OWINGS MILLS – It was a relatively quiet performance from veteran defensive backs Ken Hamlin, Ken Lucas and Walt Harris during their tryout for the Baltimore Ravens.
And none of the players was immediately signed.
However, it’s believed the Ravens are contemplating signing at least one, if not two of the three former NFL starters.
Hamlin and Lucas would probably make more sense at this time than Harris. The 35-year-old is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament that sidelined him for all of last season with the San Francisco 49ers.
"I would say that all three did very well," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "All three look like they can play in this league. Veteran corners, veteran safety that have a lot left in the tank. Whether they’ll have a chance, I don’t know."
Harbaugh added that he would consult with general manager Ozzie Newsome.
A hard-hitting safety who started last season for the Dallas Cowboys, Hamlin is a 6-foot-2, 209-pound enforcer. The Ravens could use some insurance with Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed still rehabbing from hip surgery.
"I’m looking for the right spot and the right fit. I felt comfortable out there," said Hamlin, who was cut by Dallas in April as he was due a $5.59 million base salary this fall. "I was running around playing football. It’s definitely a strong group of guys here. You can see it on the field.
"The defense is flying around making plays. It’s a special group. It’s a good opportunity. We’ll see what happens."
A Pro Bowl selection in 2007 with the Seattle Seahawks, Hamlin returned to his hometown of Houston after auditioning for the Ravens for the past few days. Hamlin started all but two games last season for Dallas, registering 52 tackles and no interceptions.
Lucas expressed confidence that he would be a good fit with the Ravens’ style of play. The former Carolina Panthers first-round draft pick registered 34 tackles and no interceptions in six starts last season for Seattle.
"It was good to get my feet wet with some of the other veteran guys that were here to work out," Lucas said. "For my personality and the way I play the game, they have a confidence about them on defense that you would want to play with. I would like an opportunity to play for them this year."
Harris has intercepted 35 career passes during previous stints with the 49ers, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts.
Harris said he didn’t have any reservations about his knee during the tryout.
"My knee felt good," said Harris, who has been rehabbing at the same Atlanta training facility as Reed. "It’s a matter of trying to get back in the groove of things and planting. It felt great.
"It was good not having to think so much and just reacting. I think I can still bring a lot of experience and leadership. I have the ability to make plays."
Lucas, 31, who has 25 career interceptions in nine NFL seasons, said he can already envision himself playing for the Ravens.
"I can bring coverage ability and veteran leadership," Lucas said. "Their secondary is very young back there. They need some leadership as far as a veteran presence. I’m speaking like I’m on the team already, but I forgot I still have to make it."
