ExtremeRavens Posted Thursday at 11:30 AM Posted Thursday at 11:30 AM Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens’ offseason. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Will Justin Tucker still be the kicker for the season opener? Will the Ravens use one of their many draft choices to pick a kicker either way? — Jim from London Jim, the NFL will eventually decide Tucker’s fate, whether it’s a suspension or concluding that there isn’t sufficient evidence based on its investigation into allegations by massage therapists of misconduct. There are some people who question the women waiting so long to come out and speak, but I don’t. No one knows the trauma or extent of the harm that these alleged situations might have caused, especially at an early age. I’d like to see an end to this situation as soon as possible, whether it results in a suspension or not. The Ravens and the NFL need to address this publicly. I wrote several weeks ago that the Ravens needed to bring in a kicker to challenge Tucker, and that was before the accusations came out publicly. If the Ravens decide to move on from Tucker, they will do their homework and find a new kicker. This franchise has a history of having some great ones in both Tucker and Matt Stover. The Ravens also have one of the best kicking coaches in the NFL in Randy Brown, so they’ll be fine. But the situation surrounding Tucker is a black cloud hanging over the organization. I’m curious about how involved the Ravens are in the players’ offseason strength and conditioning routines and how coaches monitor workouts outside Owings Mills. Besides Derrick Henry, which players come into camp in the best shape? — Nate A lot of the players attend offseason workouts at the training facility, especially the young ones, and that’s a major key in development. Players add bulk and muscle and it’s clearly noticeable in stars such as defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, center Tyler Linderbaum and even left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who spent a lot of time in Owings Mills during the offseason. It will happen again because young players such as cornerback Nate Wiggins and weakside linebacker Trenton Simpson need to develop and fill out. The linemen, though, are always a concern. Right guard Daniel Faalele could barely make it through training camp practices because of heat exhaustion. The Ravens need to stay on him, as well as nose tackle Michael Pierce. Overall, the Ravens had few injuries in 2024 compared with several years ago, so it was apparent that they listened to the players who strongly complained about the strenuous offseason workout programs. The Ravens don’t have to worry about running back Derrick Henry staying in shape over the offseason. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Do you see the Ravens making a trade for a pass rusher? — Radell Wilson on X Radell, the Ravens have 11 picks overall, so they need to do something to help quarterback Lamar Jackson take the next step and get to the Super Bowl. Be bold, be creative. If that means trading up to get an outside linebacker such as Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., go for it. Has the Ravens’ fan base become spoiled by the success of this organization? Yes, of course, but that is the standard. It’s no longer just acceptable to just get to the postseason but to play in the Super Bowl. It’s time to get a sniff of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Before this year’s draft, do the Ravens review their 2024 draft selections and evaluate their grading versus actual performance on the team? Has there ever been a player drafted by the Ravens that they thought would be a stud, but turned out to be a dud? Conversely, was there ever a player graded marginally who turned out to be phenomenal? Finally, do the Ravens or any other teams put much value on the Wonderlic tests? — Dan from Elkton Dan, I am sure there is value in that test, especially at certain positions. Contrary to popular belief, football is a smart man’s game. Regardless of what many say, the NFL draft is a gamble. I never thought former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome’s first two picks in the first round of 1996, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis, would eventually go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Truth be told, neither did Newsome. Overall, there are no complaints about the Ravens’ draft record. They have had mid- to late-round success stories such as center Jeff Mitchell, linebackers Cornell Brown, Adalius Thomas and Edgerton Hartwell, safeties Haruki Nakamura and Geno Stone and quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Linebacker Bart Scott was an undrafted free agent. But they have also had some early-round stinkers, such as receivers Patrick Johnson, Travis Taylor, Breshad Perriman and Mark Clayton, linebackers Sergio Kindle, Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, safety Matt Elam and quarterback Kyle Boller. Overall, you can’t argue with the franchise’s record. The Ravens have compiled a 268-199-1 record since moving to Baltimore for the start of the 1996 season. They have also won two Super Bowl titles and there are 12 teams in the NFL that have never won the prestigious event. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article Quote
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