While much of the focus at the start of the Ravens' voluntary strength and conditioning program was on the stars who showed up, including Lamar Jackson, it's the younger pros who perhaps benefit even more.
For rookies, it's a frantic sprint between the Combine, pro days, the NFL Draft, and immediately into minicamp. After getting their feet wet on the field, their first full offseason provides the opportunity to recover and rebuild stronger.
As the Ravens took the field at the start of their strength & conditioning program, three young players had the attention of team leaders – two second-year players and one entering his third.
Wide receiver Devontez Walker, outside linebacker Mike Green, and safety Malaki Starks have big opportunities ahead and critical offseasons. Here's what their teammates and coaches see ahead:
WR Devontez Walker
Walker has needed patience over his first two seasons, but the wait may be over.
His first three NFL catches all went for touchdowns, including two in Week 2 versus the Cleveland Browns last year. But after that game, Walker only saw four targets over the next nine games. He ended on a high note, however, catching a 38-yard touchdown in Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale.
With DeAndre Hopkins still on the free-agent market and Tylan Wallace in Cleveland, the Ravens' No. 3 receiver spot is wide open. The Ravens could still draft a wide receiver early or sign a veteran. But for now, Walker is the clear favorite.
"Oh, Tez is ready. Tez is going to step up this year," wide receiver Zay Flowers said.
Flowers said Walker is "willing to learn everything" this season.
"He's attacking everything," Flowers said. "He knows there's a fire under him. We have to go now. You're up."
Walker has rare speed and the ability to stretch the field, which should be a good fit in Declan Doyle's explosive offense.
OLB Mike Green
Green was a first-round talent who the Ravens snagged in the second round last season. After a rookie year in which he saw extensive action, there's belief that he can realize his potential in Year 2.
Green played 63% of the Ravens' defensive snaps last season and made 3.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 41 tackles.
While Green ranked third in quarterback hits among all rookies who saw at least 20% of their team's pass rush snaps, his pass rush win percentage ranked 10th at 9.4%. With a full offseason, Green has the ability to further tap into his unique talent.
"The opportunity for Mike Green is – it's hard to put into words because we all saw him take the steps, and what you don't see is how hard he works at his craft, in terms of obviously on field, [but also] his skillset in the weight room and taking care of his body," Ravens Director of Strength & Conditioning Scott Elliott said.
Green will also benefit from playing opposite Trey Hendrickson, the Ravens' premier free-agent addition with 81 career sacks on his resume. Head Coach Jesse Minter expressed at League Meetings that he's excited for Green to learn from the veteran and believes the attention Hendrickson should benefit Green.
"Sometimes, when you have a guy on one side, it creates even more opportunities for the guy on the other side," Minter said. "And so, Mike should be very excited, because I feel like he's going to have a lot of opportunities to impact the game, and we're excited about him."
S Malaki Starks
Starks is mature beyond his years, but there's no substitute for experience.
The Ravens' first-round pick last year, Starks was immediately thrown into the deep end as a full-time starter. He played 94% of the Ravens' defensive snaps, mostly as a free safety, as Kyle Hamilton moved all over the defense.
Starks made a couple of interceptions, broke up four passes, and made 84 tackles. Entering Year 2, he's looking to make more big plays.
The Ravens added veteran free agent Jaylinn Hawkins, who excels as a deep safety but also has positional flexibility to allow Baltimore to deploy its three safeties in a variety of different ways. That should also help Starks make a broader impact in his sophomore season.
"I think he's going to take a huge jump [in] Year Two," Hamilton said. "He kind of just got his feet wet last year and made some great plays, but I think he's still got so much left to prove in the show, and I'm sure he's going to do it this year."
