Rookies Report July 19
The Ravens rookies are scheduled to report for training camp on Tuesday, July 19. Then the clock starts. Then the journey through the professional ranks begins, their lives forever changed. Twenty-seven world-class athletes will participate in their first professional training camp — 11 draft picks and 16 undrafted free agents.
All have been among the best from their times in rec ball to those days on a college football field. These athletes will compete for very limited spots. The struggle will be real. It is more intense than ever before and perhaps for the first time in their lives, the threat of failure stares these athletes in the face. One, perhaps two of the UDFA’s may survive the cutdown to 53. Most will not. Some will be redirected to the practice squad and get a second chance at fulfilling a dream. The Ravens have a long and proud history of finding such hidden gems provided the players reveal their shine.
Justin Time…Again
The Ravens, as expected by many, have re-signed Justin Houston to a second one-year deal. The team respects Houston’s team-first approach, leadership and his willingness to mentor the younger players. But is it enough? Do the Ravens have enough talent along the defensive edges to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable? After all, Tyus Bowser might not be as productive early during the season and David Ojabo isn’t expected to see the field until November, both recovering from Achilles injuries.
Might the Ravens still make a play for Jason Pierre-Paul who reportedly visited the Ravens this past Spring? Or will they entertain an available edge defender familiar with the AFC North — Carlos Dunlap?
The guess here is that the Ravens will undoubtedly monitor both Pierre-Paul and Dunlap while keeping a watchful eye on the rehabilitation of Bowser and Ojabo. Ideally, from a cap perspective and for roster flexibility, the pair will still be available when the regular season starts. That way, if signed heading into Week 2, the Ravens will have the option to part ways with either and soften the blow on the cap should they disappoint in-season, or if a player such as Daelin Hayes takes what he does in practice during the week to the field on Sunday.
Tyus Bowser was dancing at a wedding a couple of months ago, so it’s no surprise to see him doing agility work now.
Bowser’s six months removed from a torn Achilles tendon. The Ravens have been hopeful he’ll be ready for the season opener.
(via IG/chelseairuegas) pic.twitter.com/XGCSH0btid
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) July 11, 2022
The Long View
A few months ago during an interview, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta shared that he isn’t keen on retaining players if they genuinely don’t want to be in Baltimore. And that’s why he opted to trade tackle Orlando Brown, Jr. and Marquise Brown just prior to the 2021 and 2022 NFL Drafts, respectively.
Orlando has never hidden his financial ambitions. Now he’s seeking to become the highest paid left tackle in the game, another good player who wants to be compensated like a great one. And then, the GM who eventually does pony up that kind of coin, will have to be concerned with how the big pay day might affect Brown’s willingness to embrace the grind, to put in the work needed to play to the level of his W-2.
#Chiefs franchise tagged Left Tackle Orlando Brown seeking over $25 million per season on his next deal, according to @MattVerderame
KC traded a 1st round pick along with a 3rd, 4th and 5th to the #Ravens for Orlando Brown and a 2nd round pick last year. pic.twitter.com/N4dkz1rTLe
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 13, 2022
Marquise Brown wanted to move on to a more passing prolific offense than the Ravens and that has everything to do with his financial security. Marquise will be a UFA after the 2023 season and given the money being thrown at wide receivers these days, he’ll be looking to cash in at $20M+ per season. Does anyone out there think he’s worth that?
In time, DeCosta’s gut-feel about players wanting out and his long view outlook will be lauded. Particularly when other teams overspend for Brown & Brown while the Ravens get to enjoy the bright futures of Odafe Oweh and Tyler Linderbaum, the spoils of the trades of those unhappy campers.
Not a Top 10
It’s that time of year when we are “treated” to lists — the best receivers; best RB’s; best fantasy players…top 10 quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson not being among ESPN’s top 10 destroys the list’s credibility. Apparently Warren Sharp and Dan Orlovsky concur.
watch 6 minutes 41 seconds of a top-10 QBpic.twitter.com/UXcenwrpe0
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 11, 2022
Lamar Jackson in his first 4 NFL Seasons
He’s started 49 games-(3 seasons—He didn’t start the first 10 games of his career and missed the last 6 last season)
So that’s 12 wins a season, 4300 yds per and 35 TDs per season. That’s elite. That’s win because of.
THATS TOP 10— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) July 12, 2022
Body Piercing
Veteran defensive tackle Michael Pierce missed all of the voluntary OTA’s and was excused from the mandatory mini-camp due to a personal matter. It’s hard not to wonder if that personal matter is health related, i.e. poor conditioning. We’ve seen it before from Pierce, so until he shows up in decent shape and passes his conditioning test, color me jaded and concerned about how No. 58 will look when he reports in a couple of weeks.
LMFAOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/FYWZxyb5Id
— JoyBoy (@Zay41yfe) July 12, 2022
Bengals Have Stripes
You’ve heard it said often that a leopard can’t change its spots. The old cliche is often used to describe the behaviors of people and/or players. I hate the cliche because it fails to recognize anyone’s ability to change and improve. A former member of the Cincinnati Bengals has proven that a so-called leopard can change his spots.
This is a great story and hopefully with Adam “Pacman” Jones’ new outlook on life as he embraces his new role as mentor and parent, Chris Henry’s sons will have a bright future.
@thescore Adam “Pacman” Jones is a real one for this ❤️🙏 @therealbradparker ♬ Rockin – Chris Alan Lee
How ‘Bout Them O’s?
And last but certainly not least here in The Land of Pleasant Living, the Orioles are coming of age and the excitement the team is generating, not only by their current nine-game winning streak but also by their enthusiastic and never-say-die approach each night, is a welcome and long overdue breath of fresh air from the Ravens’ neighbors at Camden Yards.
URIAS TO THE BACK OF THE BLEACHERS IN WRIGLEY @Barstooldmv
pic.twitter.com/or8prm1cxn— Starting 9 (@Starting9) July 13, 2022
