CB Room Takes Another Hit as Preseason Opener Looms

The Ravens had an active crowd in Owings Mills today, including Real Fan Dan leading his famous R-A-V-E-N-S chant in his signature style. Speaking of signature style, the play of the day was Lamar Jackson hitting Mark Andrews for a deep pass as he was flushed out of the pocket. Devin Duvernay also looked slick, catching a deep one of his own down the field and carving a path for yards after the catch.

This was a day of impressive catches from the wide receivers. Tylan Wallace had a beautiful, contested catch falling to the ground like a shooting star that had collected its wish. Laquon Treadwell did suffer two drops but secured a handful of fantastic grabs. One of his drops came against Brandon Stephens. It was more of an impressive play by Stephens than a knock against Treadwell. Minnesota Vikings fans think of Treadwell the way the Ravens Flock thinks about Breshad Perriman. Should he make the roster, the 28-year-old will be on his fifth team. He’s impressing me in a way that players like Shemar Bridges and Dontay Demus Jr. aren’t. Laquon had a high-volume day and had more positive plays than negative.

There were some tipped passes at the line of scrimmage in the 11-on-11 portion of practice. It appeared as if Michael Pierce got one of them – he’s a usual suspect for this type of play. David Ojabo demonstrated fantastic burst, and more importantly, incredible play recognition. One one play where Anthony Brown scrambled out and back into the pocket, and ultimately had to dump the ball off to the running back, Ojabo was all over the receiver. He took the play away before the ball was even in the air. He’s a different player these days and I expect him to show why his draft stock was so high before his injury.

It wasn’t just Ojabo giving the OL fits. Travis Jones had a very active day. He almost seems a touch quicker than he did last season. He’s a big freight train of a defensive lineman. Of course, I have to note that it wasn’t a physical practice, with players in shorts and helmets. That’s a disadvantage for the offensive line but that trend has been there no matter the level of personal protection players have been wearing.

Sticking with the OL, I got a good look as they were doing individual drills. I was impressed by how sharp and precise Tyler Linderbaum’s punches were. He wastes no movement and looks like a seasoned pro. Pat Ricard was doing these drills with the offensive line, and to my eye, he moved well.

Ar’Darius Washington was a defensive standout today, including a nice pass breakup on a quick pass to the flats. It looked like it was going to be an easy completion, but Washington timed his poke perfectly. Kyu Kelly adeptly defended a pass against Bridges where he tipped the ball at its high point and fought with Bridges for position. With size and strength being the big knocks against the former Stanford Cardinal coming into the 2023 NFL draft, this is what you want to see.

The CB room may have taken a hit, unfortunately. The same day Pepe Williams returned after missing a few practices, he left early on the cart.

A couple more notes from John Harbaugh:

— CB depth is an issue. Pepe Williams left practice early, walking into the facility after being carted off the field
— WR Rashod Bateman’s rehab is “very promising”
— Ravens are still talking with Jadeveon Clowney and other edge rushers

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 10, 2023

The talent at tight end is still plentiful for this roster. Travis Vokolek made an impressive grab with Roquan Smith hovering. Isaiah Likely was very active and caught several passes today. His best play was a pass caught against the sideline on a route that took him out and up.

There was plenty to take in at camp today and now on the eve of preseason 2023, the pressure mounts, particularly for those on the bubble. Playing time against the Eagles could be very telling. Those who get the most snaps could be players who have yet to establish themselves in camp. The clock and the opportunities to impress are winding down. It’s now or never for many.

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