Pushing through the grind of OTAs, several undrafted rookies rose to the forefront during Wednesday's practice.
The catch of the day was made by undrafted rookie Jahmal Banks from Nebraska, who made a leaping contested grab that drew a huge reaction from teammates. Zay Flowers enthusiastically patted Banks on the helmet when he returned to where offensive players were standing, while Tylan Wallace and several others gave Banks some love.
The depth on this year's team will make it extra tough for an undrafted rookie to make the initial 53-man roster, but Baltimore has a history of finding undrafted gems.
In addition to Banks' catch, undrafted cornerback Marquise Robinson from Arkansas made a nice slap-away to break up a pass intended for another undrafted rookie, Xavier Guillory of Iowa State. Robinson was so excited about the play, he mimicked the Nate Wiggins "put them in a box" celebration with his hands.
While the players have yet to put on the pads, the effort has been superb, and Head Coach John Harbaugh credited the daily concentration that players have displayed.
Players let out a huge roar after practice when Harbaugh announced that Thursday's practice had been cancelled. The Ravens will still have meetings Thursday but won't return to the field until mandatory minicamp next Tuesday and Wednesday.
"A bunch of guys working hard and trying to make the most out of everything they're doing while they're out here, so I really appreciate that," Harbaugh said. "It's been fun. We're getting ready soon to move onto to minicamp, which will be great.
"We're trying to be intentional about everything we do, understand that what we do, we do it for a reason. I believe they're really taken it to heart. When you do that, it makes for a better practice."
Here are more notes from Wednesday's practice:
- Second-year undrafted wide receiver Dayton Wade, who was on the practice squad last season, got open on several routes that resulted in catches.
- Running back Keaton Mitchell continued to show high-end speed and acceleration when breaking to the outside. With Derrick Henry and Justice Hill not practicing Wednesday, Mitchell saw a lot of action.
- Sixth-round rookie kicker Tyler Loop was 5 of 9 on field goal attempts, with all misses coming from 50 yards or more. After missing three straight attempts, he drilled one from 56 yards for his longest make of the day. The competition between Loop and undrafted rookie John Hoyland will continue into mandatory minicamp.
- All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton returned for his first OTA practice this week, but most of the safety reps went to others, including rookie Malaki Starks, who had another solid day.
- Tight end Charlie Kolar took the most reps among his position group and was targeted heavily by both Cooper Rush and Devin Leary.
- In seven-on-seven drills, rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone has some strong reps, including a pass deflection after tight coverage.
- Wide receiver Malik Cunningham had his most impressive catch during OTAs on a diving catch near the sideline.
- Rookie linebacker Teddy Buchanan, who excelled in pass coverage at Cal, forced an incomplete pass with tight coverage against Kolar.
