OTL: Combine Wraps Up as NFL World Mourns Loss of Legendary Reporter

Good Morning and Happy March, Flock. Before we get into the action from the NFL Combine as we continue to plod toward the start of a new league year, some somber news this morning.

Chris Mortenson of ESPN has passed away.

ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news.

Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024

For fans of a certain age, there isn’t much more synonymous than “Mort Report” and the NFL. Mortsenen’s work on ESPN covering the NFL made following the league more enjoyable, period. We send our deepest condolences to Chris’s family and friends, and to the wider world of NFL fans. Mort will be missed.

In Indy over the weekend, RSR’s Nikhil Mehta hustled his rear end off to bring the Flock all the updates we could handle on prospects that the Ravens could be keeping an eye on.

Goodbye Indy, thanks for having me! Hope everyone enjoyed the live Combine coverage, and look out for more breakdown analysis on @RussellStReport in the coming days,
c/o @Royal_Farms! pic.twitter.com/IPELWl2DwU

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 4, 2024

With the Flock’s eyes on shoring up the offensive line, Nikhil filled us in on how some of the big uglies looked.

Many will (rightly) talk about Troy Fautanu, but I think Tyler Guyton fits the Ravens’ mold at OT with a 6’7, 322-lb. frame. Has solid lateral agility and burst at that size. with. a1.76u 10-yard split! Here he is showing that off in my @Royal_Farms Combine Highlight of the Day. https://t.co/1rSoybnpM0

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 3, 2024

After a really impressive workout, Mason McCormick is my @Royal_Farms Ravens Prospect of the Day! His testing numbers where great, and his movement skills in the drills looked even better. https://t.co/zmktzpIqqx

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 3, 2024

Ravens might have to have an inverse approach. Guard need is immediate, tackle need is long-term. Get them reps by starting at guard as a rookie before taking over for Moses/Stanley in the future. Requires buy-in and commitment from the player and OL coach, though. https://t.co/FkJTyVqnyR

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 3, 2024

Washington tackle Troy Fautanu’s name has been on the minds of many Ravens fans recently, as he was expected to go somewhere in the 20’s in the Draft. However, as Nikhil notes, he kicked butt in Indy and may have raised his stock enough that he would no longer be a realistic option for Baltimore.

Probably doing the most to boost his stock today, likely moving him out of Baltimore’s range. https://t.co/6UkpqHxcZG

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 3, 2024

Moving from big guys to fast guys now. You may have heard that we have a new record in the 40-yard dash?

History. Made.

Don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that this is my @Royal_Farms Combine Highlight of the Day. Never seen anything like it. https://t.co/PjO0MITM06

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 2, 2024

Xavier Worthy, WR from Texas, set the new record with a 4.21. He is currently expected to last until the second round, but it’s fair to wonder just how much his stock will rise as teams fall in love with that kind of blazing speed.

Georgia WR Ladd McConkey, also expected to be available when the Ravens pick at the end of the first, put up impressive numbers of his own.

McConkey with a very nice 40 time, better than what I expected. Working his way up the board with a nice Combine. https://t.co/Fklz5CYhop

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 2, 2024

Of note elsewhere…

Will Ravens Pounce on Free Agent RB? | The Athletic

Before free agency begins next week, the Buccaneers and five-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans reached agreement on a two-year, $52 million that includes $35 million guaranteed, per his agent @DerykGilmore.

Evans now has a real chance to start and finish his career in Tampa as a Buc. pic.twitter.com/tj68Vk9YpG

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024

Ravens vs Browns (2010)
Week 16 pic.twitter.com/YBl2TXrthL

— Vintage NFL (@NFL_vintage) March 3, 2024

Ed Reed laterals, John Harbaugh failed challenges, and a win over the Browns: what could be more Raven?

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