We’re well into OTAs now, and we’re getting to the point where it really does matter who the standouts are. That’s always nice to hear about early performers, but as veterans begin making their way onto the field, competition does become slightly tougher for the youngsters.
Yesterday, there were a few standouts that Jonas Shaffer wanted to highlight:
A couple of stock risers from the Ravens' second open OTA:
🟣Tyler Huntley had a 45-yard TD to Rashod Bateman, beating Marcus Williams in coverage
⚫️Tyler Badie was heavily involved in the pass game and caught everything
🟣Daelin Hayes was active and in the backfield again— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) June 1, 2022
Tyler Badie is an intriguing name in the pass catching offense, but Daelin Hayes is the most exciting to me. His young career has been marred by injuries thus far, but I feel he’s a name so many Ravens fan forget about entirely.
The former Notre Dame standout is yet another young EDGE rusher with potential on this defense, and if he hits the ground running after being fully healthy, there’s no reason he can’t be a big part of DC Mike Macdonald’s plans.
I think Hayes will surprise people this season.
Mainly, that’s because everybody’s so excited about David Ojabo, though for good reason. The Round 2 pick seems to be a perfect fit with the Ravens, even if he has to sit the majority of the season. Macdonald, former DC of Ojabo at Michigan, said giving him the call was “emotional.”
"It was pretty emotional being able to give him a call."
DC Mike Macdonald on reuniting with @DavidOjabo: pic.twitter.com/UecTghkqoc
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 1, 2022
It’s awesome seeing coaches show that sentiment to players so well this early in the offseason, even if they did work with their team just a year ago.
An interesting wrinkle of this offseason is Chuck Clark. A strong contributor on the defense for a few years, Clark is still a leader, but he is also a trade candidate.
With an influx of talent at the safety position, many are calling for a trade involving Clark, especially given the glaring need at WR. That said, new signing Marcus Williams is “leaning on him” early in camp:
Marcus Williams acknowledged that he's leaning heavily on Chuck Clark as he learns the Ravens defense.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) June 1, 2022
Building camaraderie is key for all players, but that’s especially true in the secondary, which Williams and Clark roam.
"It's good to be around the team… build that camaraderie." @MarcusWilliams pic.twitter.com/OkNQjUzPjy
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 1, 2022
I personally don’t believe Clark should be traded. Yes, Kyle Hamilton is a stud that looks primed to replace him, but Clark is an extremely smart player that also has huge value on Special Teams. Baltimore values its ST captains, and especially with Anthony Levine gone.
The loss of Co-Cap leaves a surprisingly large void that Clark is a no-brainer to fill, regardless of Hamilton’s talent at Safety.
Especially with Clark around, Baltimore is set to have a strong secondary. With Marcus Peters & Marlon Humphreys returning, the signings of Williams and Kyle Fuller, development from Brandon Stephens and the arrival of rookies Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams, the unit is rock solid. On paper, it is one of the best in the NFL.
Of course, there’s nothing more “on paper” than Madden ratings, and the game’s cover came out Wednesday:
The Madden 23 cover. As it should be.
It’s the first time John Madden is on the cover since 2000. pic.twitter.com/0jWpOciQKt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2022
I personally don’t know why there was ever a doubt, but having John Madden himself on this is perfect. Harbaugh highlighted that, as well:
“What a great tribute.”
Coach Harbaugh reacts to the new @EAMaddenNFL cover featuring John Madden, and shares the last text he received from Coach Madden. 💜#MaddenDay | #Madden23 pic.twitter.com/dB9MjoVGst
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 1, 2022
Heading into this year’s game, Lamar Jackson is once again going to be the fastest QB, with a Speed Rating of 96.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is once again the fastest QB with a speed rating of 96 in Madden 23. Officially leaked. #Madden23leaks #Madden #Maddenleaks #ravens pic.twitter.com/IU4NnGKuUa
— MADDEN23LEAKS (@Madden23Leaks) May 27, 2022
For Madden players, I can say this is a cheat code. There’s simply nothing more fun than playing with Jackson at QB. That said, will his awareness rating be dropped because he didn’t attend OTAs?
Greg Roman said when Lamar Jackson returns, he will be introduced to some new offensive material. Roman said he already knows about 80% of it, and 20% will be new.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) June 1, 2022
Ideally, you’d like your QB to know the playbook well before preseason games start, but I trust Jackson’s diligence. He seems to still be working hard at his craft, and at this stage, that’s critical.
What I don’t know, however, is how Jackson will get on with the receivers. The departure of Hollywood Brown means that aside from Mark Andrews, Jackson must still build a rapport with his targets.
I’d like to see him doing that a bit more.
