Second-round outside linebacker Mike Green was expected to be drafted much higher but is thankful for where he landed.
Green had 17 sacks last season at Marshall and was a first-round talent who fell to the Ravens at No. 59 because of off-field questions. He has denied two sexual assault allegations made against him, and Green said he looked forward to moving on with his promising career.
"I'm just blessed to be here," Green said after his first practice at rookie minicamp. "Unfortunately, I didn't get picked up in the first round like I wanted to. That was a goal I set for myself. But coming to the Ravens was a blessing in disguise. I can honestly say I don't think there's a better franchise I can be a part of.
"I'm just looking forward to moving on with my life and with my career. Every team asked me [about the allegations] and I've been completely open about everything. It's something I had to go through, I got through it, and from this point forward I'm just focusing on moving on."
Green broke into tears when he saw the 410 area code on his cell phone, knowing it was General Manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens coming to get him.
"I really just wanted to get picked up," Green said. "I didn't care if that was the first pick of the draft, or if that was 'Mr. Irrelevant.' I just wanted to get picked up.
"It means a lot. This team has a lot of great culture that's been going around, and you have to think about the guys who have been through here: Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and so forth. It means a lot more since I'm a defensive player, as well. And just seeing all those great defensive players walk through here, it means a little bit more, for sure."
Emery Jones Jr.'s Debut to Be Delayed
Third-round offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. has a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined possibly until training camp, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh.
Jones, who was a three-year starter at right tackle for LSU, observed Sunday's rookie minicamp practice from the sideline. Once healthy, Jones is expected to add depth as a swing tackle, with the potential to compete with Andrew Vorhees for the starting job at left guard. However, Harbaugh said Jones' return to practice was not imminent.
"It's going to be a little while," Harbaugh said. "He had a labrum/shoulder issue I don't think you guys were aware of. I don't think it's going to clear up now. Probably be looking at training camp, maybe earlier, we'll just have to see how it goes. He's not going to practice in the immediate future."
Zay Flowers' Knee Injury Did Not Require Surgery
Wide receiver Zay Flowers did not require surgery for the knee injury suffered in the 2024 regular-season finale that kept him sidelined for Baltimore's two playoff games. Flowers had a career-high 1,059 receiving yards in his second season and averaged 14.3 yards on 74 catches, becoming the first Raven to make the Pro Bowl at wide receiver.
Harbaugh said Flowers felt great after rehabbing the injury.
"It did not go to surgery," Harbaugh said. "Actually, he was doing a little dance in the weight room this last week and said he's feeling great, his knee's back. He did it with rehab."
Malaki Starks Was Excited to Break Down Huddle After Practice
First-round safety Malaki Starks showed his ability to think fast on his feet when Harbaugh asked him to break down the huddle to end Sunday's practice.
"He threw me off with it, but it was an honor," Starks said. "I don't take it lightly. I'm happy I got to do it and hopefully I can do it again.
"It was a really good day. Guys had really good energy. Everybody was on time for meetings, I told them just to be on time again tomorrow (Monday) and come out with the same energy and keep having fun. We're all here chasing our dreams."
Harbaugh said Starks handled the breakdown and everything else well.
"Really impressed with his maturity," Harbaugh said. "He broke the huddle today. That's not an easy thing to do your first time."
A Quarterback Who Was Born in Maryland Shows Off His Arm Strength
Undrafted free agents and players on tryouts joined the draft picks on Sunday.
Collin Schlee (Virginia Tech) who was born in Maryland and played at Oakville (Md.) High School was among the players who impressed Harbaugh.
"What an arm," Harbaugh said. "He was throwing some bee-bees out there, especially on the out-breaking routes on the sideline. I didn't realize how big he was (6-foot-3, 225 pounds). Great-looking athlete."
