June 12, 2025 • 33 mins
Team insiders Ryan Mink and Clifton Brown talk about which players stood out to them most during the three weeks of Ravens organized team activities, including a handful of second-year players, three rookies, and veterans with something to prove.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome into the lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink here.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
With Cliff dun Brown.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
And we are going to give you our winners from
organized team activities here at the Ravens. Over the past
three weeks, we've watched practice and so this isn't just
week three, this is this is the whole time during
OTA's cliff uh, and it's it's been a good been
a good three weeks for sure. Got a lot of
(00:31):
good work it done, and and really minimal injuries.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
That's certainly.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
One thing that was part of the news coming out
here on Wednesday was that bow braid uh. And then
also cheat oh bay Owuozia suffered minor ankle injuries. So
good to get out of it healthy, yes, and a
lot of good work put in no question.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
I mean, I think the enthusiasm has been high.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Attendance was really good.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Yeah, attendance was really good. Get guys being this eager
to get back into it is a good sign. Yeah, Ravens.
I think always practice hard and work hard, but you
know it is good to see after a break the
intensity level and the focus. I think all the coaches
have talked about, even players too, that you know, they
they're ready, They were ready to get back to work
(01:19):
and they got some good work done. So there's a
good way to springboard into mandatory mini camp.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And we will springboard into our winners here, Cliff. So
we have ten players that we put on this list.
We have some alternates as well, guys that we really debated.
But you know, the media, you try to work with
round numbers. With ten, we don't want to name every
guy on the roster either, so you got to kind
of cut it down a little bit, okay, And so
(01:45):
one player that I'll start with who maybe shine the
most for me, was running back Keaton Mitchell. And you know,
obviously suffered the major knee injury during his rookie season
that derailed what was just an electric campaign. Guy was
lightning in a bottle and so not only knocked him
out for the rest of that year, but really caused
(02:07):
almost a red shirt second season for him, very limited
action on the field last year. But he looks back
and he's the change of direction. I really notice the
balance that he has and changing the direction, the speed,
the burst, all of it, the acceleration, all of that
looks back for Keaton Mitchell.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
It does, and the confidence too. He talked about how
when you have an injury that serious, when you do
come back, you're always at the beginning kind of well
what happens when I get taggled? How's it going to
react to day after day of practice? Is it really
behind me? Well, he's reacting now like a player. He's
(02:47):
not thinking about that injury when he's on the field
and he's had special speed. I mean that is kind
of his superpower. I mean he in a room of
fast players, he still stands out on a field, so
he just has that special burst with the football in
his hands. And you're seeing that even though they're not
always going full speed. Now when he turns on the gas,
(03:08):
now the car responds. So I'm interested, Yeah, to see
really how Mitchell is used this year because he's such
a weapon, and obviously there's so deep at running back,
but he's just another playpip maker to add to the mix.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Yeah, I mean, it remains to be seeing what his
offensive role will be. It's tough when you're playing behind
Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. But we got to see
here on Wednesday that when Derrick Henry and Justice Hill
were not practicing, you got to see. Okay, Keaton Mitchell
here he is running with the first team offense.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
What does this look like?
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Right, and assuming everybody's healthy, I think it's hard for him.
It's gonna be hard for him to get more than
a handful of offensive snaps. You want to give Derrick
Henry the ball, and Justice Hill is coming off a
career and was fantastic last year. I think Todd Monkin
loves Justice Hill, especially on third down. But you know,
I think certainly as a kick returner, he could have
(04:03):
a primary role and you can break some big plays.
You can see his speed on that in that aspect
of the game.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Absolutely, that's what I was going to mention it. Yeah,
obviously he wants to be the kick returner, and he
looked at it as an opportunity where he can use
his spiel automatically in the open field. And I think
he's right that. You know, with the kick return rule now,
with the touchback going out to thirty five, teams will
be less likely now to boot it out of the
end zone, not wanting to give you that thirty five
(04:28):
yard start. So yeah, Keaton, he's kind of licking his chops.
I think it's some opportunities to break a couple of
kick returns, and certainly now he looks like he has
a speed to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
And offensively, you always want to have depth, right. The Ravens,
you know, have gone through years at running back where
they've been thin, and so to say, you know, all right,
we already had an awesome duo last year and Derek
Henry and just so well, now you have an awesome
it looks like an awesome trio, right, and so that's
that's really good news for this offense. All right, Moving on,
I'm going to go to a second year Tide receiver
(05:01):
in Davantes Walker Cliff. What did you see from him?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, he's kind of been my guy as far as
people standing out so far OTAs I see decisiveness in
his routes. He's catching everything, He's getting open a lot.
John Harball said the same things kind of after practice
that he feels that Devonte's definitely looks like a better,
(05:25):
more confident player. He's just playing with confidence. And you know,
he was a high volume receiver in college, a guy
who you know, caught a lot of passes, played in
different systems, and I think last year, even though he
didn't get a lot of opportunities or with the offense.
I think being in a room in this type of offense,
(05:46):
it was kind of a learning year where he really
soaked up a lot of knowledge and he's putting all
that to the test. He's got size of me. He's
a friendly target and he's really good for sure.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, talented player.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And another case though in all right, what can your
role really be? You know you can have great OTAs,
that's awesome, and of course you know for further down
your career that's only going to help you.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
You want to continue to develop.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
But when you look at his twenty twenty five projection
of what he can do in this offense, you know,
the Ravens have a lot of good wide receivers, Zay Flowers,
Rashaw Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins being the top trio. Todd
Monkins said he sees all three of those guys as starters.
It's not that Hopin d hop is the number three.
They're three starters. And then Tylan Wallace, who they re
(06:33):
signed I thought was a very reliable wide receiver last
year and has picked up right where he left off.
And OTAs made the Gruden Grinder list from Jay Cruden
or John Gruden. Right, So, you know, I think that
whether Devontes is a fourth fifth wide receiver with the
tight ends the Ravens have, with the running backs the
(06:54):
Ravens have, there's just not a lot of opportunities, you know,
targets to go around for a fourth fifth wide receiver.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
But again, depth is always.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Key, right, I mean, if you're Divante's you can't worry
about all that exactly is to get better, and he did.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
And he has he did. Yep, I totally agree with that.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
All right, we'll go over the defensive side. First round
pick last year, Nate Wiggins added about ten pounds of
muscle this offseason and says he wants ten turnovers. Wow,
between picks and forest fumbles from will recoveries. I don't
know if that's what those recruped together there too, but uh,
(07:34):
he looks good out here on the field, and really
with Marlon Humphrey projecting to be I think play the
majority of his snaps at slot corner, Nate's kind of
your number He is your number one outside on an
island one on one corner.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Yes, and he wants that smoke. I mean he's a
very young player. I think people forget how young he is,
but also very talented, and I think that he feels,
you know, technique and focus, as he said on the
podcast recently, that's what's going to take him to the
next level. He has talent, but I think he realizes that,
(08:12):
you know, NFL a different level. He can't just get
by on that talent, and that he's really focusing in
on the things that a lot of young players, you know,
don't learn until they're in the league three or four years.
You know that he's really focused on technique. He knows
the defense better, he has that swag that you want
from a guy that you put on the island. And
(08:34):
yet the way that he's been every day consistently here
after a strong rookie season, to me is another sign
of how badly he wants to be a great player
Ny Wiggins does. He's not settling for good. He wants
to be great. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
I agree, he has Pro Bowl talent. Zach or his
coaches all say it it's up to him. But this
guy can be one of the best corners in the game.
And you know, we saw him really in Ota. You're
not contesting balls the way you would, certainly in a
training camp, practice or obviously in a game, you're not
going out. But Nate Wiggins is in everybody's back pocket.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
You know.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
You don't shake him loose very often. I will say,
Zay Flowers put a nasty juke move on him with anybody, right, Yeah,
when the Xay call was like a wide receiver, bubble
screen something like that out in the flats, and Nate
came flying up. The willingness was there even though he
can't tackle. He he can't flying up and say, just
(09:31):
did a juke to the side, and oh, Nate found air, right,
he found air on that one. Now that's what you
want to find. You better not be finding bodies. But yeah,
I like what I see from Nate Wiggins. And I
think just adding that muscle, filling out a little bit,
being able to press some wide receivers and get a
little bit more physical with guys, I think will help
him all right to the offensive line and the big battle,
(09:55):
probably the biggest battle for the Ravens for a starting
on this roster, is at left guard, and that's between
Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland. And I've liked what I've
seen from Andrew Voorhees as he comes back and tries
to win that job for a second straight year. He
won it last year but then lost it to Pat
Mcarey after he suffered an ankle injury. But the guy
(10:17):
on our list here is Ben Cleveland. Tell the listeners why.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Well, he hasn't practiced a lot at OTAs, but he is.
It looks like either going to be the starting left
guard or certainly the primary backup.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
And he's in the race.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
He's definitely in the race. And I believe when last
season ended, a lot of people wouldn't have expected that
in June we'd be talking about either Ben Cleveland winning
the job or being the backup left guard. He's shown
perseverance and he's such a huge individual. He knows the
system well that I feel that the coaching staff doesn't
(10:57):
feel that they that he has reached his speak. There's
more to get out of him. And you know, you
can't coach the type of size he has. He's not
a guy who you know, looks lost out there, like
he doesn't know the system. And he's not overwhelmed. He
hasn't been overwhelmed when he's played. In fact, you know
some his his play has been impressive when he's gotten
(11:17):
an opportunity. So this is another opportunity for Ben Cleveland
to seize the moment. He had an opportunity last year,
did not win a starting job. But this year, I think,
you know, his attitude as far as you know, having
another chance to do it is probably you know, thankful
(11:38):
for another chance, certainly more experienced. It'll be interesting. It'll
just be interesting to see how it plays out, because
again I think a lot of people kind of pushed
him to the background when last season was over.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Yeah, I agree that with that, And when benk Cleveland
has played in games like he's played pretty well, he's
held his own and last year who has used it
as an extra blocker? And I think I think it's
I would probably still say Andrew voorh He's to me
would be the favorite to win that job.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
But it's not a foregone conclusion.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
And that's a credit in part to the work that
Ben Cleveland has done. You can't get over you know,
we mentioned a side like whenever you talk to Ravens
players and you say, all right, it's a zombie apocalypse,
who are you taking Ben Cleveland's at the top of
everybody's lists, Like you can't get over how big that
guy is.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
And just like imposing looking he is.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And and you know if bank Cleveland ever kind of
reaches it and reaches that point in his career, Like
to your point, I think that the Ravens coaches feel
like he's not he hasn't reached that potentially he has.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
He's not tapped out. And and.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Bear you know, even at worst case scenario, like a
high backup, back up, like a quality backup with experience
is a valuable thing in this league.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
It is. He's also versatile too.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
I mean he's taking that step exact center, so taking
steps tackle.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Exactly, so we know how much the Ravens like versus
the offensive lineman. And that is a valuable thing. Not
all players can do that. He has shown up the
ability to line up on those spots, so you never
know where he might be able to fill in even
if he doesn't win the starting job.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Right, all right, number five here on our Listen, this
is in no particular order, but I'm going to talk
about safety Sonoosie Kane. It's another second year player who
seventh round pick a year ago, really played almost exclusively
on special teams, and this year the Ravens have a
need at safety, particularly for that number three safety role.
(13:40):
After our Darius Washington suffered an achilles injury which is
going to sideline him for most if not all, of
the year. Ravens are counting are hoping for a late
season return from our areas. But that's a big spot
for the time being, really big spot. On top of that,
Bo Braid suffered what John Harball called a minor ankle
injury as I said before, early this week during the
(14:03):
third week of OTAs and has been sidelined for the
remainder of otias. So that really forced Sanoosie Kane into
the action and lo and Behold comes up with an
interception the very next day in the end zone. So
and has flashed, got his hand broke up another pass
in that same practice on Tuesday. And I like Sanusie.
(14:24):
I think that he's I think he can be a player.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Yeah, I agree with that. I mean, and coach Arbul
has already said that he's clearly in the mix to
be the number three guy. There's a long way to go, yep,
but he's strongly in the conversation. The opportunity is there. Sanousie.
I think showed a lot of you know, toughness playing
special team last year, kind of had that attitude you
want to see from a young player, like I just
(14:49):
want to get on the field any way I can
and help out. But clearly, you know, with our Darius,
the situation now that that void is there for someone
who can step in, and you know, if he rises
to the occasion, then that just makes the Ravens secondary
who's already you know, extremely talented, gives him another piece.
(15:09):
And you know, being around guys like you know, Kyle Hamilton,
I think he's such a great player to have for
young players because Kyle's not old. He's young, but he
plays old, and I think he can communicate well to them, like, okay,
this is what I see. Make it translated, SONOOSI being
(15:31):
healthy all last year gave him, to me an hedge
over some young players, rookies who were not. So he's
coming back this year with a lot of experience at
least as a special teamer and a guy who you know,
saw some action. He knows as an opportunity right now,
he seems to be reacting really well to that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Yeah, I agree, all right, we're going to take a break.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
When we come back, we'll give you our other five
winners from Ravens OTAs, as well as a few alternates.
Thank you for listening to Lounge. We're coming to you
from the seat Geek Studio. We also want our listeners
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or call one eight hundred. Gambler must be twenty one
or older to play. All right, So Cliff five other guys,
and I'm gonna dip into the rookie class. And if
we're talking about the rookies, let's start with the first
(16:38):
round pick, Malachi Starks.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Yeah, I mean the way that everyone talks about him,
it's almost like, wow, is there anything wrong with this guy?
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Mean, so he's a little bit too good something's gotta
be right.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
We'll figure it out, but right now you can't find me.
I mean, obviously he's got your menusibility. He's so mature,
as Coach all I mentioned, beyond his year. That's one
of the first things that struck me at his press conference,
Like he never met this person and didn't know anything
about him other than what he was away on the field,
and he handled his first press conference out are being
(17:19):
drafted to me like he was been around here for
five years. I'm like, this guy is, like he's how
old is he? He's a rookie. Like I was just
really impressed by that. And so he's taking that same
maturity and diligence into OTA's and he just seems so
eager to learn. You know, Coach all talked about him, know,
leading walkthroughs among the rookies at the hotel. I mean,
(17:43):
who does that. I mean, I'm just really right. I'm
really impressed with him as a person and with his
ability and his eagerness to learn. I think it is
going to translate onto the field. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Field.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
He got an interception this week during OTA, so good
to see him get his hands on the ball. That's
what he is he's a ball hawk, primarily playing free safety.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
That's where he projects. Uh.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
And I also saw him just in really good position,
Like you know, things are clicking when when you're in
the position, you're around the ball a lot. That's a
good sign for safety. Saw a long catch and that dude,
I do not think he would have held onto the
ball if Malachi's playing full speed. Mouth guy was coming
fast right and pulled up, pulled off, you know, but
(18:31):
definitely see him. Seeing him around the ball a lot
on the field. In addition to what you're talking about
off the field and just the leadership things and and
all that, Like, you couldn't be more impressed with Malachi's
stark so far. No, all right, let's go to the
second round pick Mike Green and talk about guys. You
got interceptions. Didn't expect that from Mike Green, the pass rusher,
(18:52):
but I he's made. He made one of the best
players of OTAs in my opinion, dropping into coverage on
the backside of a quarterback rollout, going high to make
a pick. I mean it was a hard thrown ball
and to him see him go up and make that snag,
that was pretty impressive.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Well yeah, everyone talks about his athleticism, and obviously it
showed on that play. And I think it's been interesting too.
At OTA's without the pads on this is given the
coach of the chance to have him do other things
like dropping the coverage, like try him in different spots
to see how he reacts.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
And it seems like rush linebackers, sam linebackers. You know
you want to see, yeah, you want to see where
he can fit in. Right, Obviously, versatility in this defense
is highly valued.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
Right, so he's reacting well to all that, and then
of course everyone's eager to see when the when the
pass do come on. And then of course in the
preseason when he's playing against other players from other teams
that pass rushing skill and uh, you know, you figure
a guy with that type of talent working in this
type of defense, with Chuck Smith working with him every day,
(19:58):
it could be really scary. I mean, the type of
ceiling that he that he could have. You're seeing everything
that you know why people talked about him as being
a first round talent. YEP, that has shown up clearly
so far, even though it's early.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
At OTAs and Chuck Smith really praised Mike Green for
his hustle said like that, dude, you flip on the
practice tape. You saw it in college and you see
it here at OTAs. He is always running to the ball,
doesn't take any reps off. He really prais him for
being a very smart guy, diligent note taker in meetings,
(20:35):
and so just all the things that you want to
hear about a rookie coming into this league. It seems
like Mike Green's been everything that the Ravens thought that
they got as a steal in the second round, if
not even better. Yeah, all right, moving on a few
veterans that I want to point to here, one being
and you know he didn't practice a lot during OTAs,
(20:57):
but DeAndre Hopkins, if you go back to the first
practice this that was open to reporters and OTAs, d
hops stole the show.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
Yeah. Just a professional wide receiver in every way. His hands,
to me are still you know, special, and his footwork.
He had a couple of sideline catches where he made
the catch look a lot easier than it was, and
he just it's funny. I actually approached him about, you know,
talking more about his kind of acclamation to the to
(21:27):
the Ravens and He's told me he kind of wanted
to wait for that because he just kind of wanted
to settle in on getting here and learning and playing
as well as he can. I think DeAndre Hopkins is
really serious about making an impact with the Ravens. I
think he's thrilled to be in this in this offense.
I think that when mandatory and then on into training
(21:49):
camp begins, he's really going to be someone who's kind
of looking for where he can make a really a
real difference in the offense. And to me, that's kind
of doing everything. I mean, what a great third down
target to have, what a great you know player, You
can line up any spot you want to as a
(22:10):
wide receiver. So yeah, I mean DeAndre Hopkins, I think
if he can stay healthy, I think that he's going
to be a guy. At the end of the year,
the people were like, Wow, he was even better than
I thought, kind of like we had with Derrick Henry
last year. Everyone knows Derrek Henry is a great player,
but I mean, did anybody really expect Derrek Henry to
(22:32):
do what he did last year in his first year
with the Ravens. I think DeAndre Hopkins could exceed some
expectations if he can stay healthy.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Yep, all right, and let's go to Odafeoway, who put
on twenty pounds. You know, part of OTAs is these
players show up and it's the eye test. Who's been
working out, who's gotten bigger, who's stronger, all those things
in the first guy off the bus that jumps out,
that would be your Dafeoway of muscle, and he looks
(23:02):
at now. Of course, with the OTAs, when the pads are on,
you can only evaluate.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
So much, right, you know, the bull rush.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
You're not bulling anybody, And so I don't think that
we've certainly seen the full effects of what that added
muscle will do for Da Faoa. But goodness gracious, he
looks good.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
He looks really good, and he's a young player. And
I thought Chuck Smith was a good tone about this
is kind of the natural evolution for him, that he's
still a guy who's kind of growing into all the
things that he can do physically and trying to push
the limits of you know, what he can do. To me,
it sounded like that putting on the twenty pounds wasn't
(23:44):
that difficult for him, And obviously, you know, the straight.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
It's not very difficult for me, I'll say that, but I.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
Don't think we look as good when we do that.
I mean, he his body can handle that, and obviously
it looks like almost all all muscle. I don't know
what you know. If you put on twenty pounds and
not picking up body fat, that's pretty good. So yeah,
he had he had his best season last year. I
think it was that was huge what he did last
year a da fe. I think finally now feels like, Okay,
(24:14):
I'm seeing the fruits of my labor payoff. He's always
worked hard, but I think at times before last season
he was kind of frustrated with maybe not getting the
results he wanted. Totally last year came together for him.
I expect it's nowhere but up based on how he
looks and how he's playing so far.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Yep, all right, last gout in our list, and we'll
give our editorial assistant, Justin Robertson credit for this one.
He you know, just like in the Ravens scouting department,
in that in the draft room, you got to stand
on the table. You gotta have the stick your neck
out like the draft, right, and Justin he pounded the
(24:55):
table for this guy to put him on the list,
So we'll give him credit. Cornerback, this undrafted rookie. Okay,
so this is dark horse cornerback Ruben Lowry of Tennessee Chattanooga.
Couple picks, a couple of interceptions, you make plays on
the ball, You're making the list. Yes, right. I don't
know if he's gonna make the team, but he's making
the list right for now? All right, so you got
(25:17):
a couple of interceptions. Is a five foot nine, five
year starter at Chattanooga. You know, I mean three interceptions
to return for touchdowns during his college career. Hey, look,
I in all seriousness, like, it's gonna be tough for
any undrafted rookie to make this fifty three men roster.
This is this roster's loaded, sure, and it has a
(25:39):
large rookie class.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Drafted rookie class eleven. Right, that's large. That's large. So
it's gonna be tough.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
But Ruben Lowry, the more you can do, even if
it's just practice squad or whatever.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
You know, Hey, could he be down the road.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Potentially like a slot corner option if they're looking for
another slot. Maybe he showed up through OTAs we'll just
say that, right.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
I mean, that's all you can do. And I mean,
you know, hopefully, you know it'll happen for the Ravens,
but even if it weren't here, I mean, this is
the start of his career and you're all every day
there's tape coming out people, you're putting what you can do,
showing whether you can be in the NFL or note
and maybe he would come back for the Ravens at
(26:24):
some point, even if it didn't work out for him
this year. You just never know how your career is
going to turn out. I remember speaking with Anthony Levine
about playing his first year in Green Bay before he
came a long time Raven and he felt like the
coaches in Green Bay probably didn't even know his name
at the end of the year, and then when he
got here he found his niche So yeah, I mean,
(26:48):
power to him for getting the two pigs. He obviously
has a nose for the football based on his college stats.
That's all you can do. He's shown up. We're talking
about him now.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Yep, yep, all right, so a few alternates, you're close
to making the list that we want to shout out
real quick.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Roquan Smith is fit and ready, man.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
I mean that guy every day here at OTAs and
he looks he looks like he's in mid season form,
ready to rock. Right. I also will give him a
lot of credit because I talked to Trenton Simpson after
practice on Wednesday, and Trenton said that Roquan came back
this offseason to Baltimore to spend the entire offseason, like
(27:27):
two weeks after the year ended. Roqwan came back and
he and trent and Simpson have been working together for
the entire offseason, watching film, working out together. They've been together,
and like credit to Rokwan Smith for saying, like, look,
I know this young guy who's very talented, has a
great attitude worker. I'm gonna do everything I can to
make this.
Speaker 3 (27:47):
Work, right. I mean, Rocwan is a unique person. He's
a such a leader. He's he's a leader in a
room full of leaders, and that's the type. I'm not
surprised to hear that. It's I've impressed, I mean quite honestly.
Speaker 1 (28:01):
Like, I mean, I think Roquan certainly has made it
known he likes to travel too, right, Like he loves
pours everything into it but he also has an outlife
outside of football and has traveled the world and done
all those things. He didn't do that seemingly this year
he came back and he works with Trenton Simpson.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
No, I think Roquan, I mean, I know Roquan how
badly he wants that ring. Yep, I think that has
something to do with it. I mean he can speak
to it himself. But yeah, I mean maybe if you
know things have turned out differently, he would be traveling.
But you know, Italy will be there. This opportunity to
(28:41):
win a Super Bowl. He can taste it. They all can,
and so yeah, if he can help Trenton Simps Simpson
and obviously Roquan himself, I mean he has high standards
for himself being in the type of shape he is
now in June to me, is only going to help
him in September. Yep.
Speaker 1 (29:00):
TJ Tampa second year cornerback. There's a lot of guys
second year players on this list because it's a It's
a group where last year Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten
had phenomenal rookie seasons played a ton became almost instantaneous
key members of this team. The rest of the rookie
class really did not see a lot of action last year,
so it's it's a really big offseason for them to
(29:24):
really kind of establish themselves. Hey, maybe I'm not gonna
have a huge role this year, but I'm gonna be
I'm gonna improve as a player and I'm gonna have
a bigger role and you can count on me if
need be.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
And TJ.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
Tampa is in contention for a reserve If not, can
he can he push you know, chidobe A Woozia maybe
you know, for that kind of third cornerback spot behind
Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
I thought TJ.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
Tampa had some flashes during OTAs he had an impressive interception. Uh.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
And I think that he's flashing his talent.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
John Harball said, you know, he's a big corner and
getting him to play like a big corner that'll be
key for him. But you see flashes of how good
a player he can be.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
No question. I mean, you know, after Nate and Marlon,
I mean even though Cheto has a lot of experience,
I think everything else is not inked in pen about
who is going to get the most reps and how
the depth charge is gonna stack out.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
Jon Davis.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
You have a couple of six rookies and Cooney and
i'll say Robert Longer be So you have a lot
of you have a lot of corners.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
A lot of competition, and TJ is in the mix.
And if he can stand out, I mean they know
he has talent. They drafted him and had high expectations
for him. And yes, the rookie season didn't go exactly
the way he played, but yes, I see signs that
he's ready for the competition, which is going to be heavy.
(30:54):
He has the talent. That size he has already separates him.
If he can, you know, you that to be a
guy who can consistently stag days. That's what you want
to see from TJ. Obviously, consistency and staying healthy. If
he does that, then he has a great opportunity to
be a guy who gets on the field on a
(31:14):
regular basis a way the Rays like to play defense,
with so many different parts of so many corners, they'll
have a role if he can stay healthy and play well.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
Yep, all right, last several guys who'll run through this
rapid fire. Here Leschonte Western, the rookie wide receiver slash
punt returner. I think that making plays on offense, which
isn't surprising considered he made a lot of plays over
his college career, including a Colorado last year. Adisa Isaac
another second year player that, like we've talked about outside linebacker,
(31:42):
dealt with a lot of injuries last year, multiple hamstring injuries,
not to mention the groin injury that he came into
his career with, and so you know, injuries are hopefully
behind him. Talked about all the training he's done this offseason.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
To make sure another impressive athlete.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
Yeah, you look at him, man, he he looks impressive.
And Ravens have a lot of young outside linebackers compete
for snaps, so it's it's tough, but he's a guy
that caught my attention during ot as. Anthony Miller, the
veteran wide receiver, made some spectacular catches.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
He made some great catches.
Speaker 3 (32:17):
Yes, yep.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
So a player that late in the season last year
was catching balls like in the playoffs. Yeah, it was
say Flowers out who just called it.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
It's Anthony Miller out there catching balls.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
So you know he's he's fighting to try to yeh,
He's fighting to try to make this roster and so
credit to him. I think he's had a strong OTAs.
So those are the guys on our list. Lamar Jackson,
I think in the day that he was here looked great.
But not a lot of participation from Lamar over the
course of OTAs. But I expect more here with mandatory
(32:53):
mini camp coming up next week, so we'll have tons
of courage from that. Thank you Cliff for joining me
and thank you for those listening. As always, you can
email us at the lounge at Ravens dot NFL dot
New
Welcome into the lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink here.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
With Cliff dun Brown.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
And we are going to give you our winners from
organized team activities here at the Ravens. Over the past
three weeks, we've watched practice and so this isn't just
week three, this is this is the whole time during
OTA's cliff uh, and it's it's been a good been
a good three weeks for sure. Got a lot of
(00:31):
good work it done, and and really minimal injuries.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
That's certainly.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
One thing that was part of the news coming out
here on Wednesday was that bow braid uh. And then
also cheat oh bay Owuozia suffered minor ankle injuries. So
good to get out of it healthy, yes, and a
lot of good work put in no question.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
I mean, I think the enthusiasm has been high.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Attendance was really good.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Yeah, attendance was really good. Get guys being this eager
to get back into it is a good sign. Yeah, Ravens.
I think always practice hard and work hard, but you
know it is good to see after a break the
intensity level and the focus. I think all the coaches
have talked about, even players too, that you know, they
they're ready, They were ready to get back to work
(01:19):
and they got some good work done. So there's a
good way to springboard into mandatory mini camp.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And we will springboard into our winners here, Cliff. So
we have ten players that we put on this list.
We have some alternates as well, guys that we really debated.
But you know, the media, you try to work with
round numbers. With ten, we don't want to name every
guy on the roster either, so you got to kind
of cut it down a little bit, okay, And so
(01:45):
one player that I'll start with who maybe shine the
most for me, was running back Keaton Mitchell. And you know,
obviously suffered the major knee injury during his rookie season
that derailed what was just an electric campaign. Guy was
lightning in a bottle and so not only knocked him
out for the rest of that year, but really caused
(02:07):
almost a red shirt second season for him, very limited
action on the field last year. But he looks back
and he's the change of direction. I really notice the
balance that he has and changing the direction, the speed,
the burst, all of it, the acceleration, all of that
looks back for Keaton Mitchell.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
It does, and the confidence too. He talked about how
when you have an injury that serious, when you do
come back, you're always at the beginning kind of well
what happens when I get taggled? How's it going to
react to day after day of practice? Is it really
behind me? Well, he's reacting now like a player. He's
(02:47):
not thinking about that injury when he's on the field
and he's had special speed. I mean that is kind
of his superpower. I mean he in a room of
fast players, he still stands out on a field, so
he just has that special burst with the football in
his hands. And you're seeing that even though they're not
always going full speed. Now when he turns on the gas,
(03:08):
now the car responds. So I'm interested, Yeah, to see
really how Mitchell is used this year because he's such
a weapon, and obviously there's so deep at running back,
but he's just another playpip maker to add to the mix.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Yeah, I mean, it remains to be seeing what his
offensive role will be. It's tough when you're playing behind
Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. But we got to see
here on Wednesday that when Derrick Henry and Justice Hill
were not practicing, you got to see. Okay, Keaton Mitchell
here he is running with the first team offense.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
What does this look like?
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Right, and assuming everybody's healthy, I think it's hard for him.
It's gonna be hard for him to get more than
a handful of offensive snaps. You want to give Derrick
Henry the ball, and Justice Hill is coming off a
career and was fantastic last year. I think Todd Monkin
loves Justice Hill, especially on third down. But you know,
I think certainly as a kick returner, he could have
(04:03):
a primary role and you can break some big plays.
You can see his speed on that in that aspect
of the game.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Absolutely, that's what I was going to mention it. Yeah,
obviously he wants to be the kick returner, and he
looked at it as an opportunity where he can use
his spiel automatically in the open field. And I think
he's right that. You know, with the kick return rule now,
with the touchback going out to thirty five, teams will
be less likely now to boot it out of the
end zone, not wanting to give you that thirty five
(04:28):
yard start. So yeah, Keaton, he's kind of licking his chops.
I think it's some opportunities to break a couple of
kick returns, and certainly now he looks like he has
a speed to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
And offensively, you always want to have depth, right. The Ravens,
you know, have gone through years at running back where
they've been thin, and so to say, you know, all right,
we already had an awesome duo last year and Derek
Henry and just so well, now you have an awesome
it looks like an awesome trio, right, and so that's
that's really good news for this offense. All right, Moving on,
I'm going to go to a second year Tide receiver
(05:01):
in Davantes Walker Cliff. What did you see from him?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, he's kind of been my guy as far as
people standing out so far OTAs I see decisiveness in
his routes. He's catching everything, He's getting open a lot.
John Harball said the same things kind of after practice
that he feels that Devonte's definitely looks like a better,
(05:25):
more confident player. He's just playing with confidence. And you know,
he was a high volume receiver in college, a guy
who you know, caught a lot of passes, played in
different systems, and I think last year, even though he
didn't get a lot of opportunities or with the offense.
I think being in a room in this type of offense,
(05:46):
it was kind of a learning year where he really
soaked up a lot of knowledge and he's putting all
that to the test. He's got size of me. He's
a friendly target and he's really good for sure.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, talented player.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And another case though in all right, what can your
role really be? You know you can have great OTAs,
that's awesome, and of course you know for further down
your career that's only going to help you.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
You want to continue to develop.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
But when you look at his twenty twenty five projection
of what he can do in this offense, you know,
the Ravens have a lot of good wide receivers, Zay Flowers,
Rashaw Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins being the top trio. Todd
Monkins said he sees all three of those guys as starters.
It's not that Hopin d hop is the number three.
They're three starters. And then Tylan Wallace, who they re
(06:33):
signed I thought was a very reliable wide receiver last
year and has picked up right where he left off.
And OTAs made the Gruden Grinder list from Jay Cruden
or John Gruden. Right, So, you know, I think that
whether Devontes is a fourth fifth wide receiver with the
tight ends the Ravens have, with the running backs the
(06:54):
Ravens have, there's just not a lot of opportunities, you know,
targets to go around for a fourth fifth wide receiver.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
But again, depth is always.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Key, right, I mean, if you're Divante's you can't worry
about all that exactly is to get better, and he did.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
And he has he did. Yep, I totally agree with that.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
All right, we'll go over the defensive side. First round
pick last year, Nate Wiggins added about ten pounds of
muscle this offseason and says he wants ten turnovers. Wow,
between picks and forest fumbles from will recoveries. I don't
know if that's what those recruped together there too, but uh,
(07:34):
he looks good out here on the field, and really
with Marlon Humphrey projecting to be I think play the
majority of his snaps at slot corner, Nate's kind of
your number He is your number one outside on an
island one on one corner.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Yes, and he wants that smoke. I mean he's a
very young player. I think people forget how young he is,
but also very talented, and I think that he feels,
you know, technique and focus, as he said on the
podcast recently, that's what's going to take him to the
next level. He has talent, but I think he realizes that,
(08:12):
you know, NFL a different level. He can't just get
by on that talent, and that he's really focusing in
on the things that a lot of young players, you know,
don't learn until they're in the league three or four years.
You know that he's really focused on technique. He knows
the defense better, he has that swag that you want
from a guy that you put on the island. And
(08:34):
yet the way that he's been every day consistently here
after a strong rookie season, to me is another sign
of how badly he wants to be a great player
Ny Wiggins does. He's not settling for good. He wants
to be great. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
I agree, he has Pro Bowl talent. Zach or his
coaches all say it it's up to him. But this
guy can be one of the best corners in the game.
And you know, we saw him really in Ota. You're
not contesting balls the way you would, certainly in a
training camp, practice or obviously in a game, you're not
going out. But Nate Wiggins is in everybody's back pocket.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
You know.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
You don't shake him loose very often. I will say,
Zay Flowers put a nasty juke move on him with anybody, right, Yeah,
when the Xay call was like a wide receiver, bubble
screen something like that out in the flats, and Nate
came flying up. The willingness was there even though he
can't tackle. He he can't flying up and say, just
(09:31):
did a juke to the side, and oh, Nate found air, right,
he found air on that one. Now that's what you
want to find. You better not be finding bodies. But yeah,
I like what I see from Nate Wiggins. And I
think just adding that muscle, filling out a little bit,
being able to press some wide receivers and get a
little bit more physical with guys, I think will help
him all right to the offensive line and the big battle,
(09:55):
probably the biggest battle for the Ravens for a starting
on this roster, is at left guard, and that's between
Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland. And I've liked what I've
seen from Andrew Voorhees as he comes back and tries
to win that job for a second straight year. He
won it last year but then lost it to Pat
Mcarey after he suffered an ankle injury. But the guy
(10:17):
on our list here is Ben Cleveland. Tell the listeners why.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Well, he hasn't practiced a lot at OTAs, but he is.
It looks like either going to be the starting left
guard or certainly the primary backup.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
And he's in the race.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
He's definitely in the race. And I believe when last
season ended, a lot of people wouldn't have expected that
in June we'd be talking about either Ben Cleveland winning
the job or being the backup left guard. He's shown
perseverance and he's such a huge individual. He knows the
system well that I feel that the coaching staff doesn't
(10:57):
feel that they that he has reached his speak. There's
more to get out of him. And you know, you
can't coach the type of size he has. He's not
a guy who you know, looks lost out there, like
he doesn't know the system. And he's not overwhelmed. He
hasn't been overwhelmed when he's played. In fact, you know
some his his play has been impressive when he's gotten
(11:17):
an opportunity. So this is another opportunity for Ben Cleveland
to seize the moment. He had an opportunity last year,
did not win a starting job. But this year, I think,
you know, his attitude as far as you know, having
another chance to do it is probably you know, thankful
(11:38):
for another chance, certainly more experienced. It'll be interesting. It'll
just be interesting to see how it plays out, because
again I think a lot of people kind of pushed
him to the background when last season was over.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Yeah, I agree that with that, And when benk Cleveland
has played in games like he's played pretty well, he's
held his own and last year who has used it
as an extra blocker? And I think I think it's
I would probably still say Andrew voorh He's to me
would be the favorite to win that job.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
But it's not a foregone conclusion.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
And that's a credit in part to the work that
Ben Cleveland has done. You can't get over you know,
we mentioned a side like whenever you talk to Ravens
players and you say, all right, it's a zombie apocalypse,
who are you taking Ben Cleveland's at the top of
everybody's lists, Like you can't get over how big that
guy is.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
And just like imposing looking he is.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And and you know if bank Cleveland ever kind of
reaches it and reaches that point in his career, Like
to your point, I think that the Ravens coaches feel
like he's not he hasn't reached that potentially he has.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
He's not tapped out. And and.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Bear you know, even at worst case scenario, like a
high backup, back up, like a quality backup with experience
is a valuable thing in this league.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
It is. He's also versatile too.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
I mean he's taking that step exact center, so taking
steps tackle.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Exactly, so we know how much the Ravens like versus
the offensive lineman. And that is a valuable thing. Not
all players can do that. He has shown up the
ability to line up on those spots, so you never
know where he might be able to fill in even
if he doesn't win the starting job.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Right, all right, number five here on our Listen, this
is in no particular order, but I'm going to talk
about safety Sonoosie Kane. It's another second year player who
seventh round pick a year ago, really played almost exclusively
on special teams, and this year the Ravens have a
need at safety, particularly for that number three safety role.
(13:40):
After our Darius Washington suffered an achilles injury which is
going to sideline him for most if not all, of
the year. Ravens are counting are hoping for a late
season return from our areas. But that's a big spot
for the time being, really big spot. On top of that,
Bo Braid suffered what John Harball called a minor ankle
injury as I said before, early this week during the
(14:03):
third week of OTAs and has been sidelined for the
remainder of otias. So that really forced Sanoosie Kane into
the action and lo and Behold comes up with an
interception the very next day in the end zone. So
and has flashed, got his hand broke up another pass
in that same practice on Tuesday. And I like Sanusie.
(14:24):
I think that he's I think he can be a player.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Yeah, I agree with that. I mean, and coach Arbul
has already said that he's clearly in the mix to
be the number three guy. There's a long way to go, yep,
but he's strongly in the conversation. The opportunity is there. Sanousie.
I think showed a lot of you know, toughness playing
special team last year, kind of had that attitude you
want to see from a young player, like I just
(14:49):
want to get on the field any way I can
and help out. But clearly, you know, with our Darius,
the situation now that that void is there for someone
who can step in, and you know, if he rises
to the occasion, then that just makes the Ravens secondary
who's already you know, extremely talented, gives him another piece.
(15:09):
And you know, being around guys like you know, Kyle Hamilton,
I think he's such a great player to have for
young players because Kyle's not old. He's young, but he
plays old, and I think he can communicate well to them, like, okay,
this is what I see. Make it translated, SONOOSI being
(15:31):
healthy all last year gave him, to me an hedge
over some young players, rookies who were not. So he's
coming back this year with a lot of experience at
least as a special teamer and a guy who you know,
saw some action. He knows as an opportunity right now,
he seems to be reacting really well to that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Yeah, I agree, all right, we're going to take a break.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
When we come back, we'll give you our other five
winners from Ravens OTAs, as well as a few alternates.
Thank you for listening to Lounge. We're coming to you
from the seat Geek Studio. We also want our listeners
to know that this week, the DraftKings Sports Book, an
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(16:16):
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or call one eight hundred. Gambler must be twenty one
or older to play. All right, So Cliff five other guys,
and I'm gonna dip into the rookie class. And if
we're talking about the rookies, let's start with the first
(16:38):
round pick, Malachi Starks.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Yeah, I mean the way that everyone talks about him,
it's almost like, wow, is there anything wrong with this guy?
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Mean, so he's a little bit too good something's gotta
be right.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
We'll figure it out, but right now you can't find me.
I mean, obviously he's got your menusibility. He's so mature,
as Coach all I mentioned, beyond his year. That's one
of the first things that struck me at his press conference,
Like he never met this person and didn't know anything
about him other than what he was away on the field,
and he handled his first press conference out are being
(17:19):
drafted to me like he was been around here for
five years. I'm like, this guy is, like he's how
old is he? He's a rookie. Like I was just
really impressed by that. And so he's taking that same
maturity and diligence into OTA's and he just seems so
eager to learn. You know, Coach all talked about him, know,
leading walkthroughs among the rookies at the hotel. I mean,
(17:43):
who does that. I mean, I'm just really right. I'm
really impressed with him as a person and with his
ability and his eagerness to learn. I think it is
going to translate onto the field. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Field.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
He got an interception this week during OTA, so good
to see him get his hands on the ball. That's
what he is he's a ball hawk, primarily playing free safety.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
That's where he projects. Uh.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
And I also saw him just in really good position,
Like you know, things are clicking when when you're in
the position, you're around the ball a lot. That's a
good sign for safety. Saw a long catch and that dude,
I do not think he would have held onto the
ball if Malachi's playing full speed. Mouth guy was coming
fast right and pulled up, pulled off, you know, but
(18:31):
definitely see him. Seeing him around the ball a lot
on the field. In addition to what you're talking about
off the field and just the leadership things and and
all that, Like, you couldn't be more impressed with Malachi's
stark so far. No, all right, let's go to the
second round pick Mike Green and talk about guys. You
got interceptions. Didn't expect that from Mike Green, the pass rusher,
(18:52):
but I he's made. He made one of the best
players of OTAs in my opinion, dropping into coverage on
the backside of a quarterback rollout, going high to make
a pick. I mean it was a hard thrown ball
and to him see him go up and make that snag,
that was pretty impressive.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Well yeah, everyone talks about his athleticism, and obviously it
showed on that play. And I think it's been interesting too.
At OTA's without the pads on this is given the
coach of the chance to have him do other things
like dropping the coverage, like try him in different spots
to see how he reacts.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
And it seems like rush linebackers, sam linebackers. You know
you want to see, yeah, you want to see where
he can fit in. Right, Obviously, versatility in this defense
is highly valued.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
Right, so he's reacting well to all that, and then
of course everyone's eager to see when the when the
pass do come on. And then of course in the
preseason when he's playing against other players from other teams
that pass rushing skill and uh, you know, you figure
a guy with that type of talent working in this
type of defense, with Chuck Smith working with him every day,
(19:58):
it could be really scary. I mean, the type of
ceiling that he that he could have. You're seeing everything
that you know why people talked about him as being
a first round talent. YEP, that has shown up clearly
so far, even though it's early.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
At OTAs and Chuck Smith really praised Mike Green for
his hustle said like that, dude, you flip on the
practice tape. You saw it in college and you see
it here at OTAs. He is always running to the ball,
doesn't take any reps off. He really prais him for
being a very smart guy, diligent note taker in meetings,
(20:35):
and so just all the things that you want to
hear about a rookie coming into this league. It seems
like Mike Green's been everything that the Ravens thought that
they got as a steal in the second round, if
not even better. Yeah, all right, moving on a few
veterans that I want to point to here, one being
and you know he didn't practice a lot during OTAs,
(20:57):
but DeAndre Hopkins, if you go back to the first
practice this that was open to reporters and OTAs, d
hops stole the show.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
Yeah. Just a professional wide receiver in every way. His hands,
to me are still you know, special, and his footwork.
He had a couple of sideline catches where he made
the catch look a lot easier than it was, and
he just it's funny. I actually approached him about, you know,
talking more about his kind of acclamation to the to
(21:27):
the Ravens and He's told me he kind of wanted
to wait for that because he just kind of wanted
to settle in on getting here and learning and playing
as well as he can. I think DeAndre Hopkins is
really serious about making an impact with the Ravens. I
think he's thrilled to be in this in this offense.
I think that when mandatory and then on into training
(21:49):
camp begins, he's really going to be someone who's kind
of looking for where he can make a really a
real difference in the offense. And to me, that's kind
of doing everything. I mean, what a great third down
target to have, what a great you know player, You
can line up any spot you want to as a
(22:10):
wide receiver. So yeah, I mean DeAndre Hopkins, I think
if he can stay healthy, I think that he's going
to be a guy. At the end of the year,
the people were like, Wow, he was even better than
I thought, kind of like we had with Derrick Henry
last year. Everyone knows Derrek Henry is a great player,
but I mean, did anybody really expect Derrek Henry to
(22:32):
do what he did last year in his first year
with the Ravens. I think DeAndre Hopkins could exceed some
expectations if he can stay healthy.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Yep, all right, and let's go to Odafeoway, who put
on twenty pounds. You know, part of OTAs is these
players show up and it's the eye test. Who's been
working out, who's gotten bigger, who's stronger, all those things
in the first guy off the bus that jumps out,
that would be your Dafeoway of muscle, and he looks
(23:02):
at now. Of course, with the OTAs, when the pads are on,
you can only evaluate.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
So much, right, you know, the bull rush.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
You're not bulling anybody, And so I don't think that
we've certainly seen the full effects of what that added
muscle will do for Da Faoa. But goodness gracious, he
looks good.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
He looks really good, and he's a young player. And
I thought Chuck Smith was a good tone about this
is kind of the natural evolution for him, that he's
still a guy who's kind of growing into all the
things that he can do physically and trying to push
the limits of you know, what he can do. To me,
it sounded like that putting on the twenty pounds wasn't
(23:44):
that difficult for him, And obviously, you know, the straight.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
It's not very difficult for me, I'll say that, but I.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
Don't think we look as good when we do that.
I mean, he his body can handle that, and obviously
it looks like almost all all muscle. I don't know
what you know. If you put on twenty pounds and
not picking up body fat, that's pretty good. So yeah,
he had he had his best season last year. I
think it was that was huge what he did last
year a da fe. I think finally now feels like, Okay,
(24:14):
I'm seeing the fruits of my labor payoff. He's always
worked hard, but I think at times before last season
he was kind of frustrated with maybe not getting the
results he wanted. Totally last year came together for him.
I expect it's nowhere but up based on how he
looks and how he's playing so far.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Yep, all right, last gout in our list, and we'll
give our editorial assistant, Justin Robertson credit for this one.
He you know, just like in the Ravens scouting department,
in that in the draft room, you got to stand
on the table. You gotta have the stick your neck
out like the draft, right, and Justin he pounded the
(24:55):
table for this guy to put him on the list,
So we'll give him credit. Cornerback, this undrafted rookie. Okay,
so this is dark horse cornerback Ruben Lowry of Tennessee Chattanooga.
Couple picks, a couple of interceptions, you make plays on
the ball, You're making the list. Yes, right. I don't
know if he's gonna make the team, but he's making
the list right for now? All right, so you got
(25:17):
a couple of interceptions. Is a five foot nine, five
year starter at Chattanooga. You know, I mean three interceptions
to return for touchdowns during his college career. Hey, look,
I in all seriousness, like, it's gonna be tough for
any undrafted rookie to make this fifty three men roster.
This is this roster's loaded, sure, and it has a
(25:39):
large rookie class.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Drafted rookie class eleven. Right, that's large. That's large. So
it's gonna be tough.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
But Ruben Lowry, the more you can do, even if
it's just practice squad or whatever.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
You know, Hey, could he be down the road.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Potentially like a slot corner option if they're looking for
another slot. Maybe he showed up through OTAs we'll just
say that, right.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
I mean, that's all you can do. And I mean,
you know, hopefully, you know it'll happen for the Ravens,
but even if it weren't here, I mean, this is
the start of his career and you're all every day
there's tape coming out people, you're putting what you can do,
showing whether you can be in the NFL or note
and maybe he would come back for the Ravens at
(26:24):
some point, even if it didn't work out for him
this year. You just never know how your career is
going to turn out. I remember speaking with Anthony Levine
about playing his first year in Green Bay before he
came a long time Raven and he felt like the
coaches in Green Bay probably didn't even know his name
at the end of the year, and then when he
got here he found his niche So yeah, I mean,
(26:48):
power to him for getting the two pigs. He obviously
has a nose for the football based on his college stats.
That's all you can do. He's shown up. We're talking
about him now.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Yep, yep, all right, so a few alternates, you're close
to making the list that we want to shout out
real quick.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Roquan Smith is fit and ready, man.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
I mean that guy every day here at OTAs and
he looks he looks like he's in mid season form,
ready to rock. Right. I also will give him a
lot of credit because I talked to Trenton Simpson after
practice on Wednesday, and Trenton said that Roquan came back
this offseason to Baltimore to spend the entire offseason, like
(27:27):
two weeks after the year ended. Roqwan came back and
he and trent and Simpson have been working together for
the entire offseason, watching film, working out together. They've been together,
and like credit to Rokwan Smith for saying, like, look,
I know this young guy who's very talented, has a
great attitude worker. I'm gonna do everything I can to
make this.
Speaker 3 (27:47):
Work, right. I mean, Rocwan is a unique person. He's
a such a leader. He's he's a leader in a
room full of leaders, and that's the type. I'm not
surprised to hear that. It's I've impressed, I mean quite honestly.
Speaker 1 (28:01):
Like, I mean, I think Roquan certainly has made it
known he likes to travel too, right, Like he loves
pours everything into it but he also has an outlife
outside of football and has traveled the world and done
all those things. He didn't do that seemingly this year
he came back and he works with Trenton Simpson.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
No, I think Roquan, I mean, I know Roquan how
badly he wants that ring. Yep, I think that has
something to do with it. I mean he can speak
to it himself. But yeah, I mean maybe if you
know things have turned out differently, he would be traveling.
But you know, Italy will be there. This opportunity to
(28:41):
win a Super Bowl. He can taste it. They all can,
and so yeah, if he can help Trenton Simps Simpson
and obviously Roquan himself, I mean he has high standards
for himself being in the type of shape he is
now in June to me, is only going to help
him in September. Yep.
Speaker 1 (29:00):
TJ Tampa second year cornerback. There's a lot of guys
second year players on this list because it's a It's
a group where last year Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten
had phenomenal rookie seasons played a ton became almost instantaneous
key members of this team. The rest of the rookie
class really did not see a lot of action last year,
so it's it's a really big offseason for them to
(29:24):
really kind of establish themselves. Hey, maybe I'm not gonna
have a huge role this year, but I'm gonna be
I'm gonna improve as a player and I'm gonna have
a bigger role and you can count on me if
need be.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
And TJ.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
Tampa is in contention for a reserve If not, can
he can he push you know, chidobe A Woozia maybe
you know, for that kind of third cornerback spot behind
Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
I thought TJ.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
Tampa had some flashes during OTAs he had an impressive interception. Uh.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
And I think that he's flashing his talent.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
John Harball said, you know, he's a big corner and
getting him to play like a big corner that'll be
key for him. But you see flashes of how good
a player he can be.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
No question. I mean, you know, after Nate and Marlon,
I mean even though Cheto has a lot of experience,
I think everything else is not inked in pen about
who is going to get the most reps and how
the depth charge is gonna stack out.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
Jon Davis.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
You have a couple of six rookies and Cooney and
i'll say Robert Longer be So you have a lot
of you have a lot of corners.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
A lot of competition, and TJ is in the mix.
And if he can stand out, I mean they know
he has talent. They drafted him and had high expectations
for him. And yes, the rookie season didn't go exactly
the way he played, but yes, I see signs that
he's ready for the competition, which is going to be heavy.
(30:54):
He has the talent. That size he has already separates him.
If he can, you know, you that to be a
guy who can consistently stag days. That's what you want
to see from TJ. Obviously, consistency and staying healthy. If
he does that, then he has a great opportunity to
be a guy who gets on the field on a
(31:14):
regular basis a way the Rays like to play defense,
with so many different parts of so many corners, they'll
have a role if he can stay healthy and play well.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
Yep, all right, last several guys who'll run through this
rapid fire. Here Leschonte Western, the rookie wide receiver slash
punt returner. I think that making plays on offense, which
isn't surprising considered he made a lot of plays over
his college career, including a Colorado last year. Adisa Isaac
another second year player that, like we've talked about outside linebacker,
(31:42):
dealt with a lot of injuries last year, multiple hamstring injuries,
not to mention the groin injury that he came into
his career with, and so you know, injuries are hopefully
behind him. Talked about all the training he's done this offseason.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
To make sure another impressive athlete.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
Yeah, you look at him, man, he he looks impressive.
And Ravens have a lot of young outside linebackers compete
for snaps, so it's it's tough, but he's a guy
that caught my attention during ot as. Anthony Miller, the
veteran wide receiver, made some spectacular catches.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
He made some great catches.
Speaker 3 (32:17):
Yes, yep.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
So a player that late in the season last year
was catching balls like in the playoffs. Yeah, it was
say Flowers out who just called it.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
It's Anthony Miller out there catching balls.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
So you know he's he's fighting to try to yeh,
He's fighting to try to make this roster and so
credit to him. I think he's had a strong OTAs.
So those are the guys on our list. Lamar Jackson,
I think in the day that he was here looked great.
But not a lot of participation from Lamar over the
course of OTAs. But I expect more here with mandatory
(32:53):
mini camp coming up next week, so we'll have tons
of courage from that. Thank you Cliff for joining me
and thank you for those listening. As always, you can
email us at the lounge at Ravens dot NFL dot
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