All Beau Brade wants to do is win a Super Bowl for his hometown team. With the current state of the Ravens' roster, he could play a key role in that mission.
There aren't many positions up for grabs heading into training camp, but the third safety spot is one of them. Second-year safeties Brade and Sanoussi Kane are vying for that job after Ar'Darius Washington went down with a torn Achilles earlier this offseason.
Washington is eyeing a November-December return. In the meantime, the baton goes to Brade and Kane.
Brade, who primarily played on special teams as an undrafted rookie last year, is confident he can make an impact in that reserve role.
"I got big shoes to fill in the safety room here, and the Ravens have always had good safeties, but I'm looking forward to it," Brade said. "One thing that I always do is that I step up to the plate. I did that throughout high school, college, and here now."
Brade made the 53-man roster last August after flashing in the preseason. He played in 11 games last season, posting two tackles on defense and one on special teams.
A Maryland native, Brade grew up a Ravens fan and attended the University of Maryland. He's no stranger to the Ravens' defensive culture. But now equipped with a full year of NFL experience, he's eager to earn more playing time.
"I'm on the team, but I'm not necessarily where I want to be when it comes to the depth chart or my ability," Brade said. "I'm still trying to be the best player I can be to someday be All-Pro, and really, the main goal is a Super Bowl. As a Ravens fan, I witnessed one Super Bowl here in 2012, and to bring another one to the city, to my coaches, and to the players, and see their reaction on their faces, that's a dream come true in itself. That's the goal, and I'm not going to rest until I get that."
Kane was also a special teams contributor last season and has kept Washington close to his ear. He wants to answer the bell when called upon.
"A.D. is just telling me that I gotta lock in. Next man up," Kane said. "I'm doing it for him because he's an older guy that I looked up to, that helped me a lot when I was transitioning into my first year in the NFL. It's unfortunate what happened to him, but obviously it's an opportunity for me to show what I can do."
Kane was third on the team in special teams tackles last season with seven. Like Brade, he said he's much more comfortable now than when he was a rookie this time last year. Harbaugh also saw that growth in Kane during OTAs and minicamp.
"I think he's taken a big step this year," Harbaugh said. "It's starting to look like he could be that guy, maybe play that role as a third safety, perhaps. [He's] got a long way to go still, but he's looking like he's got a shot."
Three members of the 2025 draft class, an undrafted rookie, and a veteran wide receiver were among the Ravens' standouts during OTAs.
RB Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell said he was fully recovered from the major knee injury he suffered as a rookie in 2023. He made sharp cuts without hesitation and showed breakaway speed when bouncing outside.
WR DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins and Lamar Jackson clicked during their only OTA practice together, with Hopkins running precise routes and making several impressive sideline catches. Hopkins' talent and experience made his adjustment to Baltimore's offense look seamless.
WR Anthony Miller
After catching four passes in Baltimore's two playoff games while Zay Flowers was sidelined, Miller picked up where he left off. He made a spectacular diving catch on Tuesday and followed with a strong Wednesday practice.
OLB Adisa Isaac
After an injury-plagued rookie season, Isaac reported with a chiseled look after putting in the work to avoid more hamstring issues. Isaac showed a skill set that could add depth to Baltimore's pass rush group this fall.
G Ben Cleveland
Cleveland is competing with Andrew Vorhees for the starting job at left guard, and the coaching staff wants someone to clearly win the job. That makes it another crucial summer for Cleveland, now in his fifth year with Baltimore.
OLB Mike Green
Green, who led the FBS in sacks at Marshall, had an interception Tuesday after dropping into coverage. The second-round pick was praised by coaches for his effort and showed his versatility and athleticism.
OLB Odafe Oweh
A more muscular Oweh has added 20 pounds since last season, which should help his pass rushing once the pads come on. Coming off a 10-sack campaign, Oweh reported to OTAs in great shape and clearly hungry for more.
S Malaki Starks
Showing leadership both on and off the field, Starks made plays and carried himself like a vet during OTAs. Starks looked very steady handling the high expectations that come with being a first-round pick.
WR LaJohntay Wester
Wester fielded punts cleanly as he began working to secure the No. 1 punt returner role. At wide receiver, Wester ran crisp routes and showed potential to take his playmaking ability to the NFL level.
WR Devontez Walker
The second-year wide receiver ran decisive routes and gained separation on a regular basis. Walker's obvious improvement made a very talented wide receiver group look even stronger.
CB Reuben Lowery
An undrafted rookie from Tennessee-Chattanooga, Lowery had interceptions on back-to-back days last week. Lowery is a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but he drew attention with his playmaking.
ILB Roquan Smith
Smith was at every OTA session, which speaks to his commitment and leadership. Calling out signals and directing his teammates in the middle of the defense, Smith appeared to be setting the table for another All-Pro year.
S Sanoussi Kane
Kane had a stellar practice Tuesday, making an interception and breaking up a pass intended for Isaiah Likely. With the No. 3 safety job open, Kane took a step towards claiming it.
CB T.J. Tampa
Healthy after being hampered by injuries as a rookie, Tampa put strong practices together and had an acrobatic interception on Monday. Tampa looked determined to earn more playing time in the cornerback rotation.
CB Nate Wiggins
Wiggins returned 10 pounds heavier after his strong rookie season and was just as sticky in coverage. He had an interception during the second week of OTAs and said his goal was to force at least 10 turnovers in 2025.
The Ravens added first-round safety Malaki Starks from Georgia in the draft, and all signs are that he'll get the first crack at starting opposite All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. But if last year is any indication, the third safety spot is of vital importance to the Ravens. Even before taking over as the starter last year, Washington played 40% of the defensive snaps.
While Harbaugh is hoping Washington will return at some point near the end of the season, he also expects Brade and Kane to fill the void.
"I envision those guys stepping up," Harbaugh said. "They have to. … They're going to have to prove it. They're going to have to earn it, and there's always a possibility of bringing someone in. That's what we do. So, we'll see where that goes. But I think those guys are doing a great job."
