The Ravens seem like selecting a beginning offensive line, however coordinator Greg Roman will proceed to shuffle starters out and in for a number of extra weeks.
The battle for the beginning left guard spot was anticipated to one of the crucial intense in coaching camp, however Roman says fourth-year participant Ben Powers is at present the starter forward of third-year participant Tyre Phillips and second-year performer Ben Cleveland.
Phillips is extra athletic than Powers, however Powers has extra expertise and data of the group’s run-oriented offense. Cleveland has but to make it to the apply area after failing his conditioning take a look at.
No matter who steps in, left guard and middle, the place rookie Tyler Linderbaum is projected to begin, would be the weakest positions on the offensive line.
“There is a long way to go,” Roman stated. “We’ll proceed to rotate guys in and provides guys the alternatives. There is an ebb and move to coaching camp.
“Some guys have great days and then there might be a fair-to-middling day. That’s part of it, so we won’t be too hasty to cast judgement. We’ll have a keen eye on it.”
Roman additionally stated veteran Ja’Wuan James has carried out nicely at left deal with filling in for All-Pro Ronnie Stanley, who continues to be recovering from ankle surgical procedure however is anticipated to begin the season opener towards the New York Jets on Sept. 11. James missed all of final season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
Part nook, half octopus
Rookie cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is a component soccer participant, half octopus.
Armour-Davis, a fourth-round draft pick of Alabama, has performed nicely all through minicamp and the primary three days of coaching camp, however he can’t make it by practices with out getting known as for holding.
If he stays wholesome, he ought to get some taking part in time this season as a result of he has excellent velocity and restoration, however he can’t maintain his fingers off receivers.
He had that drawback in school, which is shocking as a result of he was one of many quickest gamers within the nation. But if he can keep away from penalties, he may turn out to be an excellent participant.
Moon watching
Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, an undrafted rookie out of Florida, is an extended shot to make the group, however he has been spectacular dashing the passer.
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Moon has good velocity and leverage coming off the sting. It can be attention-grabbing to see how he performs when the Ravens placed on full pads Monday.
No drawback for Houston
On the opposite facet of the spectrum from Moon is veteran exterior linebacker Justin Houston, now coming into his twelfth season.
Veterans typically take it straightforward by coaching camp, however Houston, who had 4 1/2 sacks a 12 months in the past, actually appears to get pleasure from being round his teammates.
The 33-year-old by no means backs away from repetitions and is all the time giving recommendation to the youthful gamers. He isn’t the dynamic cross rusher the Ravens want, however he’s a type of veterans who provides some character to the roster.
Rookie second for Hamilton
There can be a pair “Welcome to the NFL” moments for rookie security Kyle Hamilton, the group’s high draft pick of Notre Dame.
One of these got here Friday when he was matched up one-on-one with tight finish Mark Andrews, who merely ran away from him down the precise sideline to haul in a 40-yard landing cross.
If Hamilton has a weak point in his recreation, it’s that he lacks restoration velocity. He couldn’t come near monitoring down Andrews, who made a diving catch in the long run zone after which stared the rookie down as he completed the play.
Oweh on the rise?
Second-year exterior linebacker Odafe Oweh seems to have added some bulk and muscle within the higher a part of his physique.
The 2021 first-round decide spent the offseason finding out tape and including to his strikes, which mainly included only a velocity rush final season. Thus far, it appears like a few of the coaching has paid off.
The Ravens have lacked a pass-rushing specialist for at the very least 4 seasons. By the center of the 12 months, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Oweh has progressed.
Shaking issues up
The Ravens have been making an attempt some new issues in coaching camp.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been taking part in each inside and outdoors, and with the massive variety of corners on the roster, he could be higher off close to the road of scrimmage as a result of he is without doubt one of the group’s finest tacklers.
It can be attention-grabbing to see what the Ravens do with fullback Patrick Ricard, particularly with six tight ends on the roster. The Ravens have been utilizing Ricard within the slot and as an additional tight finish at occasions.
Ricard isn’t recognized for catching the ball, however he’ll idiot groups every so often.
Early birds
You can inform when a coach is getting by to his gamers once they present as much as work earlier than apply.
Before Thursday’s apply, rookie defensive linemen Rayshad Nichols and Travis Jones and third-year deal with Broderick Washington have been out on the sector doing sled work.
That’s spectacular.
Jackson delivers
Quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to have a powerful camp, despite the fact that he wasn’t as spectacular Friday as he was the primary two days.
In the primary hour, Jackson threw a pair passes that hung within the air like punts, however he settled down to provide a powerful second half.
Overall, Jackson is larger and stronger than a 12 months in the past. The Ravens wanted him to return into coaching camp on time to set a tempo, and to this point he has delivered.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com