The Ravens are two weeks through OTAs, and developments with the team continue.
Rashod Bateman became the latest core player to sign a long-term contract. Nate Wiggins looks bigger and just as smooth at cornerback. Third-year running back Keaton Mitchell said he finally feels 100% after his devastating knee injury in 2023.
Here are some thoughts on the Ravens before they resume OTAs next week, all in 50 words or less:
- Kyle Hamilton, Zay Flowers, Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Roger Rosengarten, Travis Jones, Wiggins, and Bateman are among Ravens who are 25 years old or younger. Not only is their roster deep, but plenty of their core players are still ascending.
- Wiggins said that it's hard for him to gain weight. I wish I had that problem, but at 10 pounds heavier, Wiggins is still fiercely athletic and had an interception and pass breakup during Friday's practice. I think Wiggins is a star in the making.
- Mitchell said he was timed at 22.4 miles per hour running full speed last month. That might be normal for Mitchell, but not for most humans. If he's back to being one of the NFL's fastest players, Mitchell might get his wish to become Baltimore's primary kickoff returner.
- Speaking of special teams, sixth-round kicker Tyler Loop had a strong Friday going 6 for 6 on field goal attempts, including one from 60 yards. There's no doubt about Loop's leg strength, and the solid practice performance won't hurt his confidence.
- First-round pick Malaki Starks had an interception on Friday as he continued his crash course of the defense. As a true freshman safety at Georgia, Starks started for one of the country's most elite programs. He looks determined again to show he's a fast learner.
- Rookie inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan has caught Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr's eye playing reps at MIKE and WILL linebacker. "I'm excited about Teddye," Orr said. "We're throwing a lot on his plate. He's done a good job going out there so far."
- Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach Chuck Pagano is having a blast being back on Baltimore's staff. Working with talented young players like Starks, Hamilton, Wiggins, and others should help Pagano continue to feel great, and the players will benefit from his experience.
- At age 64, Pagano is nine years younger than Pete Carroll, head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Pagano has no desire to become a head coach again after his six-year run with the Indianapolis Colts. He seems happy not having the head man's responsibilities.
- Aaron Rodgers, who has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is 3-0 as a starter vs. the Ravens during his career. With or without Rodgers, Ravens vs. Steelers is terrific theatre. But with Rodgers, the rivalry has even more star power.
- Lamar Jackson's absence from OTAs this week gave new Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush a chance to get more reps. That's a good thing for someone trying to learn a new offense and new targets.
