[Baltimore Sun] Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on DB depth, a scary moment and how Lamar Jackson helps WRs | COMMENTARY
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The Ravens have 19 defensive backs listed on their training camp roster. How many they will keep on the 53-man roster will be worth watching.
Baltimore has until Aug. 27 to trim its roster and decide which 16 players will make the practice squad. Unlike a year ago when the Ravens were looking for talented cornerbacks or an extra safety or two, this team has a surplus of talent, especially with starting safeties Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens playing well.
The defense is expected to be ahead of the offense at this point of training camp but the secondary has been a strength. Adding to the equation, the Ravens drafted Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of the NFL draft in April and took Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa Jr in the fourth, though he’s on the physically unable to perform list with a sports hernia.
That might mean a veteran like safety Ar’Darius Washington, in his fourth season out of TCU, or a third-year corner such as Damarion “Pepe” Williams could be expendable.
Williams has struggled at times in camp and was victimized twice for long passes in practice Monday.
“Well, I’ll tell you this. I give a lot of credit to [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and his staff for putting this roster together,” said Chris Hewitt, the Ravens passing game coordinator and secondary coach. “We’ve got a lot of talented guys back there [in the secondary]. We’ve got length, we’ve got speed, we’ve got guys who [are] pit bulls. We’ve got it all. [We have] guys who come up and tackle, we’re a very talented group back there.”
Henry gets clotheslined
A scary moment in practice came when running back Derrick Henry took a handoff to the right side and got clotheslined by 6-foot-4, 338-pound defensive tackle Travis Jones.
Henry quickly got up and he and Jones shook hands afterward, but the Ravens had to see their running game on the brink of collapsing. Henry is 30, but still has enough talent remaining to push the Ravens deep into the playoffs if used properly.
That’s the big question: Will he be used smartly and properly?
Another concerning moment — and there seems to be one every practice with him — was receiver Rashod Bateman laying flat on his back early in practice while talking with a trainer.
With Bateman, there always seem to be anxious moments. The kid is talented, but he’s such an enigma. He did return to the lineup quickly but eventually left practice early.
“I don’t think it’s a serious thing, it’s just kind of a little soreness deal. They took him in to be safe,” coach John Harbaugh said.
A minor exchange
Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson and receiver Qadir Ismail briefly exchanged words Monday, but it was nothing serious. I wish outside linebackers Jarret Johnson and Terrell Suggs were still on the team because they would have jumped in on the pile and acted like there was a mad melee going on.
They thrived on those moments and made camp a lot more fun.
Making some kids’ day
Humphrey made training camp special for two youngsters on Monday.
After he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass, Humphrey gave the ball to a youngster on the sideline. Later, he gave his gloves to another kid wearing his jersey.
Those are the memories that make training camp special.
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A helping hand
There was never a concern about Jackson returning or him not being around for offensive installation purposes. It was more about morale.
The offense needed a boost, especially those receivers, who got tired of having passes sail over their heads. A prime example was receiver Sean Ryan beating Stephens down the left sideline for a 20-yard gain Monday.
Jackson delivered a perfect back-shoulder throw, allowing the wideout to make an adjustment on the ball. Bateman also had a nice one-handed catch earlier in the practice.
Jackson’s return gives the receivers an added edge.
Oweh’s growth
The biggest difference for fourth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh is that he doesn’t have just one move anymore. He can use another when the first one doesn’t work. In previous years, it was all about speed to the outside. Now, he’ll try speed, then spin and then an arm rip.
As for second-year outside linebacker David Ojabo on the other side, I haven’t seen much from him despite Harbaugh saying he is primed for bigger things. But the truth is that fifth-year linebacker Malik Harrison does a better job of holding the edge on running plays.
Ravens tackles Ronnie Stanley, left, and Julian Pearl work on offensive line drills during practice on Monday. (Amy Davis/Staff)
OL is a work in progress
The Ravens offensive line still needs a lot of work, but this group has time and one of the better line coaches in the league in Joe D’Alessandris.
Many of the problems can be addressed by cleaning up some technique issues, but the rookie and second-round right tackle out of Washington, Roger Rosengarten, is a competitor. The kid likes to mix it up and certainly isn’t shy.
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