12 Ravens Topics Plus a Bonus!
It’s difficult to accurately assess the progress of respective players during OTA’s. Sure, the eyeball-test can decipher mistakes made, whether they are physical or mental, but make no mistake about it, the performances of players wearing jerseys and shorts can be deceiving. OTA’s are really intended to help build a foundation for productive training camp practices. That said, the eyeball-test can easily determine who has invested time preparing their bodies for the coming season. One of those players is Jaylon Ferguson.
Ferguson according to many, has been a bust while falling far short of the moniker he earned at Louisiana Tech University. “Sack Daddy” racked up 45 sacks during four seasons as a Bulldog over the span of 50 games. He also contributed 67 ½ tackles for loss. As a pro, Ferguson has tallied 4 ½ sacks and 13 TFL’s in 38 games. It’s safe to say that the former 3rd-round pick has underachieved.
But sometimes players evolve in different ways and blossom (assuming they do) at various intervals. Tyus Bowser took some time to shape into a productive player and even before him, Adalius Thomas needed a few seasons to shape into the Pro Bowl LB he would become. Ferguson reported to OTA’s looking leaner and quicker. Perhaps with a new defensive coordinator, a new scheme and a new body, Ferguson can follow in the footsteps of Bowser and Thomas during the 2022 season. It’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
In The Nick of Time
Speaking of reshaped bodies, many have commented on the physique of Nick Boyle. Boyle is an integral part of the team’s running attack and when healthy, he’s improved as a pass catcher. Boyle accepted a pay cut this offseason and that was before the team invested two 2022 fourth-round picks on Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely. If Boyle’s offseason conditioning is any indication he plans on seeing his contract that expires after the 2023 season right to its end – or beyond.
That’s Tight!
All Pro tight end Mark Andrews had a record setting season in 2021 with 107 catches for 1,361 yards, 9 TD’s and 12.7 yards per catch. That’s quite impressive particularly when you consider stopping Andrews was priority No. 1 for opponents in 2021 given the team’s depleted backfield, the nearly 5-game absence of Lamar Jackson and a rather unsettled offensive line. And if OTA’s are any indication, Andrews appears determined to make such production a given. Not only does he often look like the best player on the field, he seemingly outworks everyone as well. That’s leading by example.
Back to Likely for a moment, the Coastal Carolina product has captured the attention of onlookers during OTA’s. Likely’s comparable is Delanie Walker and he could present some matchup problems for opponents. He’s big and strong enough to outmuscle DB’s and fleet-footed enough to outpace LB’s.
Likely was the second tight end selected by the Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft, the 3rd time the Ravens have dipped into the tight end pool during the same draft. Ironically, the other two times they’ve done that, the second tight end selected was the more productive. In 2010 the Ravens chose Ed Dickson (70) and Dennis Pitta (114) on consecutive picks and then in 2018 they nabbed Hayden Hurst (26) and Andrews (86). Both times the second tight end taken was the far more productive player.
Time will tell if Likely keeps that streak alive. Time will also tell if Josh Oliver can stay alive on the Ravens roster. Perhaps the Ravens can get back the 7th round pick they relinquished to Jacksonville when they acquired Oliver. Oliver is in the final year of a contract he signed with the Jaguars and is scheduled to earn $1.075M.
UPDATE (4:25 PM): You will notice in the comments section below that “CheapCheese” points out that there was a 4th instance of tight end double-dipping on draft day that I overlooked. In 2015 the Ravens selected Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle with the 55th and 171st picks, respectively. And once again, the second tight end selected was much better.
Along The Edge
It remains to be seen what kind of pass rush the Ravens can generate this season. Most observers and fans alike hope that Eric DeCosta can pull off a little magic and land a long-coveted veteran edge rusher. A player who fits that description and has been repeatedly pegged to the Ravens given their interest in him earlier in 2021 is Carlos Dunlap.
The 33 year old South Carolina native has 96 sacks over the course of his 13-year career, 11 seasons in Cincinnati. Last season Dunlap had 8 ½ sacks in Seattle while playing out a contract that paid him a $1.5M base salary. If the Ravens show interest in Dunlap again and successfully sign him, they’ll need to rescind the unrestricted free agent tender they extended to Justin Houston – unless of course they’re interested in both, which is doubtful. The tender to Houston is valued at $2.283M.
Pass Catchers
The position of wide receiver is an annual topic of discussion when it comes to the Ravens. This offseason is no different, particularly given the departure via trade of Marquise Brown. Rashod Bateman looks like a natural and should comfortably step into the role as Lamar’s preferred outside target. Devin Duvernay has a burst and after the catch skills to attract attention from opponents while James Proche is a gritty competitor with the ability to move the sticks and make contested catches. I’m not among those who believe that a move to acquire a player like Julio Jones or Will Fuller is the right play or even necessary. The Ravens need to let their draft picks develop and a long-in-the-tooth vet who spends more time in the trainer’s room and less time on the field is just a distraction, an obstacle to WR development and a drain on limited cap resources.
If you want to argue that the Ravens need a true No. 1 receiver, RSR’s Darin McCann suggested via Twitter that the Ravens already have that guy. His name is Mark Andrews.
That's exactly how I see it. I don't believe Mecole or Juju are WR1, but on that particular team… default. Actually, Kelce is probably R1, like Andrews is for the Ravens. lol
— Darin J. McCann (@DarinMccann) June 2, 2022
More Pass Catchers
If OTA’s are any indication, the Ravens will feature their running backs more in the passing game this season. Now we’ve heard that before but it’s fair to give OC Greg Roman a hall pass for 2021, given the fact that injuries wiped out his entire running back depth chart. Getting players like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and even rookie Tyler Badie puts more pressure on opposing linebackers who are forced to be more mindful of the backs out in space. That could have the added benefit of preventing such backers to cheat on their zone drops while trying to disrupt throwing lanes to the Ravens tight ends. More space, more opportunity for Mark Andrews is always a good thing for the team’s offense.
A reminder of how Gus Edwards has grown his game and what he can do with the ball in his hands pic.twitter.com/INfXtVuy4q
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) February 21, 2022
Brown Out
The fact that the Ravens were able to get a first round pick (which ultimately the Ravens parlayed into Tyler Linderbaum and a fourth round pick) in return from the Cardinals for Marquise Brown and a 3rd-round pick, is fairly staggering. As Peter King described, the trade of the former Oklahoma Sooner was akin to paying $56,000 for a BMW, driving if for 3 years and then trading it in for the same $56,000. But the real value in the trade could be that it helps the Ravens avoid overpaying a receiver that checks out at times and one that embraces the games physicality the way a vampire might welcome a sunny day at the beach. The Ravens got out at the right time with Brown. The way receivers are getting paid these days upon conclusion of their rookie contracts is insane. Brown’s next contract is likely to be as well.
Another Brown, also a former Sooner that the Ravens parted ways with, is Orlando Brown, Jr., who according to reports is seeking to be the highest paid tackle in the NFL. The Chiefs applied the franchise tag to Brown (he’s yet to sign it) and they have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. Without an extension, Brown will earn $16.66M should he play under the tag.
The hold up in an extension apparently stems from Brown’s lack of representation. He fired his previous agent a few months ago but has now hired a new one – one who does not represent any other players. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Brown sought representation that had no “prior relationships or friendships” with General Managers around the league. The new agent is Michael Portner of Delta Sports Group.
Good luck with this one Andy Reid…
#Chiefs LT Orlando Brown has signed with an agent, Michael Portner of @DSGathletes, as he and the team work toward a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline to do so. Brown and Portner found common ground on a personal level as detailed in the press release below. pic.twitter.com/fUknX9JI3b
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 2, 2022
Still MIA
Lamar Jackson remains a no-show during OTA’s and the topic is a source of frustration for the team. Multiple sources, including team owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta, have made it clear that the club has tried to engage Jackson in contract talks but he apparently isn’t all that interested, preferring instead to let his level of play in 2022 do the talking for him. But missing practice time, regardless of its classification as “voluntary”, will not do Lamar any favors when attempting to learn new wrinkles in the offense which Roman suggests is 20% new, or allow him to develop the requisite rapport with a young and unproven group of WR’s. The logic makes no sense.
If Lamar is going to be the franchise quarterback, the face of the team and the defacto leader, it’s time for him to show up and do the work, voluntary or otherwise.
Lamar Jackson claps back at Chris Simms. 👀 https://t.co/UYwAHBbfbW pic.twitter.com/MXHI9MTj4O
— theScore (@theScore) May 27, 2022
Clear & Present
If you’re looking for a player who does exhibit traits of a leader, let’s turn our attention to Chuck Clark. Despite being a topic of trade discussions given the ample resources the Ravens have at safety, Clark continues to show up for OTA’s, leading both on and off the field. He has even been singled out by newcomer and challenger for Clark’s snaps, Marcus Williams.
Ravens S Marcus Williams called Chuck Clark a leader on the defense.
“Every time I’m out here, he’s helping me in every way he can.” pic.twitter.com/1oAbKDBH7v
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) June 1, 2022
What happens with Clark moving forward is anyone’s guess. But with the signing of Williams and the drafting of Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick coupled with the development of Brandon Stephens, Geno Stone and the veteran presence of Tony Jefferson, the field is crowded and represents a quasi-embarrassment of riches.
I wonder if the Ravens knew that Hamilton would fall to 14, would they still have invested $37M guaranteed in Williams.
No. 98
Looking through the work of Ravens photographer Shawn Hubbard, who by the way does an outstanding job, I took pause while observing an image of a player wearing No. 98, one that was donned by Brandon Williams for 9 seasons. Today, the jersey is that of Trevor Jones. Williams remains a free agent.
Jones is a player who has attracted attention during OTA’s. He could be that interior disruptive force that commands resources from opponents, thus making things a bit easier for the edge defenders to hit quarterbacks who can no longer climb the pocket to avoid pursuit. Jones is another player to watch this summer.
Pierced
Admittedly I wasn’t all that excited about the Ravens signing of Michael Pierce. I recall him showing up to training camp at nearly 400 pounds despite preparing to play in a contract season. It made me question his motivation and work ethic. He ultimately signed with the Vikings
When he played in Minnesota, Pierce was productive, registering 20 tackles and 3 sacks in 2021. But he only played in 8 games and that coming after the 2020 COVID season that he opted out of given his bouts with asthma. Now, Pierce has opted out of OTA’s. I remain concerned and I’ll be anxious to see what kind of shape he shows up in less than 2 weeks for the team’s mandatory mini-camp.
Hopefully Pierce’s conditioning won’t force John Harbaugh to force his to sit out. You may recall in 2019, Harbs didn’t intially allow Pierce to participate in training camp due to the behemoth DT’s poor conditioning.
Play Like a Giant
“Play Like a Raven” is a well-known, regularly practiced mantra that apparently former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale took with him to New York, with one slight edit.
“Play like a Giant!”
Steve Serby from the NY Post shared this quote from Wink:
“‘Play like a Giant’ to me is just play hard every snap for this city,’ cause it’s the best city in the world. That’s what’s exciting about it.”
Another of the quotes from the Giants’ Wink that has attracted the attention of Ravens fans is “Don’t go to DoorDash to find a backup corner”, a response to a question about what Martindale had learned last season when forced to overcome injuries in Baltimore. That quip must have raised an eyebrow or two around The Castle.
Wink was a solid coordinator while here in Charm City and he was adored by the players. But his time had come and his predictability wore thin, hence the parting of ways. Hopefully Wink will discover similar success in the Big Apple, except of course on Sunday, October 16 when the Ravens visit MetLife Stadium.
Wink Martindale was asked what he learned from having to overcome injuries with the Ravens last year:
"Don't go to DoorDash to find a backup corner" 😂 pic.twitter.com/9h5pwrJbWT
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 26, 2022
J.A.D.
Jalyn Armour-Davis was the second of the Ravens six 4th-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s a long cornerback with very good speed and the ability to mirror receivers. His skill set isn’t scheme dependent which is to say that he’s adaptable and versatile. The only issue with Armour-Davis is his availability. He had an injury plagued collegiate career during which he only contributed regularly during his junior season. But the physical measurables are there if he can stay healthy. And that could be a big “if”. Word is that some teams didn’t even have Armour-Davis on their draft board due to concerns about a problematic hip.
If not for the history of injuries, Jalyn may have been off the board in Round 2. Equipped with 6 shots in the fourth round, DeCosta obviously thought that Armour-Davis was worth the risk, particularly when character is considered. If anyone has the mental toughness to overcome the adversity triggered by injury, it’s this former member of the Crimson Tide. Check out this interview that he had with members of the Ravens staff prior to the 2022 NFL Draft.
"I've never been around somebody, that young, that mature. I wrote down, 'This young man is amazing.'" @ALevine41 @JayArmourDavis impressed the Ravens' scouting department from the beginning.
Watch full episode: https://t.co/yDrn0t9nAs pic.twitter.com/mo2NXapbT1
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 26, 2022
An Original Ravyn
For those of you familiar with the local area music scene, the name Rob Fahey should be instantly recognizable. Fahey is one of the founding members of the local group The Ravyns, who had some modest hits during the early 80’s including Raised on The Radio which was featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Recently Rob played at The Shanty Bar at Tolchester Marina and I asked him if he would play The National Anthem upon the conclusion of his gig. I had heard him play it several times before and I thought that it was pretty apropos to hear it again during Memorial Day Weekend. He obliged with that great Fahey grin.
Here’s hoping the Ravens with an “e” take note and sign Rob up to perform his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner at The Bank this fall.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Here’s to a safe and happy #MemorialDay and to those gone who made our celebrations possible. Our National Anthem presented uniquely by Baltimore’s iconic Rob Fahey. pic.twitter.com/ej7SeLPt2R
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) May 30, 2022
