The Ravens took to the field at M&T Bank Stadium under the lights for the first time in 2015 holding their only practice open to the public on Monday night.
While more of a show for the fans, the practice did hold some significance as the rookies got to experience playing in front of over 22,000 screaming Ravens fans.
The early portion of practice was devoted to special teams and saw Lardarius Webb, Michael Campanaro, DeAndre Carter, Aldrick Robinson and Asa Jackson all taking reps returning kicks. Wide receiver Jeremy Butler impressed with his reps as a gunner showing his speed and ability to handle blockers. Jackson also served as a gunner and fared well.
Rookie making progress
Wide receiver Darren Waller has to be the surprise of camp thus far for the Ravens. Standing 6’6″ and 245 pounds, the sixth-round draft pick is faster and moves better than anticipated. On several reps during one-on-one and seven-on-seven drills, the rookie has shown better than average hands catching numerous passes including a touchdown pass over the top of Will Hill.
Smith Sr causes scare
Fans and media released a huge groan when wide receiver Steve Smith Sr collided with Kyle Arrington during 11-on-11 drills. The veteran wide receiver was slow to get up following the collision and limped to the sideline. The fiesty wideout returned during the next series and went on to catch a touchdown against Arrington later on in practice.
Other Observations
Kicker Justin Tucker drew the biggest ovation of the night when the former Texas Longhorn drilled a 64-yard field goal. Tucker was solid all evening making several kicks from beyond 50 yards. Tucker redeemed himself after a rough Friday when he missed several outside of 50 yards.
Rookie Buck Allen could be a pivotal part of the Ravens offense in 2015. The rookie keeps stacking solid days of camp excelling in catching passes out of the backfield. During an 11-on-11 drill, the former Southern California back juked linebacker Albert McClellan after catching the ball the veteran linebacker fell allowing Allen to score.
Tight end Maxx Williams had his best practice of camp thus far infront of the fans. While seeming slow and sluggish at times since the start of training camp, the rookie shined more and more as practice wore on. Williams exploded off the line of scrimmage busting through a block beating Arthur Brown in coverage for a 20-yard touchdown reception from third-string QB Bryn Renner.
Quote of the night
“The most important people in our country are here tonight, our Military.” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh honoring those members of the Military that were in attendance for the open practice.
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