Baltimore Ravens Training Camp: Stock Up and Stock Down After Week Two
With ten training camp practices in the books, the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. As the team evaluates its roster, there have been some notable surprises and disappointments in the early stages of camp.
Notable Surprises:
– Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, a rookie sixth-round pick, has been taking all the first-team reps at left guard. His performance has turned heads and could secure him a significant role on the offensive line.
– Back-end roster players such as Tarik Black (wide receiver), Travis Vokolek (tight end), and Corey Mayfield Jr. (cornerback) have impressed with their play and caught the attention of coaches and teammates.
– Zay Flowers, a rookie first-round pick, has generated a lot of hype. His quickness, suddenness, and consistent performance in one-on-ones and full-team sessions make him a strong contender for a significant offensive role. The coaching staff is excited about his potential.
– Kyle Hamilton, a 2022 first-round pick, has stood out as one of the best players on the field. He has excelled in one-on-one matchups against star tight end Mark Andrews and demonstrated speed, confidence, and leadership. If Hamilton stays healthy, he and Marcus Williams could form one of the top safety duos in football.
– Keaton Mitchell, an undrafted rookie free agent, has lived up to the hype surrounding him. His quickness, agility, and reliable hands make him a promising candidate for the running back position. However, his chances of making the team may depend on the Ravens’ willingness to keep four backs.
– Odafe Oweh, a 2021 first-round pick, has shown confidence, energy, and consistent performance during training camp. His presence in the backfield and the team’s decision not to add a veteran edge rusher indicate a positive impression from the coaching staff.
– Del’Shawn Phillips, formerly thought to have roster chances tied solely to special teams, has played like someone determined to earn a role on defense. Intercepting two passes, recovering a fumble, and making several other plays, Phillips has impressed coach John Harbaugh and significantly improved his stock.
– Patrick Queen, an ILB in a contract year, has been present and active during every practice, demonstrating physicality and focus. If Queen has a standout year, his efforts could pay off after the season.
– Kevon Seymour, a cornerback who played limited special teams last season, has been a revelation this summer. His strong performance at cornerback, including interceptions and tipped balls, has catapulted him into the competition for the position.
– Travis Vokolek, a big tight end out of Nebraska, has consistently made plays during training camp. Despite not possessing great speed, his size and reliability as a target make him an enticing option for quarterbacks. With Mark Andrews likely to sit out preseason games, Vokolek will have ample opportunities to prove his worth.
Stock Down:
– Ben Cleveland, previously on this list, has not been mentioned as a competitor for the left guard position by coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. This omission raises questions about Cleveland’s status and highlights the stiff competition he faces.
– Devin Duvernay, despite showing flashes of strong play, has lacked consistency in training camp. There have been occasions where he has failed to separate from cornerbacks as expected. Coming off foot surgery, the Ravens are still monitoring Duvernay’s practice reps, but his roster spot remains secure as a Pro Bowl-caliber returner.
– Josh Johnson, in the competition to be Lamar Jackson’s primary backup, has not decisively outperformed incumbent Tyler Huntley. The battles between the two quarterbacks for second-team reps continue, but Huntley appears to have the edge at this point.
The Ravens’ training camp has provided both pleasant surprises and areas of concern. As the preseason games approach, the team will have more opportunities to evaluate players and make crucial roster decisions in the coming weeks.