May 27, 2025 • 28 mins
Team insiders Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing discuss which players have the most to gain during the Ravens' three weeks of OTAs and who they're watching most closely.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan mink
here at Garrett Downing, and OTAs are beginning for the Ravens.
This is an exciting time of the year where it
looks a little bit more like practice out there and
we see some of these veterans in action and see
the rookies playing alongside those veterans. So an exciting time.
Garrett and I are going to break down which players
(00:26):
these OTAs really matter for. Most of course, it matters
for everybody, but certain guys you're going to really keep
an eye on because they have some growth to do
or something to kind of show coaches during these OTAs.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
I think OTAs they're important from a just to set
the table here for what they are and what they aren't.
These are not padded practices, but they at least put
the helmets on. This is a time where it looks
more like football. Up until this point, there has been
some on field work, but it's not. It doesn't really
feel like a normal practice. If you were just watching,
(00:59):
it doesn't feel like a normal football practice.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
But OTAs do.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
They feel like a normal practice. They're out there in
uniforms and again not padded, not full contact practices, but
it's a big step in the direction towards of what
football looks like. And again this is all still voluntary,
so I don't know exactly who's going to be here.
Typically speaking, there's a RAMS have had good participation amongst
veterans really throughout the entire process, but in past years
(01:25):
they've had good representation with a majority of guys, and.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Usually they kind of the big name veterans kind of
roll through.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Sometimes they will they won't come to every week of OTAs,
but they'll come for one or two and they kind
of rotate. I mean honestly, you know, of course you
like guys to be here, but you also want to
get a lot of reps.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
For some of these younger players.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah, that's part of it, and for you know, Mark
Andrews for example, Like does Mark Andrews need the reps
and OTAs? You know some of these like more veteran guys.
You're almost like, you know what, it's okay, we want
to get some of these young guys. Get to look
at them.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, Derrick Henry exactly precisely right, It's like we know what,
we know what he can do. So but but I
do think they are valuable from a from the standpoint
of like timing and feel, especially with new new targets
for the passing.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
Game, especially some of the offensive stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Yeah, and then and then on the defensive side, where
you have some some kind of young players, especially like
Malachi Starks as an example, He's one of the guys
that I'll point to, Like you have the young guys
who could be stepping into some big time roles, it's
really important. So for me, like I think the conversation
starts from an offensive standpoint on just Lamar and and
(02:38):
again this is voluntary, so what we'll see. But I
think that, like you're it's always exciting to see Lamar
Jackson passing game on the field. That's all you're always
looking to do. He's whenever you're talking about the ravens,
Lamar is the first guy that you're gonna bring up.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Yeah, though I would say of all years, it's not
I think it's a little bit less important for Lamar
this year. I mean, just because his targets are really
the same I mean DeAndre Hopkins, right, so he'll definitely
want time to build that rapport with with the d
hop But will de hop be here. I Mean, he's
one of those veterans who it's like I know what
(03:12):
I'm I know how to play football, so we don't know.
So for the most part, like Lamar has a feel.
You know, he's now in year three of Todd Monkins offense,
so he certainly knows the offense like the back of
his hands. So I honestly, at quarterback, I look more
at Cooper.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Rush, you know.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
I mean the Ravens signed him this offseason, and it's
his first time really in a practice with Todd munkin
and and kind of acclimating himself to this offense.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Yeah, with with the targets, the Hopkins piece, Like, it'll
be fun. Whether it happens in OTAs are in mini camp,
it'll be fun to see Lamar Jackson throw on his
first passes to deirs like that. That's gonna be fun whenever.
Whenever that does happen. I'll be excited to see him.
I'm excited that we'll put that highlight out. Yeah, you
know that highlight's gonna hit Twitter, Like that's gonna that's going.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
To happen the slow mo. Yeah, and I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
To see like I am excited to see there Hopkins. Like,
this is a guy who's been a stud for decade
plus in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
You've been wanting to see him in a Ravens uniform
for a long time.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Yeah, Like this has been some of the people have
been thinking about, and so now you're going to get
a chance to see that. I'm fired up to see
that again. Whether that's OTA's or mini camp, training camp,
whatever it is, but he's It's It's kind of crazy
because DeAndre Hopkins has a Hall of Fame resume.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
But like I almost I almost feel like that.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
Addition is kind of forgotten about. Like in the conversation
around the team and this offense, you're like, oh, yeah,
they have DeAndre Hopkins now in the mix too. I
don't think that we're spending enough time talking about just
how significant that could be.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Yeah, yeah, I agree, it's kind of flirting under the
radar just because you know his age and where he's
at in his career. But I think that the Ravens
believe and I believe that he can be a very
clutched and productive player in this offense. I don't think
he's gonna, you know, in this offense, he's probably not
going to be a thousand yard guy. I hope he is,
but with so many mouths defeat in this offense, it's
(04:58):
probably unlikely.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
But I think he's gonna make some big.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Plays and you know, make lunch clutch clutch moments and
make some of those plays. And now those the plays
don't happen OTAs you don't have clutch ota catches, But
that's just where you get excited for the potential exactly.
Like honestly, when when he steps on the field and
like seeing him elevate and seeing him the way he moves,
and there's probably gonna be us reporters are gonna be
(05:25):
like he's still he's still got it, you know what
I mean, Like that's what I expect.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Something that's always sharping with Deanta Hopkins is like his
body control and his total ability around the sidelines, like
is as good as anybody in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And seeing him mentor some of these younger guys, that's
These offseason practices are a time when veterans come in
and and kind of establish themselves in their role, and
he's certainly going to have a leadership role with these
younger wide receivers around him.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
The other guy at the passing end that I'll point
to that I'm kind of curious to see as well,
big name guys a Flowers, because we haven't seen him
on the field of course since the end of last year.
So just how's he moving. We've seen the videos of
him and Lamar Jackson throwing last week. They were throwing
together like down in Florida, and so they're getting some
time before OTAs began, and so.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
It's good to see that.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
But I'll be again, we haven't he spent He finished
last season injured and so certainly hope that's all behind him.
John Harbot did say this offseason that he didn't need
to have surgery or anything on that knee injury. But
of course you just want to see him moving and
showing off that agility that he has.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Look, you know me, I'm a football grinder. Okay, you
know where I'm looking trenches?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Okay, you see you.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
You're like, I want to watch.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Save Flowers d hot, I say, Flowers moves.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
No, see, I've seen that. That's me.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
I'm a grinder.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
You say that though, but like you also forget, as
I said at the outset here, these guys aren't pads.
It's not full context, so you can't really determine. You're like,
you're a bit I want to see wo's gonna win
the left guard job. No, that is determined in training,
cab that is not determined in ota. Is this about
timing in the passing game, not the trench work, But
go ahead and make your case.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
I mean you're not wrong, but I still like, you know,
the spots on offense are really left guard is the
spot Andrew Voreh he's coming back, you know, the addition
of Joe Noteboom, seeing him moving around out there for
the first time, you know, seeing even some of these
these rookies like a Carson Vincent, you know, and his progress.
(07:24):
Not that I expect him to have a big twenty
twenty five role, if any role at all, really, but
you know, seeing him start to establish himself. Like that's
more the Jonte Wester.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Like Jont Wester is a guy you can't you can't
talk about the passing gamester I get to claim Wester
that says a returner, okay, returning okay, okay, Like some
of those guys I think will be fun and honestly offensively.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
The starting job that is up for grabs.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
The most, even though I think he's got a pretty
good handle on it, is left guard and Andrew Vorhei's
So that's kind of where my eyes go.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Look, that is going to be a position to watch
out training camp. But to be honest, I just I
think that that's.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
Yeah, Like you can't glean a lot, yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
At this point, And what it does give you a
sense of is just alignment and like who they're thinking
about in the rotation and who's trying at certain spots.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Like I would have liked to have seen it. Unfortunately
Amrie Jones is dealing with that shoulder kind of labor injury,
but it would have been interesting to see where he's
at right guards. He had tackle right exactly. I think
that that's Garrett Dellinger. Is he getting some snaps at center?
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I mean he and Nick Samak that's kind of a
competition this summer. So is he getting some work there?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Like last year Ben Cleveland he was, He's kind of
moved around and we thought, oh he could end up
being a starting, starting left guard, and starting left was
playing left guard right and so like and even like
he was a guy that of course came into a tackle,
then he transitions to guard, so you start to see
that transition in these OCA practices. So like, I think
that that's I think alignment is interesting to look at
(08:59):
and it gives you a perspective of how they're thinking
about it going into training camp. But as we're saying,
the battles and the tranchisers are not decided at this stage.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
We brought up special teams with Leschontay Wester another guy.
Certainly a lot of eyes are going to be on
his kicker, Tyler Loop, the rookie, and it's really his
with the release of Justin Tucker.
Speaker 4 (09:20):
All right, you're in the spotlight.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
It's your turn, Like this is kind of your first
impression in front of the majority of the team to
show what you have and so here we go.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Yeah, I go back.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
I remember when in twenty twelve when Billy Kendiff and
Justin Tucker had a battle to make the team coming
throughout training camp, and all that battle lasted all the
way up until pretty much the end of the preseason.
But those two guys, you know, it was like a
clear competition where everybody was watching them, and the Raves
really put the pressure on the rookie Tucker at that point,
(09:53):
just in terms of some high pressure kicks from a
practice standpoint, a lot of guys watching them hardboll stander
behind him, you know, at that point Tucker were and
kind of we're hearing from veterans like Terrell Suggs who
were giving.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Him a hard time.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
And so like you, I think the Ravens do from
a kicking standpoint, try to simulate some high pressure moments
and practice as much as you can. And like that
can again, that can come from veterans standing right behind
you barking at you and like putting the pressure on yep,
And how do you handle that? How do you handle that?
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Yep?
Speaker 3 (10:24):
That'll be I think we probably will see some of
that in O TAS and certainly in training camp. But
I think that starts now.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Well, when the Ravens signed another rookie kicker, undrafted kicker
John Hoyland, who uh kicked at Wyoming, so there will
be some competition there during OTA's it starts now, yeah,
And really it's kind of like, is there the possibility
that the Ravens could sign a veteran kicker at some point?
That will in part be decided by how these guys
(10:50):
kick in OTAs, Yeah, do they need do they feel
the need at the end of OTA's to say we
need to get a little more competition here?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
M M yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I think that that what you described as definitely something
that happens pretty much every spot on the roster, but
like there's a few that you feel like, all right,
this is going to be a time where we just
decide do we need to bring in extra help?
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Right, there's always there's always turnover on every NFL roster,
and part of that is you have young guys who
haven't had a lot of playing experience stepping into larger roles,
and OTAs are often a time when you evaluate those
younger players and you say, okay, we want to give
this guy a chance. Let's see how he looks on
(11:31):
the practice field. Do we need to supplement or not,
or do we feel like, all right, we're gonna pull
push our chips in the middle of the table and
like we're betting on this guy because he's looking really
good this summer. This is a time when you make
that case to a agree there's younger players.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
The other guy I want to I want to go
back to. We mentioned him Lejontey Wester, I want to
talk about him just a little bit more because it
is going to be tough to crack a significant role
on offense. The Ravens have really good receivers. We talked
about Hopkins joining Zay Flowers and Rashad Bateman, Mark Andrews
Isaiah likely a tight end. Tylan Wallace of course still
in the receiving mix. So like, it's gonna be tough
(12:05):
to get snaps on offense. However, I do think Western
is an intriguing player and somebody who during offseason and
training camp practices is gonna catch the eye of reporters
fans during these practices say like, man, this guy's got
some juice, Like he was a super super productive player
throughout college, and I think he's gonna make some plays
in practice that you're like, Oh, I like, Wester.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I think he's he's exciting.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
He's got some agility and quickness and big play potential,
and so I am actually like curious to see if
he makes enough plays in these practices that the coaches say, hey, look.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Maybe we can find a way to work him in.
Sprinkle him in on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
He's not gonna be playing thirty snaps, But does he
do enough in these practices to say, let's try to
find a couple of spots to get him some action
in games.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
Yeah, I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
And certainly he projects to be the Ravens punt returner,
which puts him on the active game day roster obviously,
So this is an opportunity for him. You know, if
you're on the game day roster, you want to fill
as many roles as possible. Yeah, and so he will
have an opportunity to get some offensive snaps, and this
is the time when he can kind of prove himself
(13:13):
a little bit in that regard.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
The last guy that I'll point to on offense for
me is Keith Mitchell.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
Okay, Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
I think that he's Look, we saw him last year.
He was never really the player that he was as
a rookie. Coming back from that really serious kneegery that
he suffered near the end of his rookie season. Just
getting on the field last year was an accomplishment, and
I don't think he ever really had the full strength, mobility,
agility that he had his rookie season. And so the
(13:42):
Ravens are gonna have a chance to see what he
can do, and he I think projects most likely to
be the starting kick returner and then also be used
on an offensive role as depth, but also some high
impact potential with his big playability.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Yeah, so how's he moving? Like does he look?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
He was a guy that when we talk about going
back in a couple of years and his these practices,
how important these practices and trained like the early part
of training camp practices. Keithon Mitchell was a guy that
like nobody was really talking about at this point two
years ago. Then you see him on the field and
you're like, man, this guy is fast. He is like
he can fly. And so he just consistently did that
(14:20):
ultimately ended up earning himself a spot on the fifty
three man roster as an undrafted rookie. But I think
that I'll be curious to see if he looks back
to what he did as a rookie.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
I think that's another good one.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
And he and wester are also OTA's are a good
opportunity because sometimes these veterans aren't there right, Like if
Derek Hempy isn't there, for example, Keith Mitchell, you get
a lot of action and justice Hill certainly could be.
But you know, if d Hop isn't there, if bait
Z who knows right, then like Wester, you get you
(14:52):
get a lot of snaps with the first team offense potentially,
And so it's a good time for some of those
role players looking to have a role or a bigger
role to get a lot of reps. Yeah, most of
my players to watch around defense, though, So let's take
a quick break and then we'll come back and identify
who those defensive players are to watch.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
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Sports Book.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
The Crown is yours. So defense, who's at the top
of your list?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
So with the injury to Ardarius Washington, there's a real
opportunity at the number three safety role, and two in
house candidates to fill that will be Snoozy Kane and
bo Braid. Sanousy being a seventh round pick last year
and bo Braid undrafted. I really like the way those
guys played on special teams last year. They saw a
lot of action, especially for seventh round, you know, and
(15:50):
undrafted guys like they played in a lot of games
and made a lot of plays on special teams. And
I also thought that defensively in the preseason, they flashed
bo Braid, had some big hits, got an interception or
that one get overturned.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
I can't remember. It was a dive. It was a
great diving play.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
I think he got it. Yeah, so we'll just count it.
Count your book, it counts my book. Yeah, And I
thought Sanoosie played really well. I mean, these are physical
guys who will come up and hit you, and as
we were talking about before, there's an opportunity and they
can kind of plant their flag here in OTA's and
say maybe you don't need to go out and get
a veteran, or maybe you certainly don't need to spend
(16:29):
considerable resources on a veteran at least right And by
the way they play here in OTA's, I think that
could determine that.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Look our Darius Washington was an undrafted player who ended
up carving out a really nice role for himself here.
And if we were having the conversation going into his
second season, like it would have been a similar that
would have been a similar conversation right now than what
everything you just said about Bo Braid and Snoosie Kane
and so I think that the opportunity is there for
those guys to carve out a role for themselves. And
(17:00):
that's an important spot. It's part of the reason the
Ravens took Malachi Starks in the first round this year.
It's part of the reason last year that they went
out and they signed Eddie Jackson late in the process
because they wanted to have another safety. So, like that
third safety is really important for this team, and those
two guys have a pretty big opportunity in front of them.
I know you're trying to show how much of a
grinder you are looking at like the third safety role,
(17:20):
but I'll go with the I guess the flashyear pick here.
I want to see Malachi Starks. Yeah, yeah, I want
to see the rookie first round pick. The guy is
so talented, moves incredibly, incredibly well so athletic, even at
rookie camp, Like he stepped down. From a leadership standpoint,
it's a little different when you're leading the rookies. I
don't know that like there's going to be the leadership
(17:41):
expectation on him and OTAs like he took on that
leadership responsiblit.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
Him then, and the way they're working together.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
I mean, honestly, Malachi's role increased with the injury to
ourd areas as it did, right, I mean I would
assume that means more snaps for him. Yeah, and so yeah,
pencil him in is the starter. Yeah, and this is
kind of the start of that.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
Yeah, it's gonna he's I think he's just gonna be
a fun player to watch throughout spring and summer practices.
But for like, for him, it's it's we spend all
the time talking about can you carve out a role?
Speaker 2 (18:11):
Can you can you earn your spot?
Speaker 3 (18:13):
For him, it's more like, all right, you need to
get ready to play potential one hundred percent of the snaps,
Like you need to make sure, Like I don't think
knowing the defense is gonna be a problem for him.
He's probably could recite it at this point, just getting
a sense of how smart he is. But I do
think that like he's gonna have to get ready to
play and get a feel for how Kyle Hamilton moves
next to him, what the secondary.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
Communication between those two guys.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
Kyle Hamilton talked a lot last year after the Ravens
made the switch to Ardarius about how well he and
Ourdareas communicated with each other and that partnership, and that
was a big deal, right even secondary played a whole
lot better down the stretch in part because of that
communication and that relationship. And now Kyle needs to build
that with Malachi. And you know, Kyle has been around
(18:53):
here during the voluntary strength and Conditioning program, so I
would I would bet that he's probably there for OTAs
and and that relationship building that relationship will be in
an integral part.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
If you go back to Kyle's rookie season, especially the
first half of that year, he had some struggles and
part of it comes down to that communication stuff. Like
for as good of a player as Kyle Hamilton, and
he is, even he has some struggles. That Miami game
is the one that comes to mind, and I think
that like the communication piece. He talked about the value
of that and how important it is, and so now
is the opportunity for him and Malachi to build that
(19:26):
and and then of course, like I'll just be excited
to see some of the playmaking ability. We saw that
at Georgia and I'm guessing we're going to see more
of that here in these practices.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
Yep, I'll grinder go to another give me the eighth
cornerback competition, the Radar Undo the Raider guys, and no
again for me. Just like Sanusi and Bo, it's a
couple of year two guys, and we've talked about how
you often make a big jump from year one to
year two. So I like to watch those sophomores. And
the two guys are a Desa Isaac and TJ.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Tampa.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
You know, a Desa Isaac third round pick. I mean
this is a prett early pick at outside linebacker. And
another player who I thought in the preseason and when
he was healthy flashed his potential. How big of a
role can he carve out in that outside linebacker pass
rusher mix. I'll be really intrigued to watch him at Ota.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
I think he's a big one.
Speaker 4 (20:16):
And then TJ.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Tampa, similarly, another player who dealt with injuries his first year.
You know, really the Ravens, you know your top three cornerbacks,
but especially with the injury to our Darius, your cornerback
depth is even more important because now Marlon might be
taking more snaffs at Nickel than he would have previously,
which puts a woozier more on the field opposite Nate Wiggins.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Obviously, all right, your.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Next guy up right, If those three player corners are
playing a lot, your fourth corner is probably going to
see some action too, And so who wins that number
four cornerback job, especially kind of as a perimeter corner.
Jaylen armor Davis is going to be in that mix,
a guy who again dealt with injuries, but TJ. Tampa
has an opportunity in front of him to establish himself.
(21:02):
This is a player that the Ravens drafted in the
fourth round are really excited about.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
Last year.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
A lot of people thought TJ Tampa could have been
a second round pick and Ravens got to steal in
the fourth Unfortunately injured, but.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
I think he has an opportunity.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
You know, Tha's when you talked about at safety with
Bo Bradin, Snoozy King Kane having an opportunity to show
the front office basically you don't need to go out
and get a veteran. I think it's kind of similar
at cornerback now.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I don't think that the Ravens are really in the
veteran cornerback market right now. They have so many.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Guys I think that they could be, oh, I would be.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
I mean if you're looking at it and you're going
to say, Marlin Humphrey is going to play in the slot,
and so then you're looking at Cheetoh Woozie who they
signed that's a veteran corner, and then Nate Wiggins and
then basically it comes down to how do you feel
about TJ. Tampa and Jalen Armor Davis.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
We know that the Ravens really like Jalen Armor Davis.
When he's healthy, now that's the big win, right he's
it's been an issue. But like you have two guys
there with Jalen Armor Davis TJ.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Tampa that I think.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
And that's why I think practice the number four corner
are going to be important for them to basically show.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Yeah, they're they're good to go.
Speaker 1 (22:10):
By the way, you also drafted two more quarterbacks this
year in the sixth rounds. You have a ton of
depth at corner you Balao Cone and.
Speaker 4 (22:20):
Robert Longer Beam.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
So like you gotta, I'm not even sure that both
of those guys definitely have a spot on the fifty
three you sign another veteran, I.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Think I think that there's a lot of and that's
what these practices are for. Like you talk about young
guys getting an opportunity, I think that corner is maybe
one of the most important positions.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
To get a good look at the young players.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Because you've got to you have a bunch of competition
there and a bunch of death young players. But like
the question is who can make that jump? And they
jump from an ability standpoint and from an availability standpoint,
that's the case for really all of these guys, particularly
when you're talking about Tampa and Jalen arber Davis from
an availability standpoint, and and so how how do they look,
(23:00):
how do they move? How are they from a health standpoint?
That that's going to be important. Like I'm not I
wouldn't rule out if if those things, if the Ravens
didn't like what they saw on any of those questions,
could they bring in a veteran corner.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
If they were going to sign a veteran corner, is
it a veteran slot? That would probably be the spot
for me, because right now you have Marlin and Kyle,
you know, you don't have Arthur Mullett anymore, and and
Ardarius went right now, So to me, that would be
the potential addition.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Yeah, And and like they had Arthur Mallett last year
and now he barely played, but like because of injuries.
But they felt going into last year they re signed
Arthur m he was going to be a key piece
of the equation. Then he got hurt, didn't play. And
so I do think that like just when you compare
it to what they've done last year, they brought into
third safety in Eddie Jackson. They also still have Marx
(23:53):
Plains last year they brought in, they brought it, and
they resigned Arthur Molett. So like they've invested in those spots.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
You know who you know who be who would be
an interesting signing at that spot would be Mike Hilton,
veteran AFC North played for the Steelers and the Bengals
like Cheto exactly. And Uh is still out there on
the free agent market. And now I don't know if
it's you know, what his price would be. I mean,
he's a he's a really good player, but he's up
(24:19):
you know, up there in age a little bit, that'd
be an interesting one to keep an eye on.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Yeah, so now we're going down a rabbit hole here.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
That was just my I don't I'm coming around around
maybe like I don't think an outside guy I would
be surprised.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Now, you know, is it a guy who's.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Like Versatil could play inside or outside?
Speaker 4 (24:38):
Well, no, I'm just saying, like a veteran who you know.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
Is guaranteed a fifty three man roster spot, you know,
is competing you know, some some veteran. Of course that's
always a possibility. But like when we're talking about signings,
I'm talking about a signing where you say, yeah, that
guy's on the fifty three Yeah. Right, And so with
so much competition at corner, you don't have a lot
more spots. Now, you don't guarantee a.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
Fifty three men roster spot.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
But my eyes, last position for me goes to outside linebacker.
And a player who, like some of these other guys
we talked about, is dealt with injuries.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
David Ajabo.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Yeah, it's a big off season for David Ajabo to
kind of have that breakout that we all know is
it's in there, but we haven't seen it yet. And
so him establishing himself, especially with the addition of Mike Green.
You know, the Ravens have all their outside linebackers returning.
Can he really There's certainly been times in previous summers,
(25:34):
including last year, we were like, David Ajava looks good.
That guy is his feasting and can he have another
summer like that?
Speaker 3 (25:43):
When we sat down with Eric Tacosta after the draft
on the podcast, he pointed out David Ajabo and that
the Ravens still have high hopes and expectations for him.
You look at the numbers and a Job is kind
of competing for a roster spot. I don't think that
it's a guarantee this year, and so that competition is
is underway, and I mean you just go through it.
(26:03):
Kyle Vanoi, Dafe Owe, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, and DSA Isaac.
That's five right there. Then you added David a Jaba.
How many outside linebackers are the Ravens going to keep
on the team.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Yep, we'll see.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
But I think that if if a Job was going
to carve out that that spot for himself, it's just
been health for him, That's the thing. I mean, it's
been it's been health has really set him back. Super
talented player, you know, get more removed from injuries. And
so I think that, like everyone knows that, like the
potential is there. You just hope he's able to stay
(26:35):
healthy and able to just be on the field and
be productive throughout these practices. So it's important for him.
I'm I'm I think a lot of people feel this way.
He's an easy guy to root for. Yeah, I'm like
David a Jaba to be able to kind of put
it all together and stay healthy.
Speaker 4 (26:50):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
And if he did, I mean he does, that's that's
a boon for the Ravens. If that guy plays his potential,
my goodness that he's a difference maker. Yeah, and so yeah, sorry,
I thought it one more guy, Trenton Simpson. Yeah, I
had Tom stepping in real stepping back into that starting spot. Yeah,
with the departures this offseason Malik Harrison and Chris Board
(27:12):
and it'll be a key off season for him. And
Roquon talked this offseason about you know, he and Trenton
kind of developing that that bond and uh, that partnership
working together, and I think this will be another important
summer for him to establish himself.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
Yeah, so we're gonna get a chance to talk to
these guys on Wednesday and watch practice we are going
to give you We will have a follow up podcast
after that giving you our full impressions and takeaways from
the first day of open o TA practices, as well
as getting a chance to talk with some of the guys.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
So we're excited.
Speaker 3 (27:44):
I mean, it is fun when there's football action happening
out there on the field, and we'll be breaking it
all down for you over the course of this week.
As always, you can email us at the Lounge Ravens
dot NFL dot net. Let us know us questions.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
We'll have what you have.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
We'll have all the hot takes after oh yeah, one
day practice. One day I can make huge judgments.
Speaker 2 (28:02):
Size them up. OTA practice a size up.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
We'll be bringing you all the insider practice info.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
Yeah, thank you so much for listening. We'll talk with
you again soon
Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan mink
here at Garrett Downing, and OTAs are beginning for the Ravens.
This is an exciting time of the year where it
looks a little bit more like practice out there and
we see some of these veterans in action and see
the rookies playing alongside those veterans. So an exciting time.
Garrett and I are going to break down which players
(00:26):
these OTAs really matter for. Most of course, it matters
for everybody, but certain guys you're going to really keep
an eye on because they have some growth to do
or something to kind of show coaches during these OTAs.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
I think OTAs they're important from a just to set
the table here for what they are and what they aren't.
These are not padded practices, but they at least put
the helmets on. This is a time where it looks
more like football. Up until this point, there has been
some on field work, but it's not. It doesn't really
feel like a normal practice. If you were just watching,
(00:59):
it doesn't feel like a normal football practice.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
But OTAs do.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
They feel like a normal practice. They're out there in
uniforms and again not padded, not full contact practices, but
it's a big step in the direction towards of what
football looks like. And again this is all still voluntary,
so I don't know exactly who's going to be here.
Typically speaking, there's a RAMS have had good participation amongst
veterans really throughout the entire process, but in past years
(01:25):
they've had good representation with a majority of guys, and.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Usually they kind of the big name veterans kind of
roll through.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Sometimes they will they won't come to every week of OTAs,
but they'll come for one or two and they kind
of rotate. I mean honestly, you know, of course you
like guys to be here, but you also want to
get a lot of reps.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
For some of these younger players.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah, that's part of it, and for you know, Mark
Andrews for example, Like does Mark Andrews need the reps
and OTAs? You know some of these like more veteran guys.
You're almost like, you know what, it's okay, we want
to get some of these young guys. Get to look
at them.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, Derrick Henry exactly precisely right, It's like we know what,
we know what he can do. So but but I
do think they are valuable from a from the standpoint
of like timing and feel, especially with new new targets
for the passing.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
Game, especially some of the offensive stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Yeah, and then and then on the defensive side, where
you have some some kind of young players, especially like
Malachi Starks as an example, He's one of the guys
that I'll point to, Like you have the young guys
who could be stepping into some big time roles, it's
really important. So for me, like I think the conversation
starts from an offensive standpoint on just Lamar and and
(02:38):
again this is voluntary, so what we'll see. But I
think that, like you're it's always exciting to see Lamar
Jackson passing game on the field. That's all you're always
looking to do. He's whenever you're talking about the ravens,
Lamar is the first guy that you're gonna bring up.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Yeah, though I would say of all years, it's not
I think it's a little bit less important for Lamar
this year. I mean, just because his targets are really
the same I mean DeAndre Hopkins, right, so he'll definitely
want time to build that rapport with with the d
hop But will de hop be here. I Mean, he's
one of those veterans who it's like I know what
(03:12):
I'm I know how to play football, so we don't know.
So for the most part, like Lamar has a feel.
You know, he's now in year three of Todd Monkins offense,
so he certainly knows the offense like the back of
his hands. So I honestly, at quarterback, I look more
at Cooper.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Rush, you know.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
I mean the Ravens signed him this offseason, and it's
his first time really in a practice with Todd munkin
and and kind of acclimating himself to this offense.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Yeah, with with the targets, the Hopkins piece, Like, it'll
be fun. Whether it happens in OTAs are in mini camp,
it'll be fun to see Lamar Jackson throw on his
first passes to deirs like that. That's gonna be fun whenever.
Whenever that does happen. I'll be excited to see him.
I'm excited that we'll put that highlight out. Yeah, you
know that highlight's gonna hit Twitter, Like that's gonna that's going.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
To happen the slow mo. Yeah, and I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
To see like I am excited to see there Hopkins. Like,
this is a guy who's been a stud for decade
plus in the NFL.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
You've been wanting to see him in a Ravens uniform
for a long time.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Yeah, Like this has been some of the people have
been thinking about, and so now you're going to get
a chance to see that. I'm fired up to see
that again. Whether that's OTA's or mini camp, training camp,
whatever it is, but he's It's It's kind of crazy
because DeAndre Hopkins has a Hall of Fame resume.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
But like I almost I almost feel like that.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
Addition is kind of forgotten about. Like in the conversation
around the team and this offense, you're like, oh, yeah,
they have DeAndre Hopkins now in the mix too. I
don't think that we're spending enough time talking about just
how significant that could be.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Yeah, yeah, I agree, it's kind of flirting under the
radar just because you know his age and where he's
at in his career. But I think that the Ravens
believe and I believe that he can be a very
clutched and productive player in this offense. I don't think
he's gonna, you know, in this offense, he's probably not
going to be a thousand yard guy. I hope he is,
but with so many mouths defeat in this offense, it's
(04:58):
probably unlikely.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
But I think he's gonna make some big.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Plays and you know, make lunch clutch clutch moments and
make some of those plays. And now those the plays
don't happen OTAs you don't have clutch ota catches, But
that's just where you get excited for the potential exactly.
Like honestly, when when he steps on the field and
like seeing him elevate and seeing him the way he moves,
and there's probably gonna be us reporters are gonna be
(05:25):
like he's still he's still got it, you know what
I mean, Like that's what I expect.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Something that's always sharping with Deanta Hopkins is like his
body control and his total ability around the sidelines, like
is as good as anybody in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And seeing him mentor some of these younger guys, that's
These offseason practices are a time when veterans come in
and and kind of establish themselves in their role, and
he's certainly going to have a leadership role with these
younger wide receivers around him.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
The other guy at the passing end that I'll point
to that I'm kind of curious to see as well,
big name guys a Flowers, because we haven't seen him
on the field of course since the end of last year.
So just how's he moving. We've seen the videos of
him and Lamar Jackson throwing last week. They were throwing
together like down in Florida, and so they're getting some
time before OTAs began, and so.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
It's good to see that.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
But I'll be again, we haven't he spent He finished
last season injured and so certainly hope that's all behind him.
John Harbot did say this offseason that he didn't need
to have surgery or anything on that knee injury. But
of course you just want to see him moving and
showing off that agility that he has.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Look, you know me, I'm a football grinder. Okay, you
know where I'm looking trenches?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Okay, you see you.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
You're like, I want to watch.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Save Flowers d hot, I say, Flowers moves.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
No, see, I've seen that. That's me.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
I'm a grinder.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
You say that though, but like you also forget, as
I said at the outset here, these guys aren't pads.
It's not full context, so you can't really determine. You're like,
you're a bit I want to see wo's gonna win
the left guard job. No, that is determined in training,
cab that is not determined in ota. Is this about
timing in the passing game, not the trench work, But
go ahead and make your case.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
I mean you're not wrong, but I still like, you know,
the spots on offense are really left guard is the
spot Andrew Voreh he's coming back, you know, the addition
of Joe Noteboom, seeing him moving around out there for
the first time, you know, seeing even some of these
these rookies like a Carson Vincent, you know, and his progress.
(07:24):
Not that I expect him to have a big twenty
twenty five role, if any role at all, really, but
you know, seeing him start to establish himself. Like that's
more the Jonte Wester.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Like Jont Wester is a guy you can't you can't
talk about the passing gamester I get to claim Wester
that says a returner, okay, returning okay, okay, Like some
of those guys I think will be fun and honestly offensively.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
The starting job that is up for grabs.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
The most, even though I think he's got a pretty
good handle on it, is left guard and Andrew Vorhei's
So that's kind of where my eyes go.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Look, that is going to be a position to watch
out training camp. But to be honest, I just I
think that that's.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
Yeah, Like you can't glean a lot, yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
At this point, And what it does give you a
sense of is just alignment and like who they're thinking
about in the rotation and who's trying at certain spots.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Like I would have liked to have seen it. Unfortunately
Amrie Jones is dealing with that shoulder kind of labor injury,
but it would have been interesting to see where he's
at right guards. He had tackle right exactly. I think
that that's Garrett Dellinger. Is he getting some snaps at center?
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I mean he and Nick Samak that's kind of a
competition this summer. So is he getting some work there?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Like last year Ben Cleveland he was, He's kind of
moved around and we thought, oh he could end up
being a starting, starting left guard, and starting left was
playing left guard right and so like and even like
he was a guy that of course came into a tackle,
then he transitions to guard, so you start to see
that transition in these OCA practices. So like, I think
that that's I think alignment is interesting to look at
(08:59):
and it gives you a perspective of how they're thinking
about it going into training camp. But as we're saying,
the battles and the tranchisers are not decided at this stage.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
We brought up special teams with Leschontay Wester another guy.
Certainly a lot of eyes are going to be on
his kicker, Tyler Loop, the rookie, and it's really his
with the release of Justin Tucker.
Speaker 4 (09:20):
All right, you're in the spotlight.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
It's your turn, Like this is kind of your first
impression in front of the majority of the team to
show what you have and so here we go.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Yeah, I go back.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
I remember when in twenty twelve when Billy Kendiff and
Justin Tucker had a battle to make the team coming
throughout training camp, and all that battle lasted all the
way up until pretty much the end of the preseason.
But those two guys, you know, it was like a
clear competition where everybody was watching them, and the Raves
really put the pressure on the rookie Tucker at that point,
(09:53):
just in terms of some high pressure kicks from a
practice standpoint, a lot of guys watching them hardboll stander
behind him, you know, at that point Tucker were and
kind of we're hearing from veterans like Terrell Suggs who
were giving.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Him a hard time.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
And so like you, I think the Ravens do from
a kicking standpoint, try to simulate some high pressure moments
and practice as much as you can. And like that
can again, that can come from veterans standing right behind
you barking at you and like putting the pressure on yep,
And how do you handle that? How do you handle that?
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Yep?
Speaker 3 (10:24):
That'll be I think we probably will see some of
that in O TAS and certainly in training camp. But
I think that starts now.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Well, when the Ravens signed another rookie kicker, undrafted kicker
John Hoyland, who uh kicked at Wyoming, so there will
be some competition there during OTA's it starts now, yeah,
And really it's kind of like, is there the possibility
that the Ravens could sign a veteran kicker at some point?
That will in part be decided by how these guys
(10:50):
kick in OTAs, Yeah, do they need do they feel
the need at the end of OTA's to say we
need to get a little more competition here?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
M M yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I think that that what you described as definitely something
that happens pretty much every spot on the roster, but
like there's a few that you feel like, all right,
this is going to be a time where we just
decide do we need to bring in extra help?
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Right, there's always there's always turnover on every NFL roster,
and part of that is you have young guys who
haven't had a lot of playing experience stepping into larger roles,
and OTAs are often a time when you evaluate those
younger players and you say, okay, we want to give
this guy a chance. Let's see how he looks on
(11:31):
the practice field. Do we need to supplement or not,
or do we feel like, all right, we're gonna pull
push our chips in the middle of the table and
like we're betting on this guy because he's looking really
good this summer. This is a time when you make
that case to a agree there's younger players.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
The other guy I want to I want to go
back to. We mentioned him Lejontey Wester, I want to
talk about him just a little bit more because it
is going to be tough to crack a significant role
on offense. The Ravens have really good receivers. We talked
about Hopkins joining Zay Flowers and Rashad Bateman, Mark Andrews
Isaiah likely a tight end. Tylan Wallace of course still
in the receiving mix. So like, it's gonna be tough
(12:05):
to get snaps on offense. However, I do think Western
is an intriguing player and somebody who during offseason and
training camp practices is gonna catch the eye of reporters
fans during these practices say like, man, this guy's got
some juice, Like he was a super super productive player
throughout college, and I think he's gonna make some plays
in practice that you're like, Oh, I like, Wester.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I think he's he's exciting.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
He's got some agility and quickness and big play potential,
and so I am actually like curious to see if
he makes enough plays in these practices that the coaches say, hey, look.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Maybe we can find a way to work him in.
Sprinkle him in on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
He's not gonna be playing thirty snaps, But does he
do enough in these practices to say, let's try to
find a couple of spots to get him some action
in games.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
Yeah, I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
And certainly he projects to be the Ravens punt returner,
which puts him on the active game day roster obviously,
So this is an opportunity for him. You know, if
you're on the game day roster, you want to fill
as many roles as possible. Yeah, and so he will
have an opportunity to get some offensive snaps, and this
is the time when he can kind of prove himself
(13:13):
a little bit in that regard.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
The last guy that I'll point to on offense for
me is Keith Mitchell.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
Okay, Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
I think that he's Look, we saw him last year.
He was never really the player that he was as
a rookie. Coming back from that really serious kneegery that
he suffered near the end of his rookie season. Just
getting on the field last year was an accomplishment, and
I don't think he ever really had the full strength, mobility,
agility that he had his rookie season. And so the
(13:42):
Ravens are gonna have a chance to see what he
can do, and he I think projects most likely to
be the starting kick returner and then also be used
on an offensive role as depth, but also some high
impact potential with his big playability.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Yeah, so how's he moving? Like does he look?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
He was a guy that when we talk about going
back in a couple of years and his these practices,
how important these practices and trained like the early part
of training camp practices. Keithon Mitchell was a guy that
like nobody was really talking about at this point two
years ago. Then you see him on the field and
you're like, man, this guy is fast. He is like
he can fly. And so he just consistently did that
(14:20):
ultimately ended up earning himself a spot on the fifty
three man roster as an undrafted rookie. But I think
that I'll be curious to see if he looks back
to what he did as a rookie.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
I think that's another good one.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
And he and wester are also OTA's are a good
opportunity because sometimes these veterans aren't there right, Like if
Derek Hempy isn't there, for example, Keith Mitchell, you get
a lot of action and justice Hill certainly could be.
But you know, if d Hop isn't there, if bait
Z who knows right, then like Wester, you get you
(14:52):
get a lot of snaps with the first team offense potentially,
And so it's a good time for some of those
role players looking to have a role or a bigger
role to get a lot of reps. Yeah, most of
my players to watch around defense, though, So let's take
a quick break and then we'll come back and identify
who those defensive players are to watch.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
If you're listening to the last podcast, we are coming
to you from the Sea Geek Studio. We also want
to mention our partners at Draft King Sportsbook. They are
an official sports betting partner of the Baltimore Ravens Draftking
Sports Book.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
The Crown is yours. So defense, who's at the top
of your list?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
So with the injury to Ardarius Washington, there's a real
opportunity at the number three safety role, and two in
house candidates to fill that will be Snoozy Kane and
bo Braid. Sanousy being a seventh round pick last year
and bo Braid undrafted. I really like the way those
guys played on special teams last year. They saw a
lot of action, especially for seventh round, you know, and
(15:50):
undrafted guys like they played in a lot of games
and made a lot of plays on special teams. And
I also thought that defensively in the preseason, they flashed
bo Braid, had some big hits, got an interception or
that one get overturned.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
I can't remember. It was a dive. It was a
great diving play.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
I think he got it. Yeah, so we'll just count it.
Count your book, it counts my book. Yeah, And I
thought Sanoosie played really well. I mean, these are physical
guys who will come up and hit you, and as
we were talking about before, there's an opportunity and they
can kind of plant their flag here in OTA's and
say maybe you don't need to go out and get
a veteran, or maybe you certainly don't need to spend
(16:29):
considerable resources on a veteran at least right And by
the way they play here in OTA's, I think that
could determine that.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Look our Darius Washington was an undrafted player who ended
up carving out a really nice role for himself here.
And if we were having the conversation going into his
second season, like it would have been a similar that
would have been a similar conversation right now than what
everything you just said about Bo Braid and Snoosie Kane
and so I think that the opportunity is there for
those guys to carve out a role for themselves. And
(17:00):
that's an important spot. It's part of the reason the
Ravens took Malachi Starks in the first round this year.
It's part of the reason last year that they went
out and they signed Eddie Jackson late in the process
because they wanted to have another safety. So, like that
third safety is really important for this team, and those
two guys have a pretty big opportunity in front of them.
I know you're trying to show how much of a
grinder you are looking at like the third safety role,
(17:20):
but I'll go with the I guess the flashyear pick here.
I want to see Malachi Starks. Yeah, yeah, I want
to see the rookie first round pick. The guy is
so talented, moves incredibly, incredibly well so athletic, even at
rookie camp, Like he stepped down. From a leadership standpoint,
it's a little different when you're leading the rookies. I
don't know that like there's going to be the leadership
(17:41):
expectation on him and OTAs like he took on that
leadership responsiblit.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
Him then, and the way they're working together.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
I mean, honestly, Malachi's role increased with the injury to
ourd areas as it did, right, I mean I would
assume that means more snaps for him. Yeah, and so yeah,
pencil him in is the starter. Yeah, and this is
kind of the start of that.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
Yeah, it's gonna he's I think he's just gonna be
a fun player to watch throughout spring and summer practices.
But for like, for him, it's it's we spend all
the time talking about can you carve out a role?
Speaker 2 (18:11):
Can you can you earn your spot?
Speaker 3 (18:13):
For him, it's more like, all right, you need to
get ready to play potential one hundred percent of the snaps,
Like you need to make sure, Like I don't think
knowing the defense is gonna be a problem for him.
He's probably could recite it at this point, just getting
a sense of how smart he is. But I do
think that like he's gonna have to get ready to
play and get a feel for how Kyle Hamilton moves
next to him, what the secondary.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
Communication between those two guys.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
Kyle Hamilton talked a lot last year after the Ravens
made the switch to Ardarius about how well he and
Ourdareas communicated with each other and that partnership, and that
was a big deal, right even secondary played a whole
lot better down the stretch in part because of that
communication and that relationship. And now Kyle needs to build
that with Malachi. And you know, Kyle has been around
(18:53):
here during the voluntary strength and Conditioning program, so I
would I would bet that he's probably there for OTAs
and and that relationship building that relationship will be in
an integral part.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
If you go back to Kyle's rookie season, especially the
first half of that year, he had some struggles and
part of it comes down to that communication stuff. Like
for as good of a player as Kyle Hamilton, and
he is, even he has some struggles. That Miami game
is the one that comes to mind, and I think
that like the communication piece. He talked about the value
of that and how important it is, and so now
is the opportunity for him and Malachi to build that
(19:26):
and and then of course, like I'll just be excited
to see some of the playmaking ability. We saw that
at Georgia and I'm guessing we're going to see more
of that here in these practices.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
Yep, I'll grinder go to another give me the eighth
cornerback competition, the Radar Undo the Raider guys, and no
again for me. Just like Sanusi and Bo, it's a
couple of year two guys, and we've talked about how
you often make a big jump from year one to
year two. So I like to watch those sophomores. And
the two guys are a Desa Isaac and TJ.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Tampa.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
You know, a Desa Isaac third round pick. I mean
this is a prett early pick at outside linebacker. And
another player who I thought in the preseason and when
he was healthy flashed his potential. How big of a
role can he carve out in that outside linebacker pass
rusher mix. I'll be really intrigued to watch him at Ota.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
I think he's a big one.
Speaker 4 (20:16):
And then TJ.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Tampa, similarly, another player who dealt with injuries his first year.
You know, really the Ravens, you know your top three cornerbacks,
but especially with the injury to our Darius, your cornerback
depth is even more important because now Marlon might be
taking more snaffs at Nickel than he would have previously,
which puts a woozier more on the field opposite Nate Wiggins.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Obviously, all right, your.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Next guy up right, If those three player corners are
playing a lot, your fourth corner is probably going to
see some action too, And so who wins that number
four cornerback job, especially kind of as a perimeter corner.
Jaylen armor Davis is going to be in that mix,
a guy who again dealt with injuries, but TJ. Tampa
has an opportunity in front of him to establish himself.
(21:02):
This is a player that the Ravens drafted in the
fourth round are really excited about.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
Last year.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
A lot of people thought TJ Tampa could have been
a second round pick and Ravens got to steal in
the fourth Unfortunately injured, but.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
I think he has an opportunity.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
You know, Tha's when you talked about at safety with
Bo Bradin, Snoozy King Kane having an opportunity to show
the front office basically you don't need to go out
and get a veteran. I think it's kind of similar
at cornerback now.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I don't think that the Ravens are really in the
veteran cornerback market right now. They have so many.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Guys I think that they could be, oh, I would be.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
I mean if you're looking at it and you're going
to say, Marlin Humphrey is going to play in the slot,
and so then you're looking at Cheetoh Woozie who they
signed that's a veteran corner, and then Nate Wiggins and
then basically it comes down to how do you feel
about TJ. Tampa and Jalen Armor Davis.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
We know that the Ravens really like Jalen Armor Davis.
When he's healthy, now that's the big win, right he's
it's been an issue. But like you have two guys
there with Jalen Armor Davis TJ.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Tampa that I think.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
And that's why I think practice the number four corner
are going to be important for them to basically show.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Yeah, they're they're good to go.
Speaker 1 (22:10):
By the way, you also drafted two more quarterbacks this
year in the sixth rounds. You have a ton of
depth at corner you Balao Cone and.
Speaker 4 (22:20):
Robert Longer Beam.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
So like you gotta, I'm not even sure that both
of those guys definitely have a spot on the fifty
three you sign another veteran, I.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Think I think that there's a lot of and that's
what these practices are for. Like you talk about young
guys getting an opportunity, I think that corner is maybe
one of the most important positions.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
To get a good look at the young players.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Because you've got to you have a bunch of competition
there and a bunch of death young players. But like
the question is who can make that jump? And they
jump from an ability standpoint and from an availability standpoint,
that's the case for really all of these guys, particularly
when you're talking about Tampa and Jalen arber Davis from
an availability standpoint, and and so how how do they look,
(23:00):
how do they move? How are they from a health standpoint?
That that's going to be important. Like I'm not I
wouldn't rule out if if those things, if the Ravens
didn't like what they saw on any of those questions,
could they bring in a veteran corner.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
If they were going to sign a veteran corner, is
it a veteran slot? That would probably be the spot
for me, because right now you have Marlin and Kyle,
you know, you don't have Arthur Mullett anymore, and and
Ardarius went right now, So to me, that would be
the potential addition.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Yeah, And and like they had Arthur Mallett last year
and now he barely played, but like because of injuries.
But they felt going into last year they re signed
Arthur m he was going to be a key piece
of the equation. Then he got hurt, didn't play. And
so I do think that like just when you compare
it to what they've done last year, they brought into
third safety in Eddie Jackson. They also still have Marx
(23:53):
Plains last year they brought in, they brought it, and
they resigned Arthur Molett. So like they've invested in those spots.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
You know who you know who be who would be
an interesting signing at that spot would be Mike Hilton,
veteran AFC North played for the Steelers and the Bengals
like Cheto exactly. And Uh is still out there on
the free agent market. And now I don't know if
it's you know, what his price would be. I mean,
he's a he's a really good player, but he's up
(24:19):
you know, up there in age a little bit, that'd
be an interesting one to keep an eye on.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Yeah, so now we're going down a rabbit hole here.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
That was just my I don't I'm coming around around
maybe like I don't think an outside guy I would
be surprised.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Now, you know, is it a guy who's.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Like Versatil could play inside or outside?
Speaker 4 (24:38):
Well, no, I'm just saying, like a veteran who you know.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
Is guaranteed a fifty three man roster spot, you know,
is competing you know, some some veteran. Of course that's
always a possibility. But like when we're talking about signings,
I'm talking about a signing where you say, yeah, that
guy's on the fifty three Yeah. Right, And so with
so much competition at corner, you don't have a lot
more spots. Now, you don't guarantee a.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
Fifty three men roster spot.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
But my eyes, last position for me goes to outside linebacker.
And a player who, like some of these other guys
we talked about, is dealt with injuries.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
David Ajabo.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Yeah, it's a big off season for David Ajabo to
kind of have that breakout that we all know is
it's in there, but we haven't seen it yet. And
so him establishing himself, especially with the addition of Mike Green.
You know, the Ravens have all their outside linebackers returning.
Can he really There's certainly been times in previous summers,
(25:34):
including last year, we were like, David Ajava looks good.
That guy is his feasting and can he have another
summer like that?
Speaker 3 (25:43):
When we sat down with Eric Tacosta after the draft
on the podcast, he pointed out David Ajabo and that
the Ravens still have high hopes and expectations for him.
You look at the numbers and a Job is kind
of competing for a roster spot. I don't think that
it's a guarantee this year, and so that competition is
is underway, and I mean you just go through it.
(26:03):
Kyle Vanoi, Dafe Owe, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, and DSA Isaac.
That's five right there. Then you added David a Jaba.
How many outside linebackers are the Ravens going to keep
on the team.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Yep, we'll see.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
But I think that if if a Job was going
to carve out that that spot for himself, it's just
been health for him, That's the thing. I mean, it's
been it's been health has really set him back. Super
talented player, you know, get more removed from injuries. And
so I think that, like everyone knows that, like the
potential is there. You just hope he's able to stay
(26:35):
healthy and able to just be on the field and
be productive throughout these practices. So it's important for him.
I'm I'm I think a lot of people feel this way.
He's an easy guy to root for. Yeah, I'm like
David a Jaba to be able to kind of put
it all together and stay healthy.
Speaker 4 (26:50):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
And if he did, I mean he does, that's that's
a boon for the Ravens. If that guy plays his potential,
my goodness that he's a difference maker. Yeah, and so yeah, sorry,
I thought it one more guy, Trenton Simpson. Yeah, I
had Tom stepping in real stepping back into that starting spot. Yeah,
with the departures this offseason Malik Harrison and Chris Board
(27:12):
and it'll be a key off season for him. And
Roquon talked this offseason about you know, he and Trenton
kind of developing that that bond and uh, that partnership
working together, and I think this will be another important
summer for him to establish himself.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
Yeah, so we're gonna get a chance to talk to
these guys on Wednesday and watch practice we are going
to give you We will have a follow up podcast
after that giving you our full impressions and takeaways from
the first day of open o TA practices, as well
as getting a chance to talk with some of the guys.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
So we're excited.
Speaker 3 (27:44):
I mean, it is fun when there's football action happening
out there on the field, and we'll be breaking it
all down for you over the course of this week.
As always, you can email us at the Lounge Ravens
dot NFL dot net. Let us know us questions.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
We'll have what you have.
Speaker 4 (27:56):
We'll have all the hot takes after oh yeah, one
day practice. One day I can make huge judgments.
Speaker 2 (28:02):
Size them up. OTA practice a size up.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
We'll be bringing you all the insider practice info.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
Yeah, thank you so much for listening. We'll talk with
you again soon
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