C.J. Mosley came to the line of scrimmage and barked out a call, directing a fellow linebacker to get out wider in response to an offensive shift.
When the pass to that player went incomplete, it was Mosley's communication that got the props from coaches.
Mosley was applauded a few times by coaches during last week's rookie camp practice. It appears that the first-round draft pick is catching on quickly.
"Probably the first impression is that he seems very comfortable in a defense," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "He understands the game very well. So, he's been really well-coached, obviously, down [at Alabama]."
The Ravens aren't allowed physical contact, so Mosley couldn't show off his sure tackling, and couldn't play full speed in stuffing the ground game. But he showed that he'll be in the right place.
"It's not like he doesn't know what gap he is fitting in. It's not like he doesn't know what adjustment to make," Harbaugh said. "That's a long way ahead for a rookie."
When the Ravens drafted Mosley, they did so in part because he should come in a step ahead of the competition. During pre-draft meetings with Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees, Mosley already knew some of the Ravens' terminology, as it is similar in to Alabama's complex defensive system.
If Mosley can continue to quickly pick up the defense, it will increase his chances of becoming an instant starter alongside Daryl Smith.
Last offseason, 2013 second-round inside linebacker Arthur Brown had some trouble learning the schemes and all the checks, which largely led to him playing in only a nickel role. Mosley and Brown will compete for the starting Will linebacker spot this summer.
In addition to his knowledge and communication, Mosley also impressed with his mobility. He was solid in individual pass coverage drills, knocking away a handful of passes when matching up against running backs and tight ends.
"He is athletic, and he moves around really well," Harbaugh said.
