Mink: It's not an easy call on who will have a bigger impact as a rookie between first-round safety Malaki Starks and second-round edge rusher Mike Green, but I'm going with Starks.
First of all, they have both looked fantastic in training camp. There's a lot of buzz about Green right now after his dynamic first preseason game, in which he "won" on 30% of his pass rush snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Green's combination of athletic gifts (power, explosion, and ability to bend at his size) and deep arsenal of pass rush moves are unique for a rookie.
"I think he displayed everything that you needed to see from a premier edge player in this league," Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said Tuesday, adding that Green is still just scratching the surface of his talent.
However, Green has more competition than Starks for snaps, and thus, opportunities to make an impact. Starks is going to be a Week 1 starter and may play 100% of the snaps or close to it, whereas Green will be part of a rotation behind veterans Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and Tavius Robinson. I expect Green could have a "go get the quarterback" kind of role as a rookie, turning him loose in passing situations. He could certainly put up some impressive stats in that kind of role, but topping Terrell Suggs' 12 sacks from his 2003 Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign would be a very tall task.
Starks' impact will be measured by more than interceptions. As a starter and primary free safety, he'll be responsible for taking away the deep part of the field. Sometimes a player in his position is doing his job best when you don't notice him. Of course, the Ravens hope that when Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, and others take their shots, Starks makes plays on the ball and creates turnovers. Starks has certainly flashed that ability in camp. In my opinion, Starks probably has a better shot at getting five interceptions than Green does at getting 12 sacks. Either way, I expect both to make significant impacts as rookies.
Brown: The right guard situation has been a hot-button topic on social media, which Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken addressed in no uncertain terms during his Tuesday press conference.
Monken made it clear he thinks Daniel Faalele is having a strong training camp, and giving up a bad sack against the Colts doesn't begin to tell his whole story.
"They picked out one clip of it," Monken said in part. "That's not Daniel. Daniel's been outstanding throughout all of camp and has played his rear end off."
Faalele started all 17 games last season, ended the season as a Pro Bowl alternate, and is still only 25. The Australian native entered the league as a developmental player and has steadily improved. He lost about 20 pounds this offseason and reported in the best shape of his career. His body looks dramatically different from when he entered the NFL, a product of his hard work.
Historically, the Ravens don't give anyone a starting position. It must be earned. I don't think the right guard position is exempt from true competition. I think Faalele would be replaced if the coaches ever believed they had an offensive lineman who could consistently outplay Faalele, who gave them a better chance to win. However, Monken's comments make a change at right guard sound unlikely to happen.
Mink: I think Reuben Lowery's chances of making the 53-man roster improved with the unfortunate season-ending injuries to sixth-round rookie cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam.
Lowery flashed throughout the summer with multiple interceptions and launched his first training camp with another. He's a very smart player and seems to have a nose for the ball and plays bigger than his 5-foot-9, 204-pound size. He reminds me of Ar'Darius Washington, who is sidelined by an Achilles tear.
Lowery's position flexibility also helps his roster chances, as he's been working at cornerback and safety. He could be a No. 4/5 safety and help with the depth at cornerback, given the recent injuries. While he's played well in practice, he'll be a player to watch in the remaining two preseason games as he tries to secure a coveted spot.
Brown: Cooper Rush is a proven NFL backup who has a 9-5 record as a starter over a seven-year career. I think he has earned the right to have a subpar preseason game.
Rush signed a reported two-year contract worth up to $12.2 million, including $4.2 million guaranteed. That's a strong investment in a backup quarterback, and the Ravens wouldn't have made that move without believing in Rush's ability to handle the job.
He's going through a transition after seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. New offense. New receivers. Those aren't excuses, just facts. As he becomes more acclimated, he's likely to become more consistent during game action. He's already showing signs with some sharp practices since the Colts game.
After the preseason opener, Head Coach John Harbaugh said he expected more from the passing attack. But that goes beyond Rush and third-string quarterback Devin Leary. The offensive line had some protection issues, and it should be kept in mind that Monken is keeping the play calling basic during the preseason.
General Manager Eric DeCosta relentlessly looks for ways to improve the Ravens' roster. But I don't believe they're considering another option, and I think you can safely pencil in Rush at the backup quarterback behind Lamar Jackson entering Week 1.
