The Ravens had their first look at their draft class over the weekend as the team spent the last few days conducting rookie mini camp.
Over 40 players took part in the minicamp in preparation for this month’s three-day OTAs which begin the week of May 25.
Much like training camp, the rookies and undrafted rookie free agents spent time running individual drills with positional coaches trying to prepare themselves for the speed of the NFL.
“Most definitely,” said Ravens rookie running back Javorius “Buck” Allen when asked if there is a huge change of pace from college to the pros. “At USC we ran the no-huddle [offense], so it was kind of a fast pace. Practice was going; it never stopped.”
The past two days have begun the process for the players who were drafted to prove their worth, while for the undrafted players it begins their battle for a roster spot.
“I just want to show that I’m a tough player, and I can get the job done,” remarked third-round draft pick defensive tackle Carl Davis. “I know [there are] a lot of shoes to fill around here and they have some great tradition and great players, but I just want to show that I fit in.”
Of all the players on the field during the open portion of minicamp Saturday, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith may have made the biggest impression on the assembled members of the media.
From his frame to his hair to his motor, looking at Smith was like watching a clone of Pernell McPhee -whom Smith has already been compared to since he was selected in the fourth round of the draft last week.
“I watched film on him today,” said a jovial Smith. “We were watching film and [have] sort of the same dreads, same height, same size. We really look alike.”
The next step for the rookies will not only be learning the playbook but getting to know the veterans, something head coach John Harbaugh addressed today.
“Don’t be intimidated,” he told the rookies following practice. “It’s still football. We told them today, ‘We’re not going to be splitting any atoms out here, and we’re not going to be putting any rockets on the moon. We’re just going to be playing football, OK? You know football, and you’ll find when these guys get here, it’s still going to be football, and it will be fine. Just don’t get tangled up with anybody.'”
While rookie minicamp didn’t exactly prove anything, it does prove we are one step closer to the most wonderful time of the year, football season.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
