore’s voluntary organized team activities, receivers Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor were working on routes and timing with Jackson at McNair Park in Pompano Beach, where Jackson played youth football. With all of them living in South Florida during the offseason, it was easy to put the session together. Of course, most of the Ravens’ receivers and tight ends live elsewhere, including Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, and it’s unclear how much time Jackson, Flowers and Agholor put in. Still, there’s been progress with Jackson and by extension his receivers and tight ends in the second year of offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. One of the more notable areas of focus is on Jackson’s cadence. Several times this week, he has either drawn the defense offsides or, worse yet, the offense has been flagged for a false start. “We’re doing a lot with cadence,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re doing a lot with at-the-line communication, and it’s challenging, so we understand there are going to be those moments, and you have a choice. You either always go on one, or you push through it [and] say, ‘We’re going to live with the mistakes, but we’re going to get good at it,’ so we want to get good at it, because we think cadence is a weapon.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, talks with quarterbacks coach Tee Martin during practice in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) It’s not a new one to Jackson or the Ravens, but one they’ve been focused on throughout the offseason so far — and for good reason. In last season’s AFC championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo mostly baffled the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player with a mix of man and zone coverage, as well as blitzes. According to Next Gen Stats, Kansas City blitzed on 43.5% of Jackson’s dropbacks, including four all-out blitzes. Jackson was sacked four times — although three of them came against zone coverage — as well as intercepted once and fumbled once. He finished just 20-for-37 for 272 yards with one touchdown and Baltimore lost, 17-10. One way to help negate the blitz is to change protection and routes at the line of scrimmage, as well as altering the cadence. “From us watching film and getting into games and teams changing things up on us, we just want to add an extra layer to our calls,” Jackson said. One way to get better at it, Jackson said, is study and repetition. Being pushed by quarterbacks coach Tee Martin is another. That much was evident during Wednesday’s practice, which Martin said was Jackson’s best day “in a long time” in terms of having the freedom to do what he wanted to do. That included with his cadence, something that was added to last year’s offense and has since been tweaked and expanded upon. It helps to go against a defense in practice that last season led the NFL in sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has been dialing up exotic looks and bringing the pressure. “Now we’re just testing it out and seeing at how it goes against our defense,” Martin said. “It’s good for us, too, because it’s testing our rules and it’s testing the quarterback’s ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage.” There have been some growing pains, including several false starts, but coaches aren’t worried about that in June. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman frustration, belief in Jalyn Armour-Davis and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman can’t find rhythm; Marlon Humphrey sidelined; offensive line taking shape | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ready to give RB Derrick Henry a full workload: ‘A lot of tread left on that tire’ “With the amount of communication we’re doing up front and with the amount and play changing we’re doing up front, it’s gonna come with some of that,” Martin said. “But we have to have that in our division, especially for home games with the pass rushers that we’re facing not only in our division but throughout the AFC and the guys that we’re playing when you look at our schedule.” That includes a rematch against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1. “It has been a tool in the past,” Martin said. “We’re just gonna continue to take it to the next level. Lamar is outstanding at it, whether we’re going non-verbal on the road, or whether we’re going verbal at home, we have a lot of different ones that gives us an advantage so people don’t know when we’re snapping the ball and slowing them down a little bit if we can. “I thought Kansas City did do a good job in the AFC championship game of challenging some of our protections and doing some things that did cause some issues. That was an area of growth. That was an area of us looking at tape and saying ‘how can we improve in those areas?’” Like everything the Ravens do on offense, it starts with Jackson. “My cadence has been pretty good, I believe,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything about it.” If Jackson’s cadence and chemistry with his receivers can continue to evolve, though, perhaps he also won’t hear anything about not having reached the Super Bowl, either. View the full article

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has said several times that he expects Rashod Bateman to have a breakout season, but the fourth-year wide receiver hasn’t shown that type of ability so far this offseason. In fact, during the second practice of a three-day mandatory minicamp Wednesday, Bateman and quarterback Lamar Jackson lacked timing on several passes, and there were times when Bateman seemed frustrated. Haven’t we seen this before? Look no further than at the beginning of last season, when Bateman’s body language told the story of how he seemed to be the forgotten receiver behind Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and tight end Mark Andrews. He sulked through the early part of the season but still managed 36 receptions for 408 yards and a touchdown. It was good enough for the Ravens to sign the 2021 first-round draft pick to a three-year, $15 million contract extension April 24. But on Wednesday, Bateman seemed irritated when Jackson threw to the opposite side of the field when he was open and then showed frustration when he was part of a clearing route for another receiver. In the last three team periods of the practice, Bateman didn’t participate. Maybe it was because he was injured, but he stood alone for quite some time with a towel draped over his head. By the end of the practice, Bateman and Jackson were standing on the sideline joking with each other. With training camp set to open in about another six weeks, maybe Bateman will show more enthusiasm in practice and a willingness to do whatever it takes for the Ravens to win. Then again, who knows. But this has been far from having a breakout season at this point, especially for a receiver who has the size and speed to become one of the best in the AFC. Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Rasheem Ali carry out a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Owen Wright during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart talks with Justice Hill during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris, right, work with linemen at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart demonstrate a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris, right, talk with linemen at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart, left, talks with wide receiver Zay Flowers at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Chris Collier carry out a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart, right, setting up a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Humphrey on hold? Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey didn’t practice with the team Wednesday. That’s not surprising, especially with the star cornerback having missed so much time the past few seasons because of injuries, but he did practice Tuesday. Humphrey spent a lot of time stretching and working out on the far lower field during individual periods Wednesday, so the guess is that Harbaugh will address his absence, especially if Humphrey doesn’t practice Thursday. The speculation here is that if either of the team’s 2024 draft picks at cornerback — first-round pick Nate Wiggins or fourth-round selection T.J. Tampa — play well, then Humphrey will become a salary cap cut next season. Humphrey, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is expected to make $14 million in base salary in the 2025 season. Take a lap I still like it when Harbaugh goes old school and makes players run a lap when they jump offsides or commit a false start. It’s like something you see in the Pee Wee League, but it’s still effective. Ask second-year guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. He had a false start early in practice. Bye. Don’t stop believing Every year I get excited about cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis. The 2022 fourth-round pick has good size at 6 feet 1 and 197 pounds and decent speed. He looks the part and has been impressive thus far in practice, but the former Alabama star can’t stay healthy. He has played in only 12 games the past two seasons. Since this is Year 3, the guess here is that his body has physically matured and he should be ready to handle an increased workload. Right? Pick play The worst interception of the day was thrown by rookie quarterback Devin Leary, who stared down tight end Riley Sharp and then had his late pass picked off by cornerback Bump Cooper Jr., who ran untouched for about 30 yards for a touchdown. And yes, his name is Bump Cooper. That doesn’t get any better for a cornerback. Bump & Run. Showing potential Fourth-year receiver Tylan Wallace had several outstanding catches across the middle in which he snagged balls with his hands outstretched instead of allowing the passes to get into his body. That wasn’t always the case with Wallace in the past. He also looks leaner and lighter and might contribute more than just on special teams. It’s great to see a receiver attack the ball. Where’s the beef? My apologies from the former Ravens defensive players who attended practice Tuesday and said the NFL no longer has “big butt” tackles such as former Ravens Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams. Both current nose tackles, Michael Pierce and Travis Jones, are some “thick” young men. Salute A tip of the cap goes to veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet. An errant pass on the sideline went over the head of a receiver and hit a young Ravens fan who was sitting in a chair watching practice. I thought Maulet would give the kid the ball, but he threw it back on the practice field. Bad move. Later in practice, Maulet was on the sideline talking with the kid and might have given him his practice gloves. Well done, Mr. Maulet. Nice catch Every practice, tight end Isaiah Likely has one of those magical moments in which he makes a one-handed catch over the middle. This time, it was about a 40-yard gain on a high pass thrown by Jackson that Likely snatched out of the sky with one hand. The only catch that was better came from undrafted rookie receiver Isaiah Washington, who hauled in a touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone as he wrestled the ball away from cornerback Ka’dar Hollman. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with receivers, new cadence key for offense: ‘Next level’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman can’t find rhythm; Marlon Humphrey sidelined; offensive line taking shape | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ready to give RB Derrick Henry a full workload: ‘A lot of tread left on that tire’ Offensive line competition The competition for a starting spot on the offensive line has been tough this offseason, and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris expects it to get tougher in training camp. The Ravens are looking for two starters at guard and one a right offensive tackle. “You know what, I’ve seen good competition,” D’Alessandris said. “I’ve seen each guy working, and I move them around quite a bit — for their benefit and also for our benefit — because the more they can do, guess what, [they] get to stay in this league longer, because you can play multiple positions, and they’ve all accepted that role and that opportunity. “Andrew [Vorhees] is doing a great job. ‘Sala’ [Aumavae-Laulu] is doing a good job. Josh Jones is doing a good job. Ben [Cleveland] is doing a good job inside there, so you just keep seeing all these young men doing it, and the good news is, this is the time of year where you’re learning assignment, communication [and] playing fast. The contact is not there. That’s going to come. Training camp is what that’s built for along with games. Then, we’ll see how it plays out from there.” At one point in practice, though, Cleveland, a fourth-year guard, was off the main field practicing with what we call “the junior varsity.” That’s not a good sign. Earlier this season, Harbaugh had said Cleveland was expected to challenge for a starting job. Hmm… View the full article

Tylan Wallace and Charlie Kolar were popular targets for Ravens quarterbacks during the second day of mandatory minicamp Wednesday. Lamar Jackson found Wallace outside the numbers often, and the star quarterback lasered in on Kolar over the middle of the field throughout practice for most of his completions. Both pass catchers punctuated their days with several leaping grabs. Even with players in only helmets and defenders unable to hit ball carriers, Wallace and Kolar flashed their chemistry with Jackson in extended looks. “We’re taking a step in the right direction,” the quarterback said. “Guys are moving good, running great routes.” That hasn’t been true for Rashod Bateman, who has struggled to receive attention from any quarterback through two days of minicamp. The fourth-year receiver was targeted just twice during the 11-on-11 portion Wednesday. The first was an overthrow from Jackson that cornerback Trayvon Mullen broke up. The second was intercepted by cornerback Ka’dar Hollman on a pass to the end zone from backup Josh Johnson, a result that made Bateman visibly frustrated. After both failed attempts, and most pass plays in which the ball ended up in someone else’s hands, Bateman dragged back to the huddle with his helmet off and head hung low. The 2021 first-round draft pick hasn’t formed the connection with Jackson that the Ravens’ other veteran pass catchers have. Wednesday was no different. Coach John Harbaugh said in March that he expects Bateman to take a “big step” this season. Baltimore signed the 24-year-old recevier to a two-year extension this offseason in hopes that he does just that. It’s difficult to form strong takeaways from minicamp, when the route concepts are bland and the pads are off, but the first two days have done little to show Bateman’s role will drastically change in 2024. Offensive line competition taking shape The Ravens have three spots on the offensive line to fill after guards Kevin Zietler and John Simpson left in free agency and right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Wednesday offered a hint at who Baltimore is considering there. Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele manned both guard spots for large portions of Wednesday’s practice. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said the team is working with Vorhees at left guard and center and training Faalele at right tackle and right guard, giving both of them looks at open positions. Josh Jones also got significant playing time. Second-round rookie Roger Rosengarten and Ben Cleveland rotated in frequently. “I move them around quite a bit, for their benefit,” D’Alessandris said. “The more they can do, you get to stay in this league longer because you can play multiple positions. They’ve all accepted that role.” Patrick Mekari is an option to start at any of the three openings, but D’Alessandris said his versatility is an attractive quality to have as a reserve, the role Mekari’s been in for much of his Ravens career. Harbaugh said Tuesday that he’d like the open competitions to be settled before the preseason, ideally within the first couple weeks of training camp. For now, the Ravens continue to tinker with and narrow down their options. “I’ve seen good competition,” D’Alessandris said. “The contact isn’t there. Training camp, that’s what that’s built for. We’ll see how it plays out from there.” Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Owen Wright during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Rasheem Ali carry out a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Chris Collier carry out a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, right, works with the linemen at mandatory minicamp practice Wednesday in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris, right, talk with linemen at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart talks with Justice Hill during a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart demonstrate a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart, left, talks with wide receiver Zay Flowers at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart, right, setting up a drill at mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Attendance report Marlon Humphrey was a new absence from team drills Wednesday. The three-time Pro Bowl cornerback participated Tuesday, but he only went through individual workouts with trainers on a back field for the penultimate day of minicamp. Jalyn Armour-Davis was used heavily opposite Brandon Stephens during full-team drills with Humphrey out. First-round pick Nate Wiggins also got time there. Kyle Hamilton was sidelined again Wednesday, sporting a compression sleeve on his right arm. The All-Pro safety underwent a procedure to remove “loose bodies” from his elbow, Harbaugh said Tuesday. The coach expects Hamilton to be ready for training camp in July. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ready to give RB Derrick Henry a full workload: ‘A lot of tread left on that tire’ Baltimore Ravens | Five things to watch at Ravens minicamp, including Lamar Jackson, Rashod Bateman and offensive line Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley in high spirits, rookies ahead of schedule and more “It’s a two-to-three week thing,” Harbaugh said Tuesday. Keaton Mitchell, who is still recovering from his December ACL tear and is months out from returning, did not participate again. Third-round pick Adisa Isaac worked individually with a trainer again Wednesday as the outside linebacker recovers from a hamstring injury suffered in rookie minicamp. Deonte Harty, a wide receiver and return specialist who Baltimore signed to a one-year deal in April, hasn’t been present. Harbaugh said Harty is tending to his 5-week-old daughter in the hospital. The former Archbishop Curley star also missed all of organized team activities for his daughter’s birth. “He felt like he couldn’t really leave his family, so we understood and we excused him for that,” Harbaugh said. Undrafted free agent and former Maryland standout Beau Brade returned Wednesday after being absent Tuesday. Offensive lineman and seventh-round selection Nick Samac was absent Wednesday. Cornerback Christian Matthew and defensive lineman Rayshod Nichols have missed both days. View the full article

Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley was once a force of nature. Part Baryshnikov, part bulldozer, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound dancing bear helped pave the way for the NFL’s best rushing attack in 2019 while also protecting the blind side of quarterback Lamar Jackson, the league’s unanimous Most Valuable Player that season. Stanley was subsequently richly rewarded in the form of a five-year, $112.8 million contract, a deal befitting an All-Pro and perhaps the best player at his position, which coincides with also being one of the most important in the game. But that was before the injuries and struggles set in. A season-ending ankle injury in 2020 just two days after he signed that massive deal, another season-ending ankle surgery in October 2021. The sixth overall draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2016, Stanley hasn’t played a full season since 2019, appearing in just 34 of a possible 71 games, including the playoffs. The 13 regular-season contests he played in last season were the most since his breakout year, but he still missed four games because of a knee injury. Even when he was on the field, he was — at times — a shell of his former self, ranking 38th in pass block win rate (87.2%) among tackles in 2023. It’s why coach John Harbaugh rotated Stanley with Patrick Mekari down the stretch of last season and why his contract was restructured this offseason. The latter was needed to lessen the load on Baltimore’s limited salary cap space, but the message was clear, too. How else to explain a reported $7.5 million pay cut, according to Over the Cap, and an incentive-laden deal? Worse yet in Stanley’s eyes, though, was how he performed in 2023, injuries aside. “It was killing me,” he said Tuesday in Owings Mills on the first day of mandatory minicamp. “We may have been playing well, but it was really killing me on the inside knowing that I wasn’t playing to my potential. That’s something that’s hard for me to live with.” Examples were aplenty for the proud but struggling offensive lineman. In his return from a knee injury in a Week 5 loss against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, he allowed a sack and seven hurries, per Pro Football Focus. Four games later, in a win over the Seattle Seahawks, he gave up a strip-sack to outside linebacker Boye Mafe, who blew past him on his way to Jackson. Two games after that, Stanley committed two penalties and struggled with Los Angeles Chargers star edge rusher Khalil Mack, who racked up two sacks, and allowed six quarterback pressures. That prompted Harbaugh to say the next day that Stanley’s performance had “not been great” and that “I think he’d be the first person to tell you that it’s not been great.” There were other games where Stanley struggled, too, including against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. But it wasn’t just that he was having a hard time dealing with some of the game’s best pass rushers. Stanley was flagged for 12 penalties in 13 games last season. Half of them were for false starts and three of them for holding; only Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor was penalized more among offensive linemen. “We may have been playing well, but it was really killing me on the inside knowing that I wasn’t playing to my potential,” Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley said Tuesday of his performance last season. “That’s something that’s hard for me to live with.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Of course, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl — beating the Ravens in the AFC championship game to get there — so they could live with those penalties. The Ravens could not, which is why Stanley, 30, had to take a pay cut or face potentially being a salary cap cut. With both guard spots up for grabs as well as right tackle, the latter was unlikely to happen, but something had to give. Stanley also didn’t want his Ravens career to end on a such a sour note. “Baltimore is like a second home to me,” he said Tuesday. “Being here, going on my ninth year and missing a lot of time, if that was my last year it just wouldn’t really sit right with me. I would probably have some regret not leaving Baltimore on the note that I want to leave it on.” Which perhaps explains, at least in part, why the veteran was at each of the Ravens’ 10 voluntary organized team activities practices this offseason and why he has looked spry and spirited over the past month, even at one point catching a batted pass out of the air and spinning a few yards downfield past would-be tacklers. “Ronnie’s doing a good job,” Harbaugh said Tuesday. “He got in shape it looks like. He’s ready to go.” Baltimore will need him to be. After Jackson won his second NFL MVP Award last season and with the addition of two-time NFL rushing leader and four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens are again among the favorites to get to the Super Bowl. They also need Stanley’s experience, and talent, up front given the uncertainty surrounding much of the rest of the line. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ready to give RB Derrick Henry a full workload: ‘A lot of tread left on that tire’ Baltimore Ravens | Five things to watch at Ravens minicamp, including Lamar Jackson, Rashod Bateman and offensive line Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley in high spirits, rookies ahead of schedule and more Baltimore Ravens | Is Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eager to kick off under new NFL rules? ‘Hell yeah!’ “I love Ronnie,” Harbaugh said. “I love who he is, his personality. I also love what he’s capable of doing on the football field. “You go by what you see as a coach, as Bill Parcells said, not what you remember. What I see from Ronnie is, he’s moving his feet, looks like he’s got a good anchor. Obviously having a talented left tackle playing at a high level would be really good for us.” And good for Stanley, who a few weeks before restructuring his contract unwound from a tough season with a trip to Machu Picchu with teammate Roquan Smith. “I feel good,” Stanley said. “I’m coming out of practice still having energy, still upbeat. “There’s zero doubt in my head if I’m playing the way I need to be playing, to my standard, I’m the best tackle — in my head.” All that’s left to do is show it on the field. View the full article

The Ravens had an old-timers’ convention on the first of three mandatory minicamp practices Tuesday in Owings Mills. It was great seeing some of the old guys again, including the old guard of offensive linemen Wally Williams, Ben Cavil, Jason Brown, Adam Terry, Herman Arive and Harry Swayne; defensive backs Kim Herring, Duane Starks, Donny Brady and DeRon Jenkins; wide receivers Torrey Smith and Calvin Williams; defensive end Trevor Pryce; outside linebackers Adalius Thomas and Jamie Sharper; and running back Tony Vinson, just to name a few. Overall, about 80 former players were there. Of course, Cavil set the tone. “Darn man, they still let you in the place?” he said, laughing and pointing at me. That might be the biggest thing I miss with the current team. Back then, former Ravens owner and the late Art Modell made the local media feel as though they were part of the team. So, it wasn’t unusual for the beat writers to spend an hour or possibly two in the locker room joking around with players. Sometimes, it was humorous and there were times when we crossed the line, but that was part of the locker room banter. The next day, we’d be at it again. I used to like sitting around with offensive linemen such as the late Jeff Blackshear, Tony Jones and Orlando Brown and defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, as well as former standouts such as defensive linemen Mike McCrary, Rob Burnett and Sam Adams. It was a different time, but there was mutual respect. That’s unlike today, when the media is allowed about 45 to 50 minutes per day in the locker room. Back then, it was about building relationships and developing trust. It was fun listening to some of the old players because they started out at the old facility on the other side of Owings Mills, which was the former Baltimore Colts training facility and Baltimore County police headquarters until the Ravens arrived in 1996. The older Ravens laughed and joked about the current facility and remarked how it looked like a castle. They commented on how soft these minicamp practices were and how the current Ravens spend more time in team sessions than individual breakdowns. They talked about how the game had changed, especially on defense, and how there were no longer any more “big butt” tackles such as Siragusa and Adams, and how offenses were more schemed toward individual matchups instead of overloads. But it was Wally Williams who had the best story. He recounted how the team moved from Cleveland to Baltimore and Modell still didn’t have a name for the team. So the Ravens came out wearing white pants with black jerseys with no names on the back. They looked like the old penitentiary team in the movie “The Longest Yard,” starring Burt Reynolds. The only thing missing was the chant of “Mean Machine, Mean Machine, Mean Machine.” Those were the good old days. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson blocks a ball during a passing drill at mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, throws a pass during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Daniel Faalele rehydra himself during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a pass during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens defensive back coach Chris Hewitt talks with secondary players during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris gives instructions during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill during a drill at mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart hands the football to Derrick Henry during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry during a drill at mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley working on blocking drills during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, greets teammate Tyler Linderbaum during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, walk on the field with quarterback coach Tee Martin during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Former St. Frances Academy and Baltimore Ravens rookie center Darrian Dalcourt, left, work on his blocking during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith talks with teammates during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley working on blocking drills during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley watch his teammate getting instructions during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Former St. Frances Academy and Baltimore Ravens rookie center Darrian Dalcourt look on during mandatory minicamp at Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stands in street clothes while recovering from a elbow procedure. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Wide receiver turns heads Undrafted rookie wide receiver Isaiah Washington from Rutgers turned a few heads Tuesday with three over-the-shoulder catches down the left sideline, including two over the back shoulder. He once beat rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa, the fourth-round pick from Iowa State, and also wrestled a pass away from fourth-year cornerback Ka’dar Hollman. Of course, this is only practice and the cornerbacks don’t really want to contend for completions, but Washington’s concentration was impressive. Top tight ends It’s entertaining to watch Ravens tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews. Both had great one-handed receptions on passes by quarterback Lamar Jackson that were either thrown too high or too far ahead. Andrews hasn’t slowed down one bit. He still practices as hard as former Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis, and Likely had a breakout season a year ago filling in for Andrews when he missed seven games with an ankle injury. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has to find a way to get both of these guys on the field at the same time. They create too many mismatches. Lamar watch Jackson had a sporadic performance Tuesday. In a real game situation, he would have had two interceptions returned for a touchdown. On one, he threw extremely late into the end zone and cornerback Arthur Maulet read the pass and would have taken it 100 yards to the house. On another, he threw an errant pass to tight end Charlie Kolar, which middle linebacker Roquan Smith tipped and would have probably scored on as well. Jackson threw one other interception that would have been a touchdown for the defense, but it wasn’t his fault. Running back Derrick Henry bobbled a pass in the left flat, and cornerback Brandon Stephens intercepted and basically went 20 yards untouched for the score. Overall, it was not one of Jackson’s better days. Welcome back Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, an 11-year veteran, participated in his first practice of the offseason. I bet he had to use a GPS to find the practice fields. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ready to give RB Derrick Henry a full workload: ‘A lot of tread left on that tire’ Baltimore Ravens | Five things to watch at Ravens minicamp, including Lamar Jackson, Rashod Bateman and offensive line Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley in high spirits, rookies ahead of schedule and more Baltimore Ravens | Is Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eager to kick off under new NFL rules? ‘Hell yeah!’ Pass rush development The two outside linebackers the Ravens are counting on to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks were in attendance. It looks like fourth-year player Odafe Oweh has gotten thicker in his shoulders and appears stronger. Meanwhile, third-year performer David Ojabo looks like he has cut some weight and is quicker. Eye on new coaches The Ravens have three new defensive assistants for the 2024 season, but the team won’t miss much as far as teaching technique. When you watch practice, the new coaches emphasize everything from hand placement to playing with power. The problem will be in building relationships. That takes time and it doesn’t always come in a season. Maybe by the middle of the year, the Ravens will have developed chemistry. He’s got potential Every time I watch outside linebacker Malik Hamm work on the sled, he plays with such power and controlled anger. Hopefully, the second-year player from Lafayette and City College will get more time on the field this season. View the full article

Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell took a moment during the first day of Ravens mandatory minicamp Tuesday to observe practice from the sideline. They stood together, Henry in a helmet and purple jersey and Mitchell in shorts and a T-shirt. The mountainous Henry towered over the small-but-shifty Mitchell as they watched the second-team offense drive down the field. Then Henry strapped his helmet tight and jogged over to join the group. Mitchell stayed back. Someday, they’ll share the field together, perhaps splitting touches to form a dynamic backfield. For now, it’s just Henry. Baltimore signed the 30-year-old running back to a two-year contract this offseason and believes Henry can handle the same workload he was given in Tennessee. With Mitchell still months away from getting back on the field after suffering a season-ending knee injury in December and Justice Hill the only other returning running back, Henry might be thrust into a large role immediately. History says a decline is nearing. The Ravens don’t see it that way. “I watched the wear and tear that he put on defenses, ours included,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s in great shape, he’s a stickler for detail, and he’s moving really well.” Henry led the NFL in rushing attempts in four of the past five seasons. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound back was dependable in Tennessee despite that monstrous workload. He played fewer than 15 games just once in eight seasons with the Titans, but a slight drop-off began to appear last season. He had 49 fewer attempts than he did in 2022. His average of 4.2 yards per carry was his lowest since 2017. And he posted career lows in broken tackles and yards after contact, excluding his injury-shortened 2021 season. Still, a backfield pairing of Henry and Lamar Jackson has the chance to be frightening. Henry has never been beside a quarterback who stretches a defense like the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, the running back said, and the Ravens have never given Jackson a running back who commands as much attention as Henry. “It’s going to be fun and a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention,” Henry said. Ravens running back Derrick Henry runs a drill during mandatory minicamp Tuesday in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Harbaugh said last month that Mitchell, who rushed for 396 yards in eight games as a rookie, is not expected to return before training camp begins in July. Rather, a midseason return is more likely for the second-year running back who tore his ACL in December. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Rejuvenated Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley says poor play last season was ‘killing’ him: ‘Hard for me to live with’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on wisdom from former players, early minicamp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Five things to watch at Ravens minicamp, including Lamar Jackson, Rashod Bateman and offensive line Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley in high spirits, rookies ahead of schedule and more Baltimore Ravens | Is Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eager to kick off under new NFL rules? ‘Hell yeah!’ A healthy Mitchell would have shouldered some of the early load on Henry. Baltimore also lost J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to the Los Angeles Chargers via free agency. Instead, Baltimore will turn to Hill and fifth-round rookie Rasheen Ali to split touches. Hill posted career highs in rushing and receiving yards last season and might see an expanded role again as the No. 2 to Henry. Ali, who ran for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior at Marshall, would benefit from an impressive summer to break through the group before Mitchell returns. Henry will be carrying most of the load until then, which he feels capable of doing. A statistical decline is surely approaching for the 30-year-old veteran. By playing beside Jackson, part of what drew him to Baltimore, so too could a rejuvenation. “He doesn’t have on his pads, so this isn’t his strong suit,” middle linebacker Roquan Smith said of his new teammate Henry. “It’s more so when he puts those pads on that he becomes that demon. He has a lot of tread left on that tire.” View the full article

Last spring, the only question about the Ravens’ offensive line was who would start at left guard after Ben Powers departed for the Denver Broncos in free agency. Now, they have three openings to fill up front, including both guard spots as well as right tackle. How close is Baltimore and coach John Harbaugh to deciding who those starters will be? “The nice thing is nobody’s going out there that you say, ‘I don’t think he’s going to be able to do it,’” he said. “So far, every single guy looks like he could be the starter. Now, we get into pads, we get into preseason games, let the guys compete against one another and see who wins the jobs. But, all of them are still in contention at this point, which is very good.” This week will mark another opportunity for players to separate themselves as the Ravens move from voluntary organized team activities to mandatory minicamp. Players are allowed to wear helmets and compete in “live” situations during the practices, which will take place Tuesday through Thursday in Owings Mills before players break for training camp in late July. But they still won’t be in pads until the start of training camp, so the sessions will only be so physical. Here are the biggest questions facing the Ravens as they ramp up for one final week of practices in which the entire roster, save for injured players, will be on hand. What is Lamar Jackson’s progress in Year 2 of Todd Monken’s offense? Last offseason, Lamar Jackson had to learn a new offense under coordinator Todd Monken. Things started slowly, but in the end the quarterback finished with career highs in passing yards (3,678) and completion percentage (.672), led Baltimore to the precipice of the Super Bowl and took home his second NFL Most Valuable Player Award. What will he do for an encore? Wide receiver Zay Flowers should only get better in his second year after leading the team in catches and yards last season. Tight end Mark Andrews, who missed the final six games of the regular season and a divisional round playoff game because of an ankle injury, looks healthy and back to being Jackson’s security blanket. Receiver Rashod Bateman, who hasn’t been on the field, is still looking to break out but has the talent to be a threat if he and Jackson can get on the same page. And four-time Pro Bowl running back and two-time NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry is the best back Jackson has ever played with in what will be the quarterback’s seventh season in Baltimore. In other words, there’s plenty of talent around Jackson, and that’s without mentioning the emergence of tight end Isaiah Likely, veteran receiver Nelson Agholor and, potentially, speedy rookie receiver Devontez Walker. Jackson’s attendance during voluntary organized team activities over the past three weeks was relatively light, with appearances at four of the seven practices open to the media, but he did get in at least some work with Flowers and Agholor in South Florida, where all three live in the offseason. He’s also more confident going into Year 2 of the system. “I’m a lot more comfortable with everything; how [Monken is] calling the plays and what he’s expecting us to and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “I’m just looking forward to doing what we have to do to put us in great situations this year. “We’re doing new things out here with the offense; [it’s] more verbal, more verbiage for me, if anything, but it’s looking good so far.” Having the full roster on hand for three straight days will provide the best picture yet of what that looks like. Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington ducks beneath a pad during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Bump Cooper Jr. hits a padded ring during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson exchanges a playful push with a coach during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh hits the pads during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linemen including guard TyKeem Doss and tackle Julian Pearl hit each other during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten listens to a coach during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers shares information with Dayton Wade during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Invited children leap for a football during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten holds a pad as guard/tackle Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu strikes during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Emory Jones exchanges hugs with center Tyler Linderbaum during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) At center, Baltimore Ravens tackles Roger Rosengarten, Darrell Simpson and Daniel Faalele stand together during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) An invited spectator smiles, spotting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson who passes during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson passes during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Darrian Dalcourt gets close to tackle Julian Pearl while striking the pads during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens' Andrew Vorhees holds the pad for TyKeem Doss while Darrian Dalcourt works with Tyler Linderbaum during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley, left and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari share their experiences of blocking during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spins the football on his finger during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Darrell Simpson participates during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten sets during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees practices during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees waits his turn during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten takes a break during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Rookie second-round draft pick Roger Rosengarten is competing to start at right tackle. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens center Julian Pearl sets during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham tosses to running back Justice Hill during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) As pleased as John Harbaugh seemingly is with the competition among the offensive line, none of the starting jobs are going to be determined this week. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadir Ismail at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker returns from the field at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Can Jackson and Bateman develop chemistry? Harbaugh said in March that he expects Bateman to take a “big step” this season. General manager Eric DeCosta also believes in him, having signed the 2021 first-round draft pick to a two-year extension in April that in Bateman’s view “came out of nowhere.” And Jackson has routinely spoken up about how talented he thinks Bateman is. But whether they can get on the same page for the kind of production Baltimore hoped for when it selected the receiver 27th overall out of Minnesota remains to be seen, though there are signs Bateman could be poised for his best season yet. For one, he says he’s healthy in the offseason for the first time in his career after dealing with injuries to his groin and then foot. For another, despite just 32 catches for 367 yards, one touchdown and a career-low 3.6 targets per game, he was open often last season. The problem was that sometimes Jackson misfired, sometimes Bateman wasn’t the first or even second option, and sometimes the receiver simply dropped the ball. This week figures to be one of many important ones for the duo. After Bateman attended the early part of OTAs and Jackson the final week, mandatory minicamp will be the first opportunity for the two to be on the field for an extended period during the offseason. Even their workouts haven’t aligned until now, though each is looking forward to what they think they can accomplish. “Having a full offseason, being able to be here with the team, being able to practice [and] just being able to get that chemistry down is important for me, so I’m definitely looking forward to that,” Bateman said during the second week of OTAs. “I don’t know what’s going to happen this year; all I know is I’m going to just go to work every day.” Said Jackson: “He’s an elusive receiver, great off the ball, great separation. We just have to get him the ball. That’s all [there is] to it, point-blank, period.” Rookie second-round draft pick Roger Rosengarten is competing to start at right tackle. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Offensive line battles As pleased as Harbaugh seemingly is with the competition among the offensive line, none of the starting jobs are going to be determined this week. Last year, rookie Sala Aumavae-Laulu got first-team reps at left guard and drew praise from Harbaugh. Once preseason began, though, he struggled and didn’t play at all during the season. This year, there has apparently been little separation among the group en masse as the Ravens look to replace departed guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler as well as right tackle Morgan Moses, who was traded in the offseason. There are plenty of options, at least, with Ben Cleveland, Josh Jones, Andrew Vorhees and Aumavae-Laulu the leading candidates for the two guard spots and Daniel Faalele and second-round pick Roger Rosengarten vying for the starting right tackle gig. Patrick Mekari is an option, too, but Baltimore would like to keep him as the dependable plug-and-play option anywhere along the line he is needed. No matter what happens, this will be the biggest area of intrigue over the summer. As pleased as John Harbaugh seemingly is with the competition among the offensive line, none of the starting jobs are going to be determined this week. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) A deep secondary, but with some questions DeCosta is fond of saying the Ravens can never have too many cornerbacks, and that was evident by their decision to take two of them in this year’s draft, first-round pick Nate Wiggins and fourth-round selection T.J. Tampa. With their additions, among others, Baltimore has a dozen cornerbacks on its roster. Not all of them will still be there by the end of training camp, but there has been a lot of competition among the group. Damarion “Pepe” Williams and Jalyn Armour-Davis each had an interception in practice Thursday and have looked solid throughout the voluntary sessions. Most importantly, they’ve been healthy after being hampered by injuries since both were drafted two years ago. Wiggins has showed off his speed. Brandon Stephens has been his reliable self. Yet there is some uncertainty around Marlon Humphrey, who was at OTAs early on and working on the side but hasn’t been on the field since. Harbaugh said last week that he expected the soon-to-be 28-year-old veteran to be at mandatory minicamp, but isn’t sure if he’ll be at full speed. At this point, it will be worth watching to see whether Wiggins can be a starter opposite Stephens on the outside with Humphrey moving inside. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley in high spirits, rookies ahead of schedule and more Baltimore Ravens | Is Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eager to kick off under new NFL rules? ‘Hell yeah!’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson knows he has a lot to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, wide receivers developing chemistry; linebacker Trenton Simpson bulks up | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson’s return, Zay Flowers blooming and more | COMMENTARY The other question facing the Ravens’ secondary: Who will be the third safety? With Geno Stone having signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, that job is up for grabs between undersized Ar’Darius Washington, rookie seventh-round pick Sanoussi Kane and former Maryland and River Hill standout Beau Brade, who could be back on the field this week after being sidelined with an ankle injury. There’s also a good chance the Ravens bring in a veteran over the summer, though this week’s minicamp will again be worth watching. Can the pass rush be as good as last year? With outside linebacker Jadevon Clowney — who had 9 1/2 sacks last season — now on the Carolina Panthers, there’s at least some question whether Baltimore can come close to replicating its league-leading 60 sacks from last season. There is good news, though. Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who had a career-high nine sacks last season, is back and will be on the field for the first time during minicamp after skipping all of the Ravens’ offseason program. Justin Madubuike, who led all NFL interior linemen with 13 sacks last year, signed a four-year, $98 million extension this offseason. And then there’s fourth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who flashed at times last season but was inconsistent. So there’s plenty of reason for optimism. The Ravens also hope outside linebackers David Ojabo and third-round rookie Adisa Isaac can help bolster the group. Both have been dealing with injuries, with Ojabo working his way back from ACL surgery last season and Isaac from a hamstring “tweak” during rookie minicamp, but they could be back on the field this week. View the full article

Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar broke free in the middle of the end zone, lunged forward and hauled in a pass for a touchdown on a trick play Thursday, a moment he celebrated by punting the ball to midfield at the team’s practice facility in Owings Mills. It was a rare highlight in what was a spirited but at times uneven two hours of organized team activities open to the media, which again featured players not wearing helmets. It’s the second-to-last voluntary session for the players, with one more coming Friday, as Baltimore prepares for next week’s mandatory three-day minicamp before breaking until training camp in late July. In all, 18 players were absent Thursday, including veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who has yet to appear this spring. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, was in attendance for the third time in the six practices that have been open to the media, though he wasn’t as sharp as he was earlier in the week. The same could be said about other players, too. Kolar, who also had a nice outstretched grab on the sideline, had several drops, including one in which he beat rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa deep down the middle only to have Jackson’s perfectly thrown pass go right through his hands. Jackson, backup Josh Johnson and rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary all had their share of struggles, too, including in seven-on-seven play, which is usually when the offense dominates. One poorly thrown lob from Leary was easily intercepted by defensive back Tre Swilling. Jackson, meanwhile, was off-target at times with his throws as well. On the upside, quarterback-turned-receiver Malik Cunningham had a nice afternoon, which included snagging a pass in the corner of the end zone among a crowd of players. Meanwhile, Tampa and fellow rookie Devontez Walker were matched up several times, including one sideline route to the end zone in which the wide receiver had a step on Tampa. But Leary badly overthrew him. Still, coach John Harbaugh has been impressed by the progress of the two first-year players, among others. “Both those guys are getting better every day with technique and assignment,” he said. “Probably all the rookies [are] ahead of where we would have expected in those two areas.” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spins the football on his finger during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was in attendance Thursday for the third time in the six practices that have been open to the media. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) An invited spectator smiles, spotting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson who passes during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was in attendance Thursday for the third time in the six practices that have been open to the media. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten speaks with the media at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten speaks with the media at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees speaks with the media at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker returns from the field at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadir Ismail at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh at the end of organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham tosses to running back Justice Hill during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens center Julian Pearl sets during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten takes a break during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees practices during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten sets during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Darrell Simpson participates during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees waits his turn during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left, and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari talk during Thursday's practice. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens' Andrew Vorhees holds the pad for TyKeem Doss while Darrian Dalcourt works with Tyler Linderbaum during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens guard Darrian Dalcourt gets close to tackle Julian Pearl while striking the pads during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) At center, Baltimore Ravens tackles Roger Rosengarten, Darrell Simpson and Daniel Faalele stand together during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Emory Jones exchanges hugs with center Tyler Linderbaum during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten holds a pad as guard/tackle Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu strikes during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Invited children leap for a football during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers shares information with Dayton Wade during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten listens to a coach during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens linemen including guard TyKeem Doss and tackle Julian Pearl hit each other during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh hits the pads during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson exchanges a playful push with a coach during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Bump Cooper Jr. hits a padded ring during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington ducks beneath a pad during organized team activities at the Ravens training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Attendance report While several players were absent Thursday, the Ravens did get a few players back. Outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo both returned, with Ojabo doing individual work. Also returning was running back Justice Hill. Several notables were missing, however, including wide receiver Rashod Bateman, running back Derrick Henry, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive tackle Michael Pierce, tight end Isaiah Likely and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens and Arthur Maulet. Humphrey, who was in attendance the first week of OTAs but working off to the side, should be back next week, according to Harbaugh. “We’ll see whether it’s full go or not,” he said. “I don’t know yet.” Rookie third-round outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring) and undrafted free agent safety Beau Brade (ankle) of Maryland could also be back at practice next week. Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left, and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari talk during Thursday’s practice. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Offensive line remains highly competitive One of the most important areas to watch this summer will be along the offensive line, where both guard spots and the right tackle job are up for grabs. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Is Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eager to kick off under new NFL rules? ‘Hell yeah!’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson knows he has a lot to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, wide receivers developing chemistry; linebacker Trenton Simpson bulks up | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson’s return, Zay Flowers blooming and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | No more OTAs? Ravens see pros and cons of NFLPA’s reported proposal to alter offseason schedule. Perhaps that explains why the group’s attendance over the past three weeks has been exceptional. That was the case again Thursday with all 16 offensive linemen on hand, including veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who was among the more vocal players during practice. So far, he’s looked fit, is in good spirits and has impressed. The same is true of many of the other players up front, including 2023 seventh-round draft pick Andrew Vorhees and 2024 second-round pick Roger Rosengarten, who are in the mix for starting guard and right tackle spots, respectively. Guards Ben Cleveland and Sala Aumavae-Laulu and tackles Daniel Faalele and Patrick Mekari are also possibilities for starting roles. “I’ve seen a lot of big guys who can move, work hard, can pick things up quickly,” Harbaugh said. “So far, every single guy looks like he could be the starter. Now we get into pads, we get into preseason games, let the guys compete against one another and see who wins the jobs. All of them are still in contention at this point.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was in attendance Thursday for the third time in the six practices that have been open to the media. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

By his own admission, Justin Tucker has not regularly practiced tackling since high school. Does that mean the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history might want to cede his kickoff duties to a Ravens teammate now that radically revised league rules could put him more regularly in the line of fire? No, sir. Asked Thursday if he wants to be the man kicking off this season, Tucker said: “Hell yeah! I want to be out there. Any chance I get to be on the field, living out my childhood dream — wherever, whenever that is, I’m going to make sure I’m ready to go and put the best product on the field I possibly can.” The new rule, designed to increase sharply the number of kickoff returns, has coaching staffs across the league dreaming up potential innovations. Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub, for example, has said he’s considering using safety Justin Reid to kick off instead of kicker Harrison Butker. Reid has a strong leg and would give the Chiefs an extra tackler to reduce the possibility of big returns. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said it makes sense to consider all possibilities, but he didn’t mention any specific candidates to nudge Tucker out of his traditional role. “I would say that we’ve thought about everything,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just a matter of, ‘Do you have a guy that can kick it in there consistently?’ If you do, it probably is an advantage because you get an extra tackler in there, and you don’t put your kicker at risk. So, I’d say we’re looking at every aspect we can think of.” Tucker agreed that “it’s totally fair to turn over every stone” if a team can find a practiced kick defender who’s also able to place kickoffs “on a dime.” “There might be a hidden gem in our locker room,” he said, tongue perhaps slightly in cheek. Kickers will continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players on the kicking team will line up at the opposing team’s 40, with at least nine players on the receiving team lined up in a “setup zone” between the 35 and 30 and up to two returners in a “landing zone” between the goal line and 20. Only the kicker and returner(s) will be allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or a player in the landing zone. No fair catches will be allowed and touchbacks will be marked at the 30. If a team wishes to attempt an onside kick, it will have to tell the officials and would be allowed to line up in a traditional formation, thus eliminating the surprise element. Justin Tucker joked that he has added 3.8 pounds of muscle in the weight room after watching how often XFL kickers had to tackle when playing under rules similar to the ones the NFL will use. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Asked if he laments the change or views it as an opportunity to gain a potential advantage, Harbaugh said the latter. “We told the guys, ‘This is a collaboration. We’re learning this together. Where do we want to drop? What’s our targets? What are our landmarks? What are our leverages in the kickoff? What are our angles? Tell us what you think when you’re out there,’” he said. “So, we’re trying to make sure we do the best we can to enter the season understanding the play as well as we can. Then, I’m sure we’ll learn a lot once it starts happening for real.” Tucker said that like Harbaugh, he appreciates the NFL seeking new rules that will create excitement after the kickoff game had become dominated by touchbacks in recent seasons. “My initial reaction was you’ve got to be positive about it and think about it in terms of this is going to keep the play in the game,” he said. “It’s not just going to keep the play in the game; it’s going to be a lot more exciting. I think there’s going to be a lot more action.” He’s enjoying “trying to figure out whichever way we can, in our minds, gain an advantage.” It’s a fresh challenge for a man who has devoted his entire professional life to mastering the minute details that set apart the best NFL kicking operations. Ravens special teams coaches have spent the offseason analyzing every XFL kickoff in hopes of cracking the code. Intense routines dominate NFL life, so a brand new play represents a fun shock to the system. Harbaugh, with his background coaching special teams, seems legitimately intrigued by what teams might try come the regular season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson knows he has a lot to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, wide receivers developing chemistry; linebacker Trenton Simpson bulks up | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson’s return, Zay Flowers blooming and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | No more OTAs? Ravens see pros and cons of NFLPA’s reported proposal to alter offseason schedule. Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson mostly absent from Ravens’ voluntary workouts so far: ‘It’s this time of year’ “I think having a kicker that can put the ball in spots with various types of hang times will be an advantage, and Justin definitely is a guy that can do that,” he said. “But I don’t know if hang time is going to matter or not. We’re just going to have to see how it all plays out that way. We have a lot to learn about the play.” Tucker joked that he has added 3.8 pounds of muscle in the weight room after watching how often XFL kickers had to tackle when playing under rules similar to the ones the NFL will use. “Can you guys tell?” he said. “Probably not.” Do the Ravens want him boning up on his tackling? After all, if Tucker were to suffer a freak injury on a hit, his replacement would be significantly less accomplished. “It’s one of those things that just comes naturally. If you’re a ballplayer, you stick your nose in there,” he said. “I don’t think it’s something that is necessarily encouraged. But it’s not discouraged either. It just comes with the territory. It’s a football play. We’re all football players out there.” View the full article

Until further notice, Trenton Simpson is simply the inside linebacker who replaced Ravens starter Patrick Queen. The 2023 third-round draft pick out of Clemson is the heir apparent to Queen, but consistency is the key to playing regularly and becoming great in the NFL. Simpson knows he has a lot to prove. “I’m living my dream and just to be able to be in the National Football League is something I dreamed of since I was 6 years old,” Simpson said. “My opportunity is here, and these don’t come around too often, so I just have to make the most out of it. “From when we started back and getting going with the OTAs to now, I’m just taking it every day at a time, and then by the time we’re ready to roll for Game 1, I’ll be ready.” So far, the 6-2, 238-pound Simpson has been outstanding in organized team activities. His speed and ability to cover ground as well as running backs and tight ends has been clearly evident, and the Charlotte, North Carolina, native appears to have bulked up in the offseason. But replacing Queen, an unrestricted free agent who signed a three-year, $41 million contract in early March with AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers, might be more difficult than expected. Queen had his share of critics during his first two seasons in Baltimore, but that might have been more of a result of poor planning by the front office and coaching staff. The Ravens moved him to the middle instead of allowing him to play on the weak side, which is where he played at LSU. But once the Ravens traded with the Chicago Bears for middle linebacker Roquan Smith on Nov. 1, 2022, in a move that allowed Queen to go back to his natural position, his career reached new heights. Queen, drafted by the Ravens with the 28th pick in 2020, led the team in tackles in 2022 with 117, including five sacks, and was second on the team a year ago with 133 behind Smith’s 158. Even Simpson acknowledges Queen is a tough act to follow. “You know, I wish [Patrick Queen] the best,” Simpson said. “We had a great relationship. He was a great mentor for me my rookie year, but I learned so much from him, so now, I’m just taking what I learned and just making the most out of my opportunity and coming in and doing the best Trenton Simpson can do.” “My opportunity is here, and these don’t come around too often, so I just have to make the most out of it,” Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson said. (Amy Davis/Staff) There is so much potential with Simpson. Like Queen, he can provide pressure from the outside as a pass rusher. He had 13 tackles last season, including seven in the regular-season finale when the Ravens rested starters and lost to Pittsburgh, 17-10. But there is one caveat for Simpson this season: He still has Smith working with him on the inside. Queen looked lost in that Jan. 6 game against the Steelers without Smith, but Simpson played well. This might be the time for more Roquan Smith magic. “That dude is a ‘dawg,”’ Simpson said of Smith. “His mentality is the same every single day, it’s the same that you see on Sundays. It’s a blessing to be beside someone like that, learn from him. Also, I’m sitting right beside him in film [sessions]. Whenever I have a question, he’s there to answer it. Off the field, the relationship has grown a lot, also. Just every single day, I’m learning something from him and matching his energy.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, wide receivers developing chemistry; linebacker Trenton Simpson bulks up | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson’s return, Zay Flowers blooming and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | No more OTAs? Ravens see pros and cons of NFLPA’s reported proposal to alter offseason schedule. Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson mostly absent from Ravens’ voluntary workouts so far: ‘It’s this time of year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stadium upgrades could make special events ‘more viable’ Having Simpson sit and learn from both Queen and Smith might have worked out well for the Ravens. There are too many times when top draft picks are forced into games and have on-the-job training. Simpson got the opportunity to learn from one of the top tandems in the NFL. “It’s definitely humbled me a little bit, but it was exactly what I needed because it was a year of growth,” Simpson said of his rookie year. “I wasn’t rushed and thrown into any type of pressure. I was able to grow every week on [our] scout team, and then when I got a chance to play in Week 18. I had 17 weeks of practice.” The Ravens are hoping last season carries over into a possible breakout in 2024. Simpson has done everything needed, especially after a strong offseason in the weight room. The key now is communication. Like most rookies, Simpson had to adjust to the speed of the NFL game. Now, he spends a lot of time watching and breaking down film. It’s time to make a name for himself as a starter. “Trent is doing awesome right now, every single day getting a little bit better, making progress one day at a time,” new inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone said. “He is a young player that hasn’t played the position for very long. So, I’m just looking for every day to be better than the day before, and we’ll continue to work that progress.” View the full article

There were more than 20 Ravens players absent from Tuesday’s voluntary practice in Owings Mills. For the first time in two weeks, quarterback Lamar Jackson wasn’t one of them. Jackson hit the field for just the second time during organized team activities and the first time since May 22, the first of five sessions open to the media over a three-week span. While he’s been largely absent — and hardly the only player to skip out, with veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy yet to appear — the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player looked fairly sharp in limited action during team play Tuesday, including on a pretty deep ball to wide receiver Zay Flowers down the sideline and on another shorter route to the corner of the end zone to Flowers for a touchdown. That the two have chemistry with one another isn’t a surprise. Flowers, a first-round draft pick, led the team in catches (77) and receiving yards (858) as a rookie last season. The South Florida natives also worked out there at least part of last week, with clips on social media showing Jackson connecting with Flowers on a deep ball, an out route and a slant on a high school field. They were also joined by veteran receiver Nelson Agholor, who is back for another season with Baltimore after signing a one-year extension earlier this offseason. What exactly did they work on? “Top secret,” Agholor mused with a wry smile Tuesday. While most of the particulars of what they did and how long the session lasted remain a mystery, Agholor, a 10-year veteran who won a Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, did shed some light on his second season playing alongside Jackson. That included an anecdote from Tuesday’s practice about a mistimed route in which Jackson’s pass to Agholor was too far out in front of the veteran wideout. “People don’t realize how cerebral Lamar Jackson is,” he said. “The conversations he has with you one-on-one about what he sees and what you may see …” “People don’t realize how cerebral Lamar Jackson is,” Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. That included not being on the same page over the position of the nickel defender as Agholor cut over the middle. With Agholor thinking the defender was dropping back into coverage, he broke off the in-breaking route early. After the play, Jackson articulated to Agholor that he saw the nickel as well but that he would have gotten the ball to the receiver before the defender could make a play on it. “I saw something, he saw something else,” Agholor said. “That was what makes a special quarterback special, because you may see something, but when they allow you to see what they see you now can be consistent with your mannerisms and your cuts.” During the South Florida workouts, which included route running, speed training and weightlifting, Agholor said Flowers’ work ethic stood out as well. “He’s a young dude that loves football,” Agholor said. “He loves grinding. “It’s cool because that’s where the brotherhood comes from. That’s when, crucial situation, third-and-whatever, you trust each other and work well for each other.” Simpson bulked up, ‘ready to roll’ With Patrick Queen now on the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing with them in the offseason, Trenton Simpson, a 2023 third-round pick out of Clemson, is set to step into a starting inside linebacker role. One change for Simpson from last season has been bulking up; he looks like a sledgehammer and is now up to 238 pounds after adding some weight. Another is what he says is an improved level of understanding and communication. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Lamar Jackson’s return, Zay Flowers blooming and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | No more OTAs? Ravens see pros and cons of NFLPA’s reported proposal to alter offseason schedule. Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson mostly absent from Ravens’ voluntary workouts so far: ‘It’s this time of year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stadium upgrades could make special events ‘more viable’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO “[I was] taking every day my rookie year just day by day, learning from Roquan [Smith] and Patrick Queen,” he said. “Now, it’s just like, ‘Man, I’m ready to roll.’ Just every practice, I’m getting more comfortable and more comfortable. “I would say communication, like talking, relaying the calls, everybody being on the same page. That’s just what a year of growth gives you, being a part of a great defense like the Ravens’.” There will be much scrutiny on Simpson as he takes over for last year’s second-leading tackler in Queen, who was also one of the defense’s more emotional leaders, a trait that Simpson says he won’t have a problem replicating on the field. He’s also motivated. After playing 12 games as a freshman at Clemson before becoming a starter over his final two seasons there, Simpson wasn’t used to spending as much time on the sideline as he did last year, when he played just 46 snaps on defense and lined up mostly on special teams. “It definitely humbled me a little bit,” Simpson said. “But it was exactly what I needed, because it was a year of growth, and it was a chance to come [and] practice in the NFL. That’s a blessing, because I wasn’t rushed and thrown into any type of pressure. I was able to grow every week on [our] scout team, and then when I got a chance to play in Week 18, I had 17 weeks of practice, I was ready to roll. “[I’m] ready for Year 2.” Coaching connections New Ravens inside linebacker coach Mark DeLeone and defensive line coach Dennis Johnson didn’t know coach John Harbaugh before he hired them both this offseason to replace Zach Orr, now Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, and Anthony Weaver, who left to become the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. But there is a connection. DeLone, who spent the past two years as a defensive analyst at Kansas, worked under Andy Reid, Harbaugh’s former boss with the Philadelphia Eagles, for six years with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also spent 2019 and 2020 as the inside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears, where he coached Smith before the All-Pro was traded to Baltimore midway through the 2022 season. New Ravens inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone spent the past two years as a defensive analyst at Kansas. (Amy Davis/Staff) DeLone said he didn’t lean on Smith when it came to getting to know Ravens players, but the past relationship didn’t hurt, either. “He’s a great player,” DeLeone said. “We all know that. He’s a better person than he is a player. For me to have the opportunity to coach him again, be able to do that two times, that’s really special.” As for Johnson, he too came from college and most recently was the defensive line coach at Baylor, where he worked under coach Dave Aranda, whose linebacker-friendly scheme has similarities to Baltimore’s. “I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of great defensive coaches,” Johnson said. “Coach Aranda is one of the biggest mentors that I have and just the amount of football I’ve learned from him to help translate that to here, helped a lot. It helped a lot in the interview process, it helped coming out here in a ‘D’ staff, because a lot of the stuff that I have learned is coming from Coach Aranda.” View the full article

Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson participated in voluntary organized team activities Tuesday and threw the ball extremely well. The seven-year veteran on several occasions showed a nice touch on long passes and hit receivers in stride, including a 30- to 40-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers in the right corner of the end zone before the wideout went out of bounds. Every time Jackson’s name is mentioned, there are questions about his playing weight and whether he should attend more OTAs ahead of the three-day mandatory minicamp next week. I never pay too much attention to any of this nonsense. The Ravens knew what they were getting with Jackson when they signed him to a five-year, $260 million contract in April 2023. They knew the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player wasn’t going to show up for many of these voluntary sessions because of his injury history. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has participated in several of their voluntary practices. That might be the kind of small detail that makes the difference and why Kansas City has won three of the past five Super Bowl titles while Jackson hasn’t played in one yet. It’s not just about on-the-field performance, but leadership as well. Regardless, it’s not as if Jackson hasn’t been working out. He trained with Flowers and fellow receiver Nelson Agholor in South Florida last week. Plus, according to Pro Football Talk, Jackson is missing out on a $750,000 offseason workout bonus by not participating, which isn’t a big deal when a player makes as much money as he does. Don’t buy into the hype. Let’s see what Jackson looks and performs like when the Ravens open training camp in late July. The bottom line is that the Ravens got what they paid for, and there is really no one to blame. In the words of former Ravens coach Brian Billick, it is what it is. Jackson is what he is. Flowers blooming Flowers looks more confident on the field in his second year and is usually one of the first two players in line for every drill. His body language shows some confidence that was lacking a year ago. He should have another monster season, especially since he’s another year into coordinator Todd Monken’s offense. More teams are featuring small receivers such as the 5-foot-9, 182-pound Flowers in the passing game because of their elusiveness, especially in the slot. “He is hungry,” Agholor said of Flowers. “He is hungry and wants to be a great player.” Malik Hamm, offensive linebacker, during Ravens organized team activities at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) With temperature in the 80s, Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones stays hydrated during practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Trenton Simpson, ILB, runs a. drill during Ravens organized team activities at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Trenton Simpson, ILB, prepares to receive the ball during Ravens organized team activities at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Deadrin Senat #93 and Josh Tupou #69 face off in a drill during Ravens organized team activities at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Quarterback Lamar Jackson gives a thumbs up after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. Tuesday was his second appearance at organized team activities in about two weeks. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) In front from left, Tre Swilling #33 CB, Marcus Williams #32 CB and Ar’Darius Washington #29 S, interact during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Defensive ends C.J. Ravenell #68 and Tramel Walthour #94 3atch drills during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Defensive end Brent Urban during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Defensive tackles Josh Tupou #69 and Travis Jones #98 fasce off in a drill during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Offensive linebacker Joe Evans during Ravens organized team activities at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Quarterbacks coach Tee Martin with quarterback Devin Leary #13 after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Wide receiver Qadir Ismail during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Wide receiver Qadir Ismail #83 during Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Wide receiver Nelson Agholor #15 speaks to the media after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone speaks to the media after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Defensive line coach Dennis Johnson speaks to the media after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Trenton Simpson, ILB, speaks to the media after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Quarterback Lamar Jackson after Ravens practice at the Under Armor Performance Center. Tuesday was his second appearance at organized team activities in about two weeks. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Standout linemen When watching the Ravens’ offensive line, the two players with the quickest jump off the snap are veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley and second-year guard Andrew Vorhees. Stanley, though, has Jackson’s timing down to perfection and quickly gets into his pass set. He appears to have done extensive work during the offseason in reshaping his body. Stanley did have the play of the day. Jackson had a pass batted backward to Stanley, who caught the carom and then did a 360-degree spin move on a defensive lineman (possibly Brent Urban) near the line of scrimmage. A fit fullback This time last year, the Ravens were considering moving fullback Patrick Ricard to tight end or offensive line because offseason surgeries had put him behind his training. But the eighth-year player has looked good in practices so far. The Ravens were in shorts and jerseys (no helmets) on Tuesday, but Ricard looks fit and is moving well. He has shown good lateral movement and should be a major part of the offense, especially as a lead blocker in short-yardage situations. Where’s the muscle? Ravens rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten, selected in the second round of the NFL draft out of Washington, might need a strong offseason in the weight room. The athleticism is evident, but he needs to add some muscle to his 6-5, 308-pound frame. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, wide receivers developing chemistry; linebacker Trenton Simpson bulks up | NOTES Baltimore Ravens | No more OTAs? Ravens see pros and cons of NFLPA’s reported proposal to alter offseason schedule. Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson mostly absent from Ravens’ voluntary workouts so far: ‘It’s this time of year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stadium upgrades could make special events ‘more viable’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO The Ravens have been moving quite a few players around on the offensive line, including third-year tackle Daniel Faalele. He is a big guy at 6-8 and 380 pounds but might be better at guard than tackle. He doesn’t like to extend his arms and hands, and that could be a liability playing on the outside. The Ravens also have been shuffling fourth-year player Ben Cleveland at guard and tackle. Second-year player to watch It will be interesting to watch 2023 fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson at outside linebacker. He is a specimen at 6-6 and 258 pounds and has long arms and legs. He could bat down a lot of passes on the outside, and he could become an important part of various packages. Another UDFA running back? I don’t know much about free agent running back Chris Collier from Lock Haven, but the kid has some decent moves and acceleration. He has nice size at 5-11 and 203 pounds and had 1,393 rushing yards on 236 attempts with 12 touchdowns last season. He has stood out some during OTAs, enough to draw more interest. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spent at least part of last Friday working on his timing with teammate and wide receiver Zay Flowers — social media highlights included a 45-yard dime dropped into Flowers’ lap on a go route, along with 20-yard completions on out and slant routes. Only they weren’t at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills, where many of Baltimore’s players were wrapping up their second week of organized team activities. They were on a high school field in South Florida, where Jackson and Flowers are from and where fellow Ravens receiver Nelson Agholor also joined them. OTAs, after all, are voluntary, and players are not required to participate in them (though Jackson will reportedly forfeit a $750,000 workout bonus by not attending enough of them, according to Pro Football Talk). Whether Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been displeased with the lack of attendance by his $260 million franchise quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, he wouldn’t exactly say, though what he didn’t say when asked about it wasn’t difficult to parse. Soon, however, it might not matter. According to multiple reports and as first reported by the NFL Network, the NFL Players Association is putting together a proposal that would eliminate voluntary on-field workouts in the spring in favor of a longer ramp-up period going into training camp in the summer. What does Harbaugh think of the idea? “That’s really interesting to me,” he said. “The thing I’m really encouraged by with a proposal or a thought like that is the fact that the union and the league are working together on it. “Right now, it’s not probably perfect. I think the different studies [that] they’ve done would say that the timeline is not really great, and so if they can kind of make the timeline better somehow and both the union and the league agree that this is the best way to do it, that would be fantastic.” Instead of players around the league gathering at team facilities beginning around mid-April for voluntary workouts, OTAs in May and mandatory minicamp in mid-June, then having five or six weeks off before the start of training camp, most of the on-field sessions in the spring would reportedly be eliminated. Players would get a longer break once the season is over, followed by reporting to training camp in late June or early July, and the intensity of workouts would increase gradually before transitioning to full practices. While the proposal has yet to be finalized, the union is expected to pitch it to the league and owners, and it could go into effect as early as next year if it passes. There are pros and cons to the current scenario — as well as the proposal. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said he doesn’t mind how the NFL’s offseason calendar is set up. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) In the current format, players can stay sharp or begin to work their way back into form in the lower-stress environment of practicing without pads and contact. Rookies and those on the roster bubble can put in time to learn and execute the playbook. And players coming off significant injuries can ease their way back onto the field. “I don’t really mind [the way it’s set up right now],” said tight end Mark Andrews, who missed the final six games of the regular season and Baltimore’s divisional round playoff game last season with an ankle injury. “I think this is a good time period of guys coming back here, working. You’re able to get with the team, get the plays in, and then you get that extra break off, which is kind of nice for your body. It’s kind of nice for everything, just getting your head back right, but I don’t know the right answer to that.” The new proposal, meanwhile, would allow for a longer layoff after the season, possibly fewer injuries and perhaps provide for more continuity leading into training camp. On Thursday, for example, Jackson, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, running back Derrick Henry, tight end Mark Andrews and safety Kyle Hamilton were among the 18 absences. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson mostly absent from Ravens’ voluntary workouts so far: ‘It’s this time of year’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stadium upgrades could make special events ‘more viable’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman feels ‘blessed’ by newfound stability after unexpected extension Baltimore Ravens | Ravens hold OTAs open practice, May 28, 2024 | PHOTOS “I’m a coach,” Harbaugh said when asked if he was worried about players not there falling behind. “We want to be going forward as fast as we can — no drag, making ground, getting better every day. One percent better today than yesterday, 1% better tomorrow than today, and it takes a lot of work to do that. So, as a coach, that’s what you’re always looking for.” One way to mitigate that concern would be to do away with voluntary OTAs altogether. There would be no worry about who is or isn’t there and it could assuage issues that both sides have. The proposal is also said to have support among players, according to reports. But Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens, a regular attendee and in the final year of his rookie contract, said he sees the value of each scenario. “It would be good to have a longer break, and then once we’re here, get it going,” he said. “But whichever way it goes, we’ll all be ready for it.” Quarterback Lamar Jackson attended at least one of the Ravens’ organized team activities last month but has been recently working out with wide receivers Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor in South Florida. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was again absent from voluntary organized team activities Thursday in Owings Mills, marking the third time in four sessions open to the media over the past two weeks. It’s something coach John Harbaugh isn’t going to say much about. “It’s this time of year,” Harbaugh said when asked if he was frustrated by the absence of Baltimore’s $260 million man and the NFL’s reigning Most Valuable Player. “It’s a voluntary time. It’s really not something we really comment on. “I can’t speak for anybody that’s not here. I pretty much know the different reasons guys aren’t here most of the time, but not always. Nobody’s required to tell you exactly what’s going on. But the guys who are here, they’re great, they’re flying around.” Jackson has been flying, too. He spent this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. He also spent time in Los Angeles last week, according to a post on his Instagram. Before that, he traveled to Germany and attended the Preakness. And he was on hand for at least one practice May 22, the first OTA session that was open to the media. Put another way, he’s been mostly elsewhere. The practices, after all, are voluntary, with mandatory minicamp still two weeks away, the start of training camp two months away and the beginning of the season three months off. Still, how big of a concern is it? Jackson is coming off perhaps the best season of his career with highs in passing yards and completion percentage. He led the Ravens to the NFL’s best record during the regular season and within a game of the organization’s first Super Bowl appearance in more than a decade. He was named league MVP for the second time in six years. To say that Harbaugh is worried about it would probably be an overstatement, but it didn’t take much squinting in the afternoon sun to see what his preference would be. “I’m a coach,” he said when asked if there’s anything happening in the practices that could cause players who aren’t there to fall behind. “We want to be going forward as fast as we can. No drag, making ground, getting better every day. … It takes a lot of work to do that.” “We want to be going forward as fast as we can. No drag, making ground, getting better every day. … It takes a lot of work to do that,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of voluntary OTAs. Which is perhaps why Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a regular during Kansas City’s OTAs, as have other high-profile quarterbacks at their respective practices around the NFL. It’s the most important and unique position in the game, with time needed to develop timing and chemistry, among other things. Jackson has typically been a regular at Ravens OTAs over the years, including last season after signing a lucrative long-term extension, and he still might be with more sessions to come Friday and next week. Mahomes, meanwhile, is coming off his second straight Super Bowl title and third in five years. Like Jackson, he’s a two-time league MVP. He’s also a three-time Super Bowl MVP and perhaps the only player in the game better than Jackson at the moment. Despite the accolades, though, Mahomes sees value in this part of the offseason when it comes turning the page from one season to the next. “As I’ve gotten older and as I’ve learned more and more, I try to find different ways to tweak certain stuff and try to push the envelope even more,” he told reporters last week. “I think y’all saw today we tried to throw a few more deep passes, get back to the deep game. I think we’ve done a great job of mastering the intermediate and short stuff, but we want to get back to having that part of the offense as well. Coach is really pushing us to push it down the field — it’s hard to do against our defense but we’re trying to make it happen.” He also had a message to the rookies on the team about expectations. “I think it’s to try to be great every single day,” he said. “They have to learn how to work — that’s every class that comes in, every group of rookies — you have to push them to be great. That’s why you see me over there yelling, ‘Finish,’ and you see me talk to those guys after every single play.” It’s worth noting, again, that the sessions are voluntary and Jackson is not the only Ravens player whose attendance has been scarce. Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy hasn’t been at any of the four practices open to the media, and veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor made his first appearance Thursday. Other stars such as running back Derrick Henry, tight end Mark Andrews, safety Kyle Hamilton, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike were also absent Thursday. Save for a few players, though, attendance has been high and the practices have been spirited. That includes left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Coming off an injury-hampered season and on a restructured contract that includes a pay cut and incentives, the 29-year-old was lauded by Harbaugh on Thursday. “He’s looked good,” Harbaugh said, adding that the 2019 All-Pro has been at every OTA session. “I’m very pleased. He’s working super hard.” The two-hour practices have also included several starters matching up against one another. While no live contact is permitted, team and seven-on-seven work is allowed. “It’s good to work together like that,” Harbaugh said. “We like to have our starters work against our starters a lot in these drills because it’s not full contact and they get a chance to really challenge each other’s technique.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stadium upgrades could make special events ‘more viable’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman feels ‘blessed’ by newfound stability after unexpected extension Baltimore Ravens | Ravens hold OTAs open practice, May 28, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Andrew Vorhees might be the answer to Ravens’ biggest question | COMMENTARY As for Jackson, following the one open practice he did attend, he did note the importance of his offseason. Among the topics he addressed were the roughly 10 pounds he shed to be more elusive and faster, being “a lot more comfortable” in the second year of coordinator Todd Monken’s offense and the motivation from last season’s stinging loss to Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC championship game. It should also be noted the Ravens have another OTA on Friday and four more next week, two of which will be open to the media, so perhaps Jackson will be in attendance for those. “It’s not something I’m really able to comment on,” Harbaugh said when asked if he expected Jackson to be there. There is no league rule that prevents him from commenting, though coaches essentially aren’t allowed to pressure players to attend voluntary workouts. Harbaugh did, however, provide an update on the continued absence of wide receiver-kick returner and former Archbishop Curley star Deonte Harty, who just welcomed a new baby. As for the possibility of Jackson appearing at more OTAs? “We’ll see what happens,” Harbaugh said. View the full article

In addition to NFL Sundays, the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium has recently been home to one or two major special events a year: concerts from artists such as Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel, international soccer matches and college football showdowns featuring Maryland and Navy. As the venue undergoes more than $400 million in state-funded renovations that the team and its landlord, the Maryland Stadium Authority, hope will extend the stadium’s useful life by decades, it could become “more viable” for special events, according to Ravens leadership. This summer, the usual buzz of a Ravens game day experience has been replaced with dust, carpentry equipment and half-built structures. Swapping out football helmets for construction ones, crews are working on the first of a three-year project to upgrade the stadium, expecting improvements to be made by the time the stadium hosts iconic soccer brands AC Milan and FC Barcelona on Aug. 6. Ravens executives led members of the Baltimore media through a hard-hat tour of the active construction site Wednesday, dodging wires hanging from the ceiling in the process. Much will remain the same, but exclusive suites, a beer hall and an upgraded club level are being added to the stadium, which first opened in 1998. English Premier League teams Arsenal and Everton played at the stadium in 2022, as did Notre Dame and Navy football, and last October Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel performed. Maryland officials had hoped the stadium would see men’s World Cup action in 2026, but Baltimore narrowly missed out on hosting matches. Equipped with a soon-to-be improved stadium, Ravens president Sashi Brown said they’re “really committed” to attracting “more events here.” “The stadium is already really viable. We think this makes the stadium even more viable for concerts, soccer matches, college football games, as well,” he said Wednesday on the field at M&T Bank Stadium. There are no special events scheduled this fall and, for the next couple of years, the stadium’s hosting schedule will be somewhat limited as construction is expected to take place during the spring and summer. Asked if there was a goal as to how many special events per year will be held at the venue, Brown said: “We haven’t set that, but we’re going to get after them aggressively.” The first event with some of the new renovations will be the August soccer match. It will give Charm City a chance to impress members of the elite European sides, some of whom might not know much about Baltimore. Yunus Musah, a midfielder for AC Milan, is a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team but grew up in Europe. Asked in an interview with The Baltimore Sun what he thinks of when he thinks of Baltimore, he demurred, saying, “Just an American city, that’s it really.” Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the game day experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens president Sashi Brown speaks to the media about the construction taking place at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the game day experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Construction upgrades are underway inside and outside at M&T Bank Stadium to enhance the gameday experience for fans. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Show Caption of Expand But he also said he looked forward to the chance to play in front of American supporters — many of whom rarely get to see top international teams play. When Arsenal and Everton came to Baltimore in 2022, the announced attendance was 39,245. “It’s a huge moment for both us and the fans,” Musah said of playing in front of a new audience. The match will be one of three U.S. stops for AC Milan, which will also play in Chicago and New York City. FC Barcelona will also play friendlies in Orlando and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “Getting things sorted and being in the best shape possible to start the season, that’s the main focus,” Musah said. When fans stream into the stadium for the soccer match, and then a few days later for the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 9, some of the stadium upgrades will be available to all ticket-holders. That includes a 10,000-square foot beer hall that will open ahead of games and, potentially, on occasional non-game days. Other publicly funded improvements will be reserved for the affluent. The Blackwing, 10 already-sold-out suites billed as a “five-star” experience complete with concierge service, will be “one of the most special experiences in sports,” Brown said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Rashod Bateman feels ‘blessed’ by newfound stability after unexpected extension Baltimore Ravens | Ravens hold OTAs open practice, May 28, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Andrew Vorhees might be the answer to Ravens’ biggest question | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens DC Zach Orr, ‘ultimate chess piece’ Kyle Hamilton is a nice place to start There will be additional upgrades to suites and clubs ahead of the 2025 season and final renovations before the 2026 season. The upgrades were made possible by a 2022 state law that permits the stadium authority to borrow up to $1.2 billion in bonds at one time to improve M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards — $600 million for each. Accessing the money, however, requires the teams sign leases long enough to pay off those bonds, which will be done with funds generated from the state lottery. Maryland’s Board of Public Works last year approved up to $450 million in bonds for the projects, but Brown said the renovations could cost “somewhere well into the $400 millions.” He said the Ravens will “probably end up” also paying for some of the renovations. The team recently self-funded a $120 million project to improve the stadium, completed ahead of the 2019 season. The Ravens current lease is set to expire after the 2037 season. If the Ravens were to seek more state bonds for the project, they would need to exercise one of their two five-year options to extend the lease, Brown said. “Really appreciate our partners at [the Maryland Stadium Authority], appreciate the citizens of Maryland for trusting us and investing in this stadium,” Brown said. “This is really going to transform M&T Bank Stadium and make us relevant for the next 15 or more years and seasons here.” View the full article

View the full article

Rashod Bateman took a deliberate pause as he considered how to address the one question that keeps coming at him as he goes into his fourth season with the Ravens. If everyone from quarterback Lamar Jackson to offensive coordinator Todd Monken to general manager Eric DeCosta sees potential greatness in the 24-year-old wide receiver, why did he only see 3 1/2 targets a game last season? Did Bateman show everything he could do only for the ball not to come his way? “Yes and no,” he said Tuesday. “I feel like there’s definitely a lot of things I could’ve done differently as a receiver to help Lamar and help the team. But … yeah. Yeah, I’m just going to leave it at that.” Bateman elaborated that he intends to worry only about what he can control — staying fit, studying, continuing to get open — as he enters a pivotal year, buoyed by a contract extension and hearing predictions of a breakout from Ravens teammates, coaches and executives. He was the subject of much speculation coming off his third season in Baltimore, when he was healthy and frequently open but caught just 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown — not the production expected from a 2021 first-round draft pick. Would the Ravens pick up his fifth-year option? Would they trade Bateman? Would he, in fact, prefer to start over with another team? Instead, he made a headline few expected the day before this year’s draft, agreeing to an extension with the Ravens through the end of the 2026 season. Speaking with Baltimore reporters Tuesday for the first time since he signed, Bateman suggested he was as surprised by that twist as anyone. “I didn’t know what was going to happen with me,” he said. “I didn’t know if I was going to be here, traded, anything. The extension definitely came out of nowhere. [I’m] blessed, for sure. I did not see them doing that, but it shows that they believe in me. … It was a no-brainer. I love playing here. I love the organization. I love the fans. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to do.” He compared it with finding a consistent place to lay your head after not having a house. “That concern is gone,” he said. “I know who I’m playing for. I know what playbook I’m in. I know who my quarterback is. And now it allows to just go be myself.” Now that Bateman’s place with the Ravens is secure and he faces no lingering health concerns, he finally has a clean ramp to make use of his substantial gifts. DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh have repeatedly said they expect him to excel this year. But the question for Bateman remains: What needs to happen for great promise to turn into great production? Though Bateman played 16 games last year, lingering effects from the Lisfranc foot surgery that cut short his 2022 season slowed his preparation. He also had to compete for opportunities with veteran star Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers. “We certainly could have done a better job of moving them around, for sure, but as the year went on, Rashod really came on, and I’ve seen tremendous growth,” Monken said. “But again, [it’s] growth just because he didn’t have an offseason last year, in my mind; I didn’t see that. But I expect a tremendous year [from] him, and we certainly could have found a way to get him the ball more.” Jackson, the ultimate ball distributor, agreed that Bateman needs to play a bigger part, an evolution that should be natural with Beckham out of the picture. Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman catches a pass during Tuesday’s practice in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “He’s an elusive receiver, great off the ball, [and he gets] great separation,” Jackson said last week. “We just have to get him the ball. That’s all [there is] to it, point-blank, period.” Bateman looked like a man ready for greater things during Tuesday’s offseason workout, leaving cornerback Brandon Stephens to munch dust as he caught a long touchdown pass from backup quarterback Josh Johnson and snatching several other balls in traffic. “I think it’s happening right now,” tight end Mark Andrews said when asked what it will take for Bateman to become an every-week factor. “I think he looks incredible. Everything — his route running, catching the ball, being where he’s supposed to be — he’s got it down to a science. I know he’s worked real hard, but he looks about as put-together as he’s ever been. It’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now.” Bateman had never dealt with a major injury before he reached the NFL. Then, he saw his debut delayed by groin surgery and his second season wrecked by the Lisfranc injury. Those setbacks and painful moments off the field led him to some dark days. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Rashod Bateman: ‘Feel like we have a lot of room to grow’ | VIDEO Baltimore Ravens | Ravens hold OTAs open practice, May 28, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Andrew Vorhees might be the answer to Ravens’ biggest question | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens DC Zach Orr, ‘ultimate chess piece’ Kyle Hamilton is a nice place to start Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OC Todd Monken on AFC championship loss: ‘You can’t control the game if you can’t run the ball’ In that context, he said, a calm, healthy offseason feels like a godsend. “Just having a full offseason, being able to be here with the team, being able to practice and get that chemistry down, it’s important to me,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen this year, but I’m just looking to go to work every day.” Beckham was the wise man younger receivers leaned on last year, and their group chemistry is inevitably different with him in Miami. Flowers is now the big personality demanding that rookies do push-ups after they drop passes. That’s not in Bateman’s nature, but wide receivers coach Greg Lewis said he can be a role model in his own way. “I don’t want anybody to do anything that they don’t feel comfortable with, or that’s not them,” Lewis said. “But, I do want ‘Bate’ to come out and work each and every day. What he does in the meeting rooms with the guys when he comes out here, how he practices, that’s just a testament to him, and that’s showing the guys what to do or how to do it. You don’t have to be a ‘rah-rah’ guy and do all this stuff. It’s how you work and how you present yourself as a professional, and ‘Bate’ is doing a tremendous job with that.” Does Bateman like the idea of being an example to rookies, even as he’s still trying to carve out a greater place in the NFL? “I feel like if you stay true to yourself, everything happens naturally,” he said. “Nothing about me is going to change. I’m not going to speak up more or do this more. I come in early. The guys know that. I’m always here early. I work hard. I write my notes. Hopefully, that shows to the younger guys and anyone else who catches on to it.” View the full article

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Sean Ray during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Qadir Ismail catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Devontez Walker during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Dayton Wade, right, catches a pass as fellow rookie Isaiah Washington looks on during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman stretches during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Rashod Bateman during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Tylan Wallace during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Zay Flowers during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Rashod Bateman during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Isaiah Washington catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman catches a pass during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver coach Greg Lewis works with Zay Flowers during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens rookie lineman C.J. Ravenell, left, works with teammate Broderick Washington during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, center, works with the offensive linemen during OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews speaks with the media after OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely talks with the media after OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews speaks with the media after OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receivers coach Greg Lewis speaks with the media after OTAs open practice at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

PHILADELPHIA — The most telling moment of the NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse championship game occurred with about five minutes left in the second quarter. Senior attackman Pat Kavanagh threw a pass from behind the goal to brother and teammate Chris Kavanagh, who backhanded and shuffled a shot past Maryland goalie Logan McNaney. The strike gave the Fighting Irish a six-goal lead. Seconds later, Maryland defenseman Colin Burlace looked to the Terps sideline with a blank look on his face as if to say, “Well, what can I do about that?” The answer was: nothing. The Terps had no answers for top-seeded Notre Dame as the Fighting Irish rolled to a 15-5 win Monday at Lincoln Financial Field to claim their second straight national title. Maryland (11-6) seemed to be on the verge of a possible upset in front of a crowd of 31,479 when the Terps jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals from midfielder Ryan Siracusa and attackman Daniel Kelly, but it didn’t take long for Notre Dame to take control of the game. It was a beatdown, the largest margin of victory in a title game since Princeton beat the Terps by the same score in 1998. After losing to Georgetown, 11-10, in overtime on Feb. 25, the Fighting Irish won 14 straight games. They beat Maryland, Duke and Virginia in the regular season, then took down each of those lacrosse powers again by even bigger margins in the postseason. Notre Dame (16-1) simply has too many playmakers. The Terps, who have prided themselves on playing great defense for decades, couldn’t match up and had problems with their off-ball defense. Chris Kavanagh finished with five goals to tie a program single-game playoff record and older brother Pat had six assists, which also tied his single-game NCAA Tournament record. Nine players scored for Notre Dame, many of those coming from its midfield. That, combined with 16 Maryland turnovers, led to the blowout. “Obviously to me, they’ve been the best team the last two years, and they were the best and most consistent team this year,” Maryland coach John Tillman said. “They proved it, and certainly were the best team today. The way they play, they are really good everywhere. Somebody said they have 11 All-Americans and it felt like that today. Logan McNaney #30 of the Maryland Terrapins walks off the field after the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lincoln Financial Field on May 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Maryland Terrapins 15-5. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Chris Kavanagh #50 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his goal along with Pat Kavanagh #51 against the Maryland Terrapins in the first half of the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on May 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Chris Kavanagh #50 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish controls the ball against Jackson Canfield #50 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half of the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on May 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Maryland's Daniel Kelly looks on against Notre Dame in the first half of the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on May 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Show Caption of Expand “They are very poised, very unselfish, they have great athleticism and are awesome in the goal. They don’t have any weaknesses. They are worthy of the championship, they were better than us today.” Maryland needed a strong effort from specialist Luke Wierman, who played well and won 17 of 23 faceoffs. But Notre Dame’s defense, led by Marco Napolitano, Chris Conlin and Shawn Lyght, smothered the Terps. At one point, Maryland went 19:51 in the first half without scoring a goal. Notre Dame led 10-4 at the half. Even when Wierman won faceoffs, he failed to score three times on fast breaks down the middle of the field, something he had success doing before. He was either cut off quickly or stuffed by goalie Liam Entenmann. Entenmann left little doubt that he was the best goalie in the country. He finished with 16 saves on 35 shots, some up close, some outside the crease, and some from long range that only he could stop. Once Maryland got behind at the half, especially with their deliberate style of offense, the Terps weren’t going to catch Notre Dame. “Hats off to Liam,” said Maryland attackman Daniel Kelly, who led the Terps in scoring with a pair of goals. “I don’t think he has a weakness. He is a big kid that takes up a lot of net. But there are some shots we would have liked to have back.” The question now is how good Notre Dame can be. They could become the first to win three straight national titles since Princeton in 1996, 1997 and 1998 if they get it done next Memorial Day. Syracuse also won three straight titles in 1989, 1989 and 1990 but had to vacate last of those because of alleged recruiting violations. Only three of Notre Dame’s 10 starters return next season, but the Fighting Irish will still have Lyght, Chris Kavanagh and Faison in the starting lineup. That’s a lot of firepower. Maryland, however, perhaps has the best coach in the country in Tillman. He has done an excellent job of using the transfer portal in the past, but the Terps still need a dominant attackman in the mold of a Matt Rambo or a Logan Wisnauskas. Related Articles Sports | Mike Preston: Andrew Vorhees might be the answer to Ravens’ biggest question | COMMENTARY Sports | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Ronnie Stanley looking good, Lamar Jackson’s weight and more | COMMENTARY Sports | Mike Preston: Maryland men’s lacrosse coach John Tillman will put winning formula to the test in Final Four | COMMENTARY Sports | Mike Preston: Time is not on the Ravens’ side with strange 2024 schedule | COMMENTARY Sports | Mike Preston: Ravens at Chiefs to kick off the 2024 NFL season? Bring it on. | COMMENTARY The Terps weren’t expected to be in the title game. Most wrote them off after they lost to Johns Hopkins, 7-5, on April 20 and then to Penn State, 19-9, in the Big Ten Conference semifinals. But this day was about Notre Dame and its dominance in every facet of the game. “They have the Kavanaghs, they go three midfields deep,” Terps short-stick midfielder Jack McDonald said. “They have some older guys and they capitalized on our mistakes. Their older guys made plays but we put everything we had into this year. At the end, it sucked but we looked at each other and embraced the moment.” “I wouldn’t trade anyone in that locker room for anyone else,” Kelly said. “Hats off to Notre Dame, but we’ve been through a lot this season. We will be back next year.” Notre Dame’s Pat Kavanagh, right, celebrates after a goal by Fisher Finley, 6, in the second half Monday. (Mitchell Leff/Getty) View the full article

Andrew Vorhees might be the best answer to the biggest question about the Ravens this season. The former Southern California star and 2023 seventh-round draft pick is one of several candidates competing for a starting position on the offensive line. At guard, Vorhees is in the mix with Ben Cleveland, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Josh Jones. The Ravens have great talent on offense with two of the NFL’s biggest stars in quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, but the key will be rebuilding a suspect offensive line that lost three starters in guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler and right tackle Morgan Moses. “We’re in the development business right now with Ben [Cleveland], and you’ve got some of the young guys that we drafted a year ago, like ‘Big Sal’ [Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu] and [Andrew] Vorhees, and you’ve got Daniel [Faalele],” second-year Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Thursday. “All those guys are getting invaluable reps now, and obviously, once we put the pads on, for them, [that’s] where it will really be critical. “We put the pads on, we get a chance to play in the preseason, and then you can assess, ‘Hey, as they keep developing, what are their strengths? [What] do we need to continue to work on?’ And they’re doing a great job now, and I expect them to play at a really high level, I really do.” The Ravens have had only limited time to work with Vorhees because he missed all of last season after he tore his ACL during the NFL scouting combine on March 5, 2023. But he appears to be in shape with his conditioning and has good lateral movement. He isn’t as powerful as Cleveland, a 2021 third-round pick, or Jones, a fifth-year veteran who played 13 games last season with the Houston Texans, but he might be more versatile. He is no little kid at 6 feet 6 and 310 pounds. “Obviously, I was in the classroom this whole last season,” Vorhees said, “but it just was so much faster than I was anticipating than what it looks like on film. So I feel like I adjusted though this week and it has slowed down a ton since Monday. I had to get used to that again.” Vorhees, a native of Kingsburg, California, is the type of player most people want to succeed. He was projected to be a much higher draft pick, but those dreams were dashed after his knee injury. Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees, left, and tackle Ronnie Stanley talk during practice Thursday. Vorhees said Stanley has helped him with his transition to the NFL. (Kim Hairston/Staff) The Ravens took a gamble by trading up and drafting Vorhees in the seventh round, No. 229 overall, and he could end up being a starter, or at least getting significant playing time. He would like to forget the injury, but his memory won’t let go. “Obviously, I felt a pop. I thought maybe I hyperextended it or something else not as severe,” said Vorhees, who still led the combine with 38 bench press reps after suffering the injury. “But I just remember as soon as I went to the ground I was just laying there for a second, and as I was looking up at the ceiling, I just verbally said out loud, ‘You cannot be serious right now.’ I was kind of laughing, just saying to myself just, ‘Wow, this is crazy.'” The injury and rehabilitation have given Vorhees a new perspective. Rookies are often in isolation because of their status, but it’s even worse when you’re working with a new medical staff and trainers. Those long hours in rehabilitation and in the weight room gave Vorhees a new attitude. Those team meetings and film sessions that might have once been boring are exciting again. Few veterans want to attend voluntary organized team activities, but Vorhees couldn’t wait to get back on the field. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens DC Zach Orr, ‘ultimate chess piece’ Kyle Hamilton is a nice place to start Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OC Todd Monken on AFC championship loss: ‘You can’t control the game if you can’t run the ball’ Baltimore Ravens | A slimmer Lamar Jackson is only now getting past the Ravens’ AFC championship loss Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Ronnie Stanley looking good, Lamar Jackson’s weight and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens team OTA open practice | PHOTOS He’s like a rookie again, but with more purpose. “It’s been super exciting to be back out there and in the team setting,” Vorhees said. “It has just been such a reminder of the joy of playing a team sport and just reminded me of why I love the game. I’ve really enjoyed this week of OTAs going against our defense and just looking forward to keep stacking these days.” Vorhees has gotten a lot of support and instructions from teammates, especially tackles Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari and center Tyler Linderbaum. He is also aware of the tradition here in Baltimore. The Ravens are known for playing great defense and having a strong, physical running game. Now they have Henry, who has rushed for 100 yards or more in 38 games during the past decade, more than any other running back during that span, according to StatMuse. Vorhees isn’t worried about starting, just competing, something he couldn’t do last year. “You want competition because it brings out the best of the best, and now that I’m healthy and out there, I’m just selling out all day,” he said. “I think they have 14 or 15 guys in the room right now, all with the same mentality and demeanor. I think [the Ravens] do a really great job of sifting through and finding those players that fit that standard. And I mean, it’s up to us to uphold that standard, and in a sense we’re in a fight that we didn’t start, but it’s up to us to finish it.” View the full article

Zach Orr is new to being the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, but he’s anything but to the entirety of players he’s now in charge of. “That’s been my guy over the past two years,” third-year and All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton said. “I feel like everybody in the building would say that as well. He’s a great dude. He’s been here, obviously — been a Raven — for a while [as a] player and coach. “It was a seamless transition, and he’s got a great grasp of the defense, as well, and he’s going to put us in the right spots [to] help us make plays, help us maximize our abilities.” Undrafted out of North Texas in 2014, Orr signed with Baltimore and in 2016 became a starting weak-side linebacker, recording 132 tackles, five passes defensed, three interceptions and a forced fumble. But by 2017, his playing days were over because of a congenital neck/spine condition and his second career began, first as a defensive analyst with the Ravens and then as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ outside linebacker coach in 2021. A year later, Orr returned to Baltimore as inside linebackers coach and earlier this year was promoted to defensive coordinator when Mike Macdonald departed to become the Seattle Seahawks’ coach, so familiarity with his vociferous presence is not surprising. But it will be an adjustment for Orr. At age 31, he is the second-youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL behind the Arizona Cardinals’ Nick Rallis, and this will be his first season calling plays. “It’s just taking it day by day,” Orr said Thursday when asked how comfortable he is at doing so after a few days of organized team activities. “You definitely get more comfortable.” One way he’ll do so in the weeks and months ahead before the start of the regular season Sept. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs is by operating without a script during a portion of practice. The sessions are what coach John Harbaugh calls “move the ball” and “call-it periods.” “You have to call it and you have to think on the fly and use your play-calling sheet,” Orr said. “And just how I prepare, I just go back and — when I’m watching the film or watching games from last year — just look at how I would call it, looking at the situation [and] trying to put myself in those shoes. And then, just before practice, just reviewing my play-call sheet and just trying to play out scenarios in my head that could possibly come up.” It helps, of course, that he has one of the league’s best defenses at his disposal. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, left, works with cornerback Tre Swilling during Wednesday’s practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Last season, Baltimore became the first team to lead the league in sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game. And while the Ravens lost a few notable players on defense in free agency — notably inside linebacker Patrick Queen, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and safety Geno Stone — they still have All-Pro talent at every level of the defense. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led all interior linemen with 13 sacks last season, while inside linebacker Roquan Smith and Hamilton were both All-Pro selections. “Kyle Hamilton is the ultimate chess piece; I think he’s one of the top players in the league,” Orr said of the versatile 2022 14th overall draft pick. “My goal for him is to one day win defensive MVP — here — of the league. I think he has that type of talent, he has that type of work ethic, he’s that type of person. “The thing about him being the ultimate chess piece [is], depending on what the offense does, he can play anywhere. He can play safety, deep safety, box safety; he can play corner, he can play nickel, he can play backer, he can even play outside linebacker, too, and you guys know he can rush the passer. … He can handle all the different volume that you give him.” Which is one reason why Orr will deploy him much the way his predecessor did and keep the same defensive scheme and principles, albeit with his own twist. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OC Todd Monken on AFC championship loss: ‘You can’t control the game if you can’t run the ball’ Baltimore Ravens | A slimmer Lamar Jackson is only now getting past the Ravens’ AFC championship loss Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Ronnie Stanley looking good, Lamar Jackson’s weight and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens team OTA open practice | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Zay Flowers addresses investigation of alleged domestic violence incident for first time He’ll also lean on the experience of Smith, the vocal and emotional leader at the center of the defense who led the Ravens with 158 tackles last season and is entering his seventh season in the NFL after being traded from the Chicago Bears midway through the 2022 season. “We’re comfortable talking to each other, sharing ideas, sharing thoughts with one another, we respect one another, so it’s easier,” Orr said. “He’s one of the best players in this league and one of the best humans walking this earth. And then, when you have one of your best players being one of your best workers, everyone else looks at that and gets inspired.” As for Orr, he will be tested early and often with games against the Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cinicinnati Bengals in the first five weeks of the season. Just how different will this year’s defense look from last year’s? “There have been a lot of similarities,” Hamilton said. “But again, it’s still May, so we’ll see how that looks in August, September. Getting ready for the season, I’m sure we’ll add more layers to that, but I can already see there are different wrinkles and stuff like that. Same family, but I feel like Z.O. has his own flavor he’s going to put on it, and I’m excited to see what he does.” View the full article

For the first time in 116 days, Todd Monken addressed his Ravens offense drying up in the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs — a group that, until then, had bulldozed some of the league’s top teams. Does Monken have any regrets about his offense from that loss? “Obviously, I try not to look back. But it is what it is,” he said. “We didn’t play well enough, didn’t coach well enough, didn’t execute at a high level, and that starts with me. That’s the way it goes.” He later added: “We gotta run the ball better. We gotta attack the way we plan to attack them. And I gotta do a better job, that’s what I’m paid to do. And that is, by doing it against the best when it counts.” The then-first-year coordinator’s unit had been ranked No. 6 in total offense, No. 1 in rushing, No. 21 in passing and No. 4 in Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA), a measure of overall efficiency, before Baltimore hosted its first conference championship game. Behind quarterback Lamar Jackson, who rushed for a team-leading 821 yards en route to being named NFL Most Valuable Player for the second time, the Ravens’ running game was largely shouldered by Gus Edwards, who finished the year with a team-high 198 carries for 810 yards; Justice Hill with 84 attempts for 387 yards; and Keaton Mitchell, who exploded for 396 yards on 47 carries before the breakout rookie star suffered a torn ACL in Week 15. The fire that pundits held to Monken’s feet the past four months has largely concerned the running game — or lack, thereof — in the 17-10 loss to the Chiefs. Edwards and Hill carried the ball a combined six times (two of which came after halftime) for a total of 23 yards. That’s 17 fewer carries for the duo and a difference of 83 yards from the Ravens’ divisional round win against the Houston Texans. In the regular season, which the Ravens finished 13-4 to capture the top seed in the AFC, Baltimore averaged 31.8 rushing attempts and 156.5 rushing yards per game. At the time, coach John Harbaugh chalked the staggering difference to the way the Chiefs lined up against the run, how they dominated time of possession and scored on each of their first two possessions. Does Monken agree with that sentiment? “Somewhat,” he said. Monken also pointed out that Edwards and Hill were not the only Ravens to run the ball that game. Jackson carried eight times for 54 yards. Wide receiver Zay Flowers rushed twice for 4 yards. “I’m not trying to justify [crap], I promise you that,” Monken said. “I’m not. I’m just saying in general, we needed to run the ball better and we didn’t. That’s a fact. You can’t control the game if you can’t run the ball; not execute at a high level when it presents itself. And there were moments in the game we did. But not enough.” The loss still lingers with a sour taste in the mouths of several players in the locker room. Flowers acknowledged Wednesday that he’s not over it and still thinks about it. Jackson’s main takeaway: “Put points on the board,” he said. “We were just scoring 30 points against crazy teams — great defenses,” said Jackson, who was not in attendance for Thursday’s practice. “Don’t get me wrong, that’s a great defense as well, but [we had faced] the top-ranked defenses. We just have to finish; we have to find a way to move the ball in the right direction and put points on the board because our defense did their thing the whole night.” Monken’s forward-looking offensive approach will strive to start faster and more consistently. In Year 2, he expects that to come naturally, even though the running back room looks different. Derrick Henry is the most notable offseason addition — an explosive 30-year-old and one of the league’s most prolific rushers. Mitchell is on schedule in his ACL surgery recovery but Harbaugh said he won’t be ready for Week 1. And Hill returns in a fight for more carries. “The only way you look back is to learn and get better,” Monken said. “It’s disappointing but it’s on to 2024.” Baltimore Ravens safety Sanoussi Kane drills during OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) From left, Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees and tackle Ronnie Stanley during OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) From left, Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees and tackle Ronnie Stanley during OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) From left, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison and inside linebacker Trenton Simpson drill during OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Deion Jennings, Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker, drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dayton Wade drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tayvion Robinson drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tayvion Robinson drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadir Ismail drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Sean Ryan drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Sean Ryan drills during the OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu during a Baltimore Ravens OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Ben Cleveland during a Baltimore Ravens OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) From left, Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley and TyKeem Doss train during an OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu during a Baltimore Ravens OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Julian Pearl, trains during an OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley during an OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) From left, Corey Bullock and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu train during a Baltimore Ravens OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley during an OTAs open practice session on Thursday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Show Caption of Expand Other highlights from Monken’s presser • Monken pointed to Edwards’ 2023 production (810 yards and 13 touchdowns) as a baseline for his replacement after the running back signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. “We expect the same from Derrick,” Monken said. “It doesn’t really change anything, per se. Because to me, he’s a really versatile player. Not only running the ball but getting the ball in space, throwing him the ball and getting him out on the perimeter. Seeing if defensive backs can tackle him. … No one here has worked with him. So now we’re just seeing what that is and getting him those opportunities.” • While Monken said he wants Henry to be the Ravens’ closer — “if he carries it 300 times, we’re having a hell of a year,” he said — he still anticipates repeating a similar by-committee approach to carries as last year. The Ravens also drafted Marshall running back Rasheen Ali in the fifth round last month. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | A slimmer Lamar Jackson is only now getting past the Ravens’ AFC championship loss Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Ronnie Stanley looking good, Lamar Jackson’s weight and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens team OTA open practice | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens WR Zay Flowers addresses investigation of alleged domestic violence incident for first time Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ John Harbaugh launches coaching academy with goal to ‘share what we learned’ • The Ravens’ fourth-round draft pick, wide receiver Devontez Walker out of North Carolina, poses another interesting addition on the outside. Monken didn’t hesitate in calling the rookie a quick learner. “It’s not just knowing your assignment,” he said, “but I think he’s done a great job executing in technique because there’re nuances with routes. … That was something I wasn’t expecting.” • Two tight ends is a good problem to have. Mark Andrews is back to full health and Isaiah Likely proved in Andrews’ absence to be a more-than-serviceable option. Monken didn’t give a straightforward answer about the two, but he said they’ll spend this summer finding ways to utilize each player’s unique skill set. • Monken made an appearance at last week’s Preakness at Pimlico Race Course. He quipped that he’s “donated” each previous trip. “This year, luckily didn’t donate,” he said. “Something about winning makes everything feel better.” View the full article