Missing in Action
The Ravens mandatory minicamp kicked off on Tuesday afternoon under sunny skies at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, MD. Veterans and rookies gathered for the first time together this offseason with their sights on training camp.
Attendance was solid with only a few surprise absences. Veteran linebacker Elvis Dumervil wasn’t a participant due to what John Harbaugh classified as a “preventive surgery.” However, he is expected to report tomorrow and return to practice by training camp.
Other expected absences included quarterback Joe Flacco, WR Steve Smith Sr., LB Terrell Suggs, WR Michael Campanaro, CB Jumal Rolle, WR Breshad Perriman, DT Michael Pierce, DE Bronson Kaufusi (back) and OTÂ Eugene Monroe.
Stanley In, Monroe Out
With the Ravens trying to trade left tackle Eugene Monroe, the first team offensive line had a new look. Ronnie Stanley saw all of the reps with the first team offense.
While the practice did not feature the players in practice at first glance, Stanley held his own. He drew accolades from several teammates, including center Jeremy Zuttah and guard Marshal Yanda.
Linebacker Shuffle
The linebacker corps was a shuffling crew during team drills. Both starters on the outside, Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, didn’t suit up.
Third-year linebacker C.J. Mosley led the first team unit. That group consisted of rookie Kamalei Correa at the rush linebacker spot and Zachary Orr opposite Mosley in the middle. The Ravens will likely continue this trend as the others heal from injury. For now, Correa will get all the reps he can handle.
Linebackers Arthur Brown and Albert McClellan ran with the second team defense while Brennen Beyer and Chris Carter manned the third team unit.
Dixon Shows Speed
Rookie running back Kenneth Dixon put on a solid display running both inside the tackles and outside the tackles throughout the 2 hour practice. Quick to hit the gaps, the former Louisiana Tech standout had several long runs including a would-be touchdown early on in 11-on-11 team drills.
Dixon also fared well in check-down drills, flashing his ability to catch passes out of the offensive backfield. The Ravens 4th-round pick was able to get separation over the middle of the field and turned the receptions into big gains.
Wallace Flies
Those in attendance were treated to a show from Mike Wallace. He displayed blazing speed and stunned opposing cornerbacks during both one-on-one drills and team drills.
The eight-year veteran glided in and out of his routes smoothly. He also showed solid hands, making several receptions in traffic. On one occasion, he reached out to make a one-handed grab in front of safety Eric Weddle.
Wallace will be fun to watch throughout the summer while Breshad Perriman nurses his injury.
Quick Hits
Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan appears to be in superb shape now wearing number 99. He ran from drill to drill and appears to have tapped into some newfound speed. He made an appearance in the offensive backfield on numerous occasions.
Despite not yet signing a long-term deal, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was present and accounted for on Tuesday and had a big day with his leg. Tucker was perfect on all field goal attempts including a booming 56-yard field goal late in practice.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith was on the field Tuesday, however he did not participate in team activities. He did work with his positional coach at times throughout the afternoon. Shareece Wright and Jerraud Powers started with the first team defense in his stead.
Overheard
“Those who commit these stupid penalties will not be on this football field.” – Ravens head coach John Harbaugh after excessive penalties on the offensive side of the football during practice.
On Deck
The Ravens will hold their second day of mandatory minicamp today at 3:00 p.m..
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
