ExtremeRavens Posted July 22 Posted July 22 The Ravens gambled by signing fourth-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman to a three-year, $15 million contract extension in April, and there are days at practice when it makes sense. Bateman, a first-round pick in the 2021 draft, had a strong performance during the second day of training camp in Owings Mills on Monday. He had a brilliant one-handed 25-yard reception down the left sideline after beating cornerback Brandon Stephens, and later snatched a pass over the middle for a 20-yard gain. He wasn’t done. The former University of Minnesota standout went up over two defensive backs for a 15-yard reception over the middle late in the practice session. This could be the breakout season for the 6-foot-1, 197-pound Bateman. However, earlier in practice, he didn’t even attempt to catch a pass thrown his way against tight coverage. Until proven otherwise this season, he is an enigma, even though the Ravens need him to step up to form a potent receiving corps with second-year receiver Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Questions on the O-line The Ravens have questions on the offensive line, not only because of physical talent, but health issues as well. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has suffered from leg injuries the past three seasons and right tackle Patrick Mekari, possibly the most versatile performer on the front line, has struggled with back and lower leg injuries during the same time span. Right guard/tackle Daniel Faalele, in his third season out of Minnesota, looks out of place at guard because of his 6-8, 380-pound frame. He bends a lot better than he did as a rookie, but short-yardage situations on the goal line might be a problem. Regardless of how much football has changed through the years, the low man still wins in goal line situations. Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell, left, works on a pass rushing drill with Tramel Walthour, right, during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Emphatic, unwarranted defense Lamar Jackson didn’t practice for the second straight day because of illness, but at least reporters didn’t have to listen to coach John Harbaugh talk about him possibly becoming the greatest quarterback in NFL history again. Harbaugh’s performance defending Jackson on Monday was intentional, well-scripted and unwarranted. Catch of the day Best catch of the day belonged to rookie running back Rasheen Ali, who got a picture-perfect, over-the-shoulder 20-yard touch pass from rookie quarterback Devin Leary despite tight coverage from inside linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson couldn’t have covered Ali much tighter, and the second-year linebacker has performed well so far in the first two days. He has developed a good relationship with middle linebacker Roquan Smith. “I thought he had a really good day today,” Harbaugh said of Ali. “He looked good, quick, [and he] made some catches. He’s coming along nicely.” As for other running backs to keep an eye on, second-year player Owen Wright has stood out. The former Monmouth star from Bethesda runs bigger than he looks at 5-9 and 217 pounds. Humphrey looking strong Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has struggled with injuries the past two seasons, but he has put together two strong days in training camp. The Ravens have used him on both the inside and outside, and few receivers have been able to shake the eighth-year player out of Alabama. In fact, defense dominated Monday, but that’s to be expected so early in the season, especially without Jackson on the field. Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins works on a pass-catching drill during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Impressive interceptions Nate Wiggins, the team’s first-round pick and cornerback out of Clemson, picked off a pass that he snatched out of the hands of receiver Sean Ryan. Wiggins has been impressive so far, but he still has to improve his technique. “Nate has been looking good,” Harbaugh said. “[He’s] been working on technique. Again, it’s only his second day. He made a nice play, great technique, nice and square in man coverage there, and made the pick. It was a nice play. “He actually came running right back through the middle of the field — which you’re supposed to not do that, but that is where I was standing. I was just happy that he didn’t hit me and ran around. So that was nice.” As far as interceptions, rookie defensive end Tramel Walthour had one late in practice, and the 6-3, 283-pound former Georgia lineman showed some good speed before running about 25 yards and getting out of bounds. It was a good thing for Wright, because he wanted no part of Walthour when he was running downhill. View the full article Quote
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