Entering the final year of his contract, defensive tackle Travis Jones is focused on the present, not his future.
Jones had a career-high 42 tackles while playing 600 defensive snaps in 2024 and could assume an even larger role in 2025 following Michael Pierce’s retirement.
A physical specimen at 6-foot-4, 338 pounds, Jones has reported to OTAs feeling stronger and looks even more shredded. Jones plans on being a nightmare to block and believes his next contract will take care of itself if he plays well.
"That's the last thing on my mind this year," Jones said of his contract. "I just want to put my best tape out there and whatever happens, happens.
"Mike P. was a great player. I've got big shoes to fill. I'm just going to come out here, work my hardest."
After getting off to a strong start, Jones suffered an ankle injury in Week 7 last season that hampered him the remainder of the season. Though he only sat out one game, Jones was not 100% for the rest of the season, but never looked for an excuse.
"It was frustrating, knowing what I could've done," Jones said. "But I've put that behind me. [I'm] just working toward having the best year this year. Just being more consistent with the pass rush. I've just got to win my one-on-ones."
In addition to having his most productive season, Jones wants to become a leader in a defensive line room that includes Nnamdi Madubuike, Broderick Washington, newly acquired veteran John Jenkins, and sixth-round pick Aeneas Peebles.
"Just trying to be more vocal, trying to help guys on details, techniques and stuff," Jones said. "I just have to get used to doing the uncomfortable things like speaking up more. The other day, [when] Coach had me break down the huddle, I was a little uncomfortable. I'm getting more comfortable with it now."
Jenkins, Peebles Have Quickly Earned Praise
Jenkins hasn't had much time to acclimate himself at OTAs after signing with the Ravens last week. However, Defensive Line Coach Dennis Johnson has already seen Jenkins shine.
"A very polished vet," Johnson said. "Already in the meeting rooms, you can tell his wisdom from being in the league for so long and just talking with the guys, his ability to pick up the playbook, and the way that we play our techniques fairly quickly. We've just got to get him familiar with the system, but I'm very impressed with him so far."
Peebles has also caught Johnson's eye, particularly his quick first step. Peebles was a disruptive defensive presence at Virginia Tech last season with 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
"Peebles has an elite 'get-off,' one of the better ones here right now, just walking in," Johnson said. "Obviously, he's going to have to learn to play a little bit more technically sound the way that we play here as time goes. But he's taken to it, and he's learning, and he cares, and he wants to be out there, and so he's spending extra time – whether it's with the older guys or with the younger guys – and making sure he's getting the playbook down. I have big expectations for him. I think he's going to come in and compete and do well as he continues to grow and learn."
Malaki Starks Says Isaiah Likely Is Most Difficult to Cover
Much has been thrown at first-round safety Malaki Starks since draft night, but he's catching on quickly. Defending the Ravens' talented weapons has tested Starks' skills in pass coverage.
Asked which teammate has been hardest to cover so far, Starks had a long pause before giving the nod to tight end Isaiah Likely.
"I had a rep against Isaiah the other day, and he is a lot quicker than what he looks on TV and in person," Starks said. "Like I said, just being able to learn from him, just the knowledge that he's had while he's been here and just the way that he does things. Every tight end is a little different, but he's very quick. He is very knowledgeable about the game of ball, so just being able to go against him, it's only making me better."
Ravens Would Not Mind Reducing Nnamdi Madubuike's Snap Count
Nnamdi Madubuike saw a career-high 812 defensive snaps last season, the second highest among Baltimore's front seven behind inside linebacker Roquan Smith (992).
The Ravens want Madubuike on the field in crucial situations, but they also want to avoid wearing him down. Johnson said Madubuike remained strong throughout last season, but they will watch his snap count closely.
"You don't want to get it too high, in general," Johnson said. "[He] played it well. Obviously, I wish I could take some of those snaps off, but when the game is on the line or it's close in the fourth quarter, you're probably not going to look at the snap reps. You're going to make sure Nnamdi is out there to help you close the game out.
"You've got to get off the field early to help get those numbers down, but, over the season, it adds up. They're elite athletes, but I was proud of him, and I thought he did well towards the back end."
