MORE NOTES & OBSERVATIONS: Marcus Smith is trying to work his way back into shape after his season ending knee injury during the preseason last year. He seems a little thick at the moment and still struggles with consistency when catching the football…On the other hand, Justin Harper has shown marked improvement with his hands and has consistently caught everything thrown his way…David Reed has impressed the coaches and scouts early during OTA’s this offseason but he didn’t get many reps on Tuesday. Reed adjusts well to balls in flight and has soft hands…Domonique Foxworth temporarily took himself out of practice with what looked like a leg injury. He did return with no ill effects…Ray Rice looks slimmer than he did in 2009…RB Curtis Steele, an UDFA out of Memphis is looking very solid and if he can contribute on special teams while continuing the momentum he’s built in OTA’s, he has a shot at the 53 man roster…Haruki Nakamura practiced with the 2’s and 3’s and is ahead of his rehab schedule…Dannell Ellerbe is picking up where he left off last season although he seems a bit heavier…The team is said to be impressed with Arthur Jones who has shown so far that he can be an effective pass rusher from the interior defensive line. Look for the Ravens to pressure from the middle this season…The rookie tight ends continue to impress. Both Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta are big targets who catch confidently and appear to be quick studies, particularly Pitta who is being asked to play a multi-faceted role…Mark Clayton returned to action and looked sharp in and out of his breaks, much to the delight of receivers coach Jim Hostler…Jarret Johnson was in attendance but participated on a limited basis…Brendon Ayanbadejo practiced but he too was limited…Paul Kruger continues to fly beneath the radar screen and is hardly noticeable. He’ll be watched closely this summer.
