Leading Contender for Key Ravens Safety Spot
Mandatory minicamp kicks off Tuesday, and WNST’s Luke Jones will be keeping a close eye on the Ravens' safeties.
At the top of his watch list is first-round selection Malaki Starks.
"I'm really impressed with [Malaki Starks]," Jones said. "He's impressive. He's not quite 22 years old yet, and he talks like he's 30. I've said that about Kyle Hamilton at various times, and he's cut from the same cloth in that way. … He was asked about being a leader at Georgia, and he said, 'I had to follow the right people to learn how to lead.' And I thought about that. That's really deep from a 21-year-old young man."
Along with his character, Starks has impressed on the field.
"He's looked like a first-round pick on the field," Jones said. "I'm not going to sit here and say he's the next Ed Reed, but he's looked perfect. He's going to be starting; he's going to be playing a lot."
Hamilton and Starks are the top tandem, but with Ar'Darius Washington suffering a torn Achilles, the Ravens are searching for their No. 3 safety. Jones sees 2024 seventh-round pick Sanoussi Kane as their top in-house option.
"Sanoussi Kane, who was a late-round safety that they drafted last year, played special teams, kind of had a body that looked like a strong safety/linebacker," Jones said. "He slimmed down, and John Harbaugh was kind of over-the-top the other day. It was a little more praise than usual, talking about Sanoussi Kane, who, like I said, I think he's in better shape. As for what the role might be for him that they're asking him to play, of their internal options, I think Sanoussi Kane is someone to at least keep an eye on."
The play of the safeties in minicamp may be a factor in any potential free agency signing in the coming months. Jones sees the Ravens potentially pursuing one during the offseason.
"I still think when it's all said and done, if you asked me to bet a dollar, they're going to sign a veteran safety to add to the mix," Jones said.
Ravens' Reason for Optimism is the Return of Their 'Incredible Rushing Attack'
In their first year paired together, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for 2,836 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
That duo and the "return of an incredible rushing attack" is what gives PFF's Dalton Wasserman the most confidence in the Ravens heading into the 2025 season.
"As long as Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are standing in Baltimore's backfield, they'll have a chance to win a lot of games," Wasserman wrote. "Jackson led the NFL with a 94.9 PFF overall grade last season while becoming the first quarterback in PFF history to record 90.0-plus PFF passing and rushing grades in the same season. Meanwhile, Henry, playing at the age of 30, led the NFL in PFF rushing grade and missed tackles forced as he continued his career-long assault on opposing defenses."
The Ravens' backup running backs are worthy of recognition, too. Justice Hill routinely contributed to the Ravens' success last season, and there's also the potential for Keaton Mitchell to return to his rookie season form, when he rushed for 396 yards on 47 carries (8.4 yards per carry).
Highlights from Devontez Walker Q&A with The Baltimore Banner
During OTAs, The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer spoke with second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker for a one-on-one interview. Here are the highlights:
How do you think your first year in the NFL went?
"Really, my process in going in, knowing what to do and stuff like that, first year, the systems I came from in college, getting in the NFL huddle and stuff like that, a lot of stuff was foreign to me — the play-calling stuff. So I was constantly out there thinking. I couldn't play my fastest and stuff like that. So I felt like that kind of held me back a little bit. Now I'm a little more dialed in, knowing what to do ... and I'm able to go out there and be a football player and play fast."
When you think of how Tez Walker wins as an X receiver in the NFL, what do you realize about your game now and the margins for error that you have?
"I realize how much speed affects a lot of people. Even with our guys, they may change up how they play me and stuff, so I try to use that to my advantage. So my thought process is, 'Speed, speed, and when it's time to hit the brakes, hit it,' and stuff like that. So that's really my thing. So speed is still my outlet when I need to."
Is there anything that you've picked up on from watching DeAndre Hopkins, who's won so often as an X receiver?
"Yeah, talking to him, he just goes after it every play. He's like, 'It's not going to always be pretty. It ain't always going to be perfect. As a receiver, it's our job to be in that spot and catch the ball.' So, when I'm watching him, he's just out there playing as fast as he can. So he came to me, he said he could tell I'm thinking a lot and stuff like that, trying to perfect everything. When you do that, you're not able to play as fast and stuff like that. And watching him, it's been a sight. That's somebody I watched growing up, so actually seeing it out here, it's kind of changing my outlook."
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.
Hopkins Named 'Fantasy Sleeper' for Ravens
The addition of Hopkins this offseason further improved the Ravens' talented receiving room. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman having both proven their abilities, adding Hopkins to the mix has pundits guessing the pecking order for the trio.
CBS Sports’ Jamey Eisenberg sees an avenue where the veteran outperforms expectations.
"Hopkins signed with Baltimore this offseason, and the 33-year-old receiver will hopefully make an impact for his new team," Eisenberg wrote. "The Ravens will likely use Hopkins as the No. 3 receiver behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but Baltimore also has Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely as top targets.
"Hopkins is coming off a down season with the Titans and Chiefs with 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns on 80 targets, which was his fewest catches and yards since 2021. Maybe he can turn back the clock with Lamar Jackson, and Hopkins is a cheap investment with a Round 15 pick, according to FantasyPros."
While pundits guess the pecking order, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said during OTAs that he views Hopkins not as a No. 3 receiver, but another starter for the offense.
