The Ravens are set to kick off mandatory minicamp this week, but before we preview that, let’s issue a few congratulations to players of past, present and potentially future.
First, former Ravens RB Mark Ingram is rumored to be retiring. His three Pro Bowls and all the truzz in the world is already worth celebrating, but Ingram is taking his talents to the broadcasting booth for Fox Sports, pending negotiations.
Mark Ingram is going to be sooooo entertaining in that role.
Ultimate hype man. #RavensFlock https://t.co/d8rZizDfyy
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) June 11, 2023
I personally cannot wait for Ingram’s color commentary. His outsized personality already makes him a strong candidate for the role, but it’s his love for the game, and especially the players, that will make him so good at this job.
Remember how he would celebrate Lamar Jackson’s touchdowns with more fervor than his own? He’ll truly appreciates the athletic brilliance of his fellow football players, and I look forward to hearing him call a Ravens game someday.
As for modern Ravens, Justin Madubuike deserves some flowers for being inducted into the McKinney, Texas Independent School District Hall of Honor for his play at McKinney North High School.
Alongside fellow future NFLer Ronald Jones, Madubuike led McKinney North to their first 5A state quarterfinals appearance in school history before committing to Texas A&M and eventually landing in Baltimore.
Decade moments countdown: Bolstered by future NFL draft picks Ronald Jones and Justin Madubuike, McKinney North advances to the 5A state football quarterfinals for the first time in school history in 2014. pic.twitter.com/6C2KaehtAx
— McKinneyISD Ath Dept (@McKISDAth) June 30, 2020
And finally, another past Raven is probably the proudest papa in Maryland right now, as Sam Koch’s son Kamdyn has committed to the University of Nebraska football program as a kicker/punter, following in the footsteps of his Cornhusker father.
🚨 BREAKING: 2024 kicker/punter Kamdyn Koch (@KamdynKoch4) has committed to Nebraska.
Kamdyn is the son of Sam Koch, an all-time #Huskers great and the best punter in Baltimore Ravens history.
Read 👉 https://t.co/uVZAHkhaoM pic.twitter.com/hPihntx6h6
— Inside Nebraska (@NebraskaRivals) June 11, 2023
Koch walked onto the Nebraska football team as the backup punter in 2002 and earned the starting job in 2004. He set a school record as a senior with a 46.5-yard average punt distance, which ranked second nationally and earned him a semifinal nod for the Ray Guy Award honoring the best collegiate punter. Koch saved his best for last, averaging 51.5 yards per punt against Michigan in the 2005 Alamo Bowl, his final college game, a performance that saw five of his eight punts travel over 50 yards.
Those are some T-Rex-sized footprints to follow, but Kamdyn has been working with his dad for years refining his punting technique. I have a feeling we’ll see him in the NFL eventually.
Congratulations Kamdyn Koch! Your hard work and dedication is paying off. Kamdyn was recently named to the Baltimore Touchdown Club’s Super 22 Team! The BTC Super 22 Team recognizes the top juniors in the Baltimore Area. @BTC_1988 pic.twitter.com/4wp3e71j5Z
— . (@Sam_Koch4) March 1, 2023
Speaking of players and their NFL futures, J.K. Dobbins is back in Baltimore, having reported to the Ravens for mandatory minicamp.
Running back J.K. Dobbins is participating in Ravens media day, which is one day before the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Dobbins has not attended voluntary OTAs this offseason and sent some cryptic tweets about his future a couple weeks ago.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 12, 2023
I would have been surprised by a holdout from Dobbins amid what appear to be suboptimal extension negotiations. Even though he’s voiced frustration and even anxiety about his relationship and future with the Ravens multiple times, it has always come from a place of passion for the game and desire to help his team win.
I’m excited to see him back on the practice field with the rest of his teammates, especially in Todd Monken’s new-look offense. The absence of Dobbins and Gus Edwards in OTAs was noticeable with Justice Hill as the only returning RB on the field.
Fan-favorite undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell has flashed his elite movement skills a few times, but his boom-or-bust running style is in direct contrast to that of Dobbins and Edwards, who minimize losses and almost always hit the right hole. The Ravens have historically preferred that out of their running backs – think Justin Forsett, who always fell forward, or Willis McGahee, who never seemed to be brought down behind the line of scrimmage.
Odell Beckham Jr. is also expected to make his first practice appearance with his new team, but I wouldn’t expect too much out of him early. With his recent injury history, he probably will – and probably should! – ease his way into full-speed action. Instead, the WR focus will be further down the depth chart, where several receivers will be competing for as little as one roster spot.
Tylan Wallace and his special teams value seem to have pole position. The 2021 fifth-rounder hasn’t gotten much of a chance in the NFL yet, and between his college tape and development over the last two years, he definitely deserves one. If Dontay Demus and Shemar Bridges can stay healthy, their size will give them a shot, too, but I wouldn’t rule out James Proche, either. He’s taken a lot of flak from fans the last two years, but the Ravens still value his hands and work ethic.
On the defensive side of the ball, most eyes will be on the secondary where several first- and second-year corners are competing with longtime veterans for roster spots and backup jobs. Kyu Blu Kelly, Pepe Williams and Jalyn Armour-Davis should all make the 53-man squad, but their ability to be CB3 on the outside and/or fill the nickelback role will impact how the team values Daryl Worley and Kevon Seymour. The Ravens trust both vets for spot starts and special teams depth, but they’d like to develop the young cornerback talent and get some return on their draft pick investment.
One Response
This was a pretty weak article, RSR has really fallen in recent years, and now I don’t read it more than once a week or two. Not so bright writers, including Nikhil. Sorry.
Tylan Wallace deserves a “chance”? Don’t rule out Proche? Ever watch football? They have both (esp Proche) had chance, and neither did a damn thing to deserve more chances. In fact if either one is on the roster, it means our WR room is nothing more than a teepee. They are both failed draft picks and it is time to bid them adieu.