Day two of mandatory minicamp took place under cloudy skies and periods of rain giving both the offense, defense and special teams an early dose of practice in inclement weather.
Throughout the early portion of practice, players performed skills drills with positional coaches before combining for seven on seven, nine on nine and 11 on 11 reps.
The Ravens safety corps turned in a solid effort on Wednesday afternoon. Newly acquired safety Kendrick Lewis made life difficult for both Joe Flacco and Matt Schaub. Lewis, who signed a three-year contract with the team this offseason had several pass breakups including an eye opening diving play in which he broke up a pass intended for rookie Breshad Perriman. For the first time during offseason activities, Matt Elam saw his reps increase with the first team defense. Elam also had a big pick six return off Schaub during his second team reps.
Cornerbacks Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith continued to shake the rust off from the long offseason as both players had a solid practice. Webb, who appeared timid on Tuesday (his first day back) was responsible for a slew of passes defensed. His best play of the day came on what appeared to be a long touchdown pass from Flacco to Marlon Brown however, Webb made a great move over top of Marlon to break up the pass at the last moment.
Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs picked up where they left off on Tuesday as both vets exhibited their ability to pressure the quarterback. On several reps, Doom and Suggs forced Flacco to hurry some throws. Second-year linebacker C.J. Mosley continued to be an observer during full team drills.
Clarence Brook’s defensive line continued to progress during run defense drills. Defensive ends Brent Urban and Kapron Lewis-Moore were impressive, both players were able to get into the offensive backfield to stop Lorenzo Taliaferro and Buck Allen for losses.
The offensive line had their share of success against the defensive line on occasion Wednesday. Eugene Monroe was stout and put his new big physical frame to use resulting in cheers from o-line coach Juan Castillo. Monroe is at the same weight he was last year however, the veteran tackle acknowledged it’s muscle not fat this time around. Kelechi Osemele had the play of the day on a run blocking drill against the first team defense. Quick off the snap, K.O. tossed linebacker Arthur Brown to the side like a rag doll allowing Forsett a big gain. For the second straight day, John Urschel took snaps at center while Jeremy Zuttah recovers from injury.
The wide receiver/tight end group had an up and down day for the most part. Drops were on full display by several of the wideouts including Steve Smith Sr. At one point, the unit had 4 straight drops prompting hisses from the offensive sideline. Marlon Brown and Jeremy Butler each caught impressive touchdowns despite solid coverage on back to back plays. Tight end Crockett Gillmore again showed off what appears to be newfound quickness after catching a pass across the middle before being caught by Jimmy Smith. Maxx Williams along with Nick Boyle recorded several nice blocks during run offense drills.
Like their battery mates, Joe Flacco and Matt Schaub ran hot and cold for much of the afternoon. Flacco overthrew Perriman on two pass attempts yet rebounded well placing a perfectly thrown pass to Marlon Brown over Tramain Jacobs. The aforementioned pick six of Schaub aside, the veteran signal caller did connect on an impressive pass to Jeremy Butler despite Kyle Arrington’s solid coverage.
Running backs Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro showed off their abilities to hit the holes created by the o-line on multiple reps. Forsett had gains of 20 and 32 yards on consecutive plays. Taliaferro, who looks leaner yet stronger this offseason fared well in pass protection.
Special teams coach Jerry Rosburg used Lardarius Webb and Asa Jackson during punt return drills throughout the day. Second year wide receiver/kick returner Michael Campanaro was on the field but did not participate in practice. Sam Koch and the rest of the wolfpack excelled in the rain, booming kicks all over the practice field. Justin Tucker was solid connecting on 6-out-of-7 field goals toward the end of practice.
Quote of the Day: “Oh, she’s loving it, man. My nieces are already fighting over rooms right now.” Ravens G/T Kelechi Osemele on fulfilling his dream of buying his mom a new house recently.
The Ravens will conclude mandatory minicamp on Thursday with practice beginning around 11:30 a.m.
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