Even though there are more practices, including joint ones with the Green Bay Packers, and two more preseason games left, training camp technically came ended Thursday.
With that in mind, here are my closing thoughts from camp, all in 50 words or less:
- The gold medal of training camp goes to Isaiah Likely. He caught nearly every ball that came his way, got open routinely, and made big plays (yes, plural) seemingly every day. Odafe Oweh, who was such a menace that he was reigned in by coaches, finished with my silver medal.
- It has become clear that the Ravens must find a way to feature Mark Andrews and Likely in this year's offense. Along with Zay Flowers, they are the team's top three targets. Likely's versatility (he calls himself a chess piece rather than tight end) will help in that regard.
- Oweh has had strong training camps or OTAs in previous years, but Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr was clear that this was his best. The Ravens feel Oweh is in store for double-digit sacks, and he looks ready. If he stays healthy, the breakout we've all yearned for is coming.
- From the start of OTAs to the end of training camp, no player may have proven more than Trenton Simpson. He has shown, without doubt, that he's ready to step into Patrick Queen's shoes. The most improved player throughout camp, however, may have been rookie tackle Roger Rosengarten.
645: Our Training Camp Awards
Our insiders, Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, hand out medals for best camp, most improved, best bubble player, top play, and more at the conclusion of the Ravens' 2024 training camp.
- In the category of bounce-back camps, Marlon Humphrey deserves to be at the top of the list. Humphrey started hot with a string of practice interceptions and has been a diligent worker every practice since. The Ravens secondary dominated training camp and is the strongest position group.
- Sometimes, just stacking practice participations is what's most important. Seeing Ronnie Stanley, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and Pepe Williams on the field every day is huge for them considering their past injuries. Stanley is definitely further ahead than last year, and Armour-Davis and Williams have grown significantly.
With training camp ending, here's who shined the most over the past several weeks.
TE Mark Andrews
Andrews was consistent all training camp as a go-to target for Lamar Jackson. Coming off last season's ankle injury, Andrews looked fully healthy and ready for another big year.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton had an injury scare late in camp but came back quickly and continued to impress. He made a ton of plays on the ball and looked like the Swiss Army knife of last year.
CB Marlon Humphrey
After an injury-marred 2023 season, Humphrey looked healthy during training camp. He was a ball-hawk during practice and had a handful of interceptions in one week alone.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson missed the first bit of training camp due to illness but looked like himself when on the field. He was elite over the middle of the field per usual, and towards the end of camp his deep ball improved.
DT Travis Jones
Jones has been a run stuffer in his first two seasons, but he showed more ability to get to the passer in training camp. It could be a big Year 3 for the former third-round pick.
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely was the star of the offseason, making some ridiculous catches look routine. After shining when Mark Andrews was out last season, Likely looks ready for an encore.
OLB Odafe Oweh
Oweh flashed almost every day with his ability to affect the quarterback. He had a ton of sacks throughout camp, showing his quick burst off the edge. Coaches at one point had to tell him to back off the passers.
ILB Trenton Simpson
Preparing for his first season as a starter, Simpson certainly looked the part in camp. The second-year pro showed his physicality when the pads came on, was flying all over the field, and often had tight pass coverage.
CB Brandon Stephens
Stephens was sticky all camp, building off a stellar 2023 season where he was the team's most consistent cornerback. Stephens routinely made plays at the catch point throughout camp, making life tough on whoever he was covering.
S Ar'Darius Washington
After three injury-marred seasons, Washington showed why the Ravens believe in him. The 5-foot-8 former undrafted free agent had a handful of takeaways and should have a role in the defensive back rotation this season.
- Add David Ojabo to that list. Coming off last year's knee injury, he wasn't full strength at the start of camp, but he kept grinding and started to look more like the monster he was at Michigan by the end. Ojabo holds some of the keys to the Ravens pass rush.
- Determining the three offensive line starters was the biggest storyline entering camp. Jobs aren't officially determined, but Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele, and Rosengarten seem to be the leaders. The O-line's strength remains the top concern, however, especially after the medical departure of offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris.
- The Ravens have tough decisions on rookies looming. What happens with fifth-round running back Rasheen Ali, who has been outshined by Owen Wright? What about seventh-round picks Nick Samac (center) and Sanoussi Kane (safety), who have heavy competition at their positions? Do the Ravens carry three quarterbacks with Devin Leary?
- The Ravens and Chiefs operate the preseason differently. The Chiefs are playing their starters, including Patrick Mahomes, for half of their second preseason game. It's hard to argue with anything a two-time defending champion does, but they're playing with fire. After J.K. Dobbins' injury, the Ravens wouldn't dream of it.
