The Ravens have an abundance of talent at cornerback, but Arthur Maulet wants a bigger piece of the action.
Maulet's coverage and tenacity playing slot corner in 2023 earned him a new two-year contract, and he's having an excellent training camp after reporting in tip-top shape.
However, Maulet's window to more playing time won't be easy to open. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and three-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey are also highly capable of defending the slot, giving Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr plenty of options.
Maulet wants to force his way onto the field more than last season when he was fourth among the team's corners with 408 snaps. Hamilton played 465 snaps in the slot last season.
"I worked out every day, I didn't take too much time off," Maulet said. "I broke down the film and saw all my weaknesses and attacked them. Just got in the lab man, just was truthfully honest with myself. I wanted to be a bigger piece this year, help this team win.
"If I do it, I do it. If not, then I still have work to do. If I don't push myself to a higher standard, no one else will."
Maulet said his game is being elevated competing with players who have earned accolades such as Hamilton and Humphrey.
"They're really good guys, All-Pro guys, top-100 guys. I'm glad they're pushing me," Maulet said. "It brings my game to another level. It's not going to be easy. We're going to compete every day, talk junk to each other. It's fun, having other guys that play at a high level. They push you, make you better."
John Harbaugh Gives Injury Updates on Malik Hamm, Trayvon Mullen, and Rashod Bateman
After outside linebacker Malik Hamm was placed on Injured Reserve Tuesday, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Hamm tore his ACL and will miss the 2024 season.
"Up until the injury happened, he was having a great practice," Harbaugh said. "Just a freaky little thing where he put his foot in the ground and got pushed a little bit right at that moment.
"He has a clean ACL tear. It does mean he's out for the season, but it bodes well for a very good recovery. I'm sure he's very disappointed when he goes back in a quiet moment by himself. He was going to play for us this year, but his time will be coming."
Harbaugh gave a timetable for cornerback Trayvon Mullen's return from a shoulder injury.
"Trayvon Mullen landed on his shoulder and subluxed it, so it will be a few weeks, and then we expect him to be back," Harbaugh said.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman returned to practice Wednesday, although he jogged off early.
"He's dealing with a little issue; kind of a soft tissue issue I think he's trying to nurse through right now," Harbaugh said.
Brandon Stephens Doesn't Worry About Being Targeted
Brandon Stephens was the NFL's most targeted cornerback in 2023 but had a breakout year, leading the secondary in snaps (1,079) as Baltimore's most consistent corner.
With Humphrey having an outstanding camp with several interceptions already, opposing quarterbacks may decide to throw in Stephens' direction often again. If they do, Stephens will be ready.
"Honestly, my mindset every play is, 'The ball's coming to me,'" Stephens said. "Even if it's fourth-and-inches, I feel like the ball's coming to me – so I'm just trying to win my one-on-ones – that's what my mindset is.
"I don't even think about last year anymore to be honest; it's a new year – I've got to go out and prove myself. I'm sure there's a lot of doubters still out there. I'm expecting the ball every play, and so yes, I definitely have a chip on my shoulder."
The upcoming season is a contract year for Stephens, but he's putting the business side on the backburner.
"I'm not even worried about it," Stephens said. "I'm just here to do my job – the rest will take care of itself, and I'll let that side just handle itself. I can't really do anything about it on my own – all I can do is come out here on the field and continue to prove myself."
Maulet Sends a Message to Patrick Queen
Patrick Queen has had plenty to say since leaving the Ravens to join the Steelers in free agency. Queen went viral for saying Pittsburgh has better food than Baltimore, and Maulet decided to give his take.
"'P.Q.,' we know the food is not better, bro," Maulet said, smirking into the camera near the end of his Wednesday podium session. "We know the city is not better, bro. Come on, come on now."
Queen was quick with a response on social media.
