The Ravens just wrapped up their fifth day of organized training activities (OTAs), and the two-hour practice was open to the media.
Here are some of the highlights and observations from Wednesday's open practice:
- Rookie offensive lineman Kelechi Osemeleleft practice early on during position drills and returned to the field in shorts and a T-shirt. Head Coach John Harbaughsaid Osemele just has "little bumps and bruises" and that "he's fine."
- Cornerback Cary Williams, who is working his way back from offseason hip surgery, has not been participating on the field during OTAs. He has watched from the sidelines, but told reporters after practice that he hopes to be able to get back on the field for individual drills when minicamp begins on June 12.
"I feel like I'll be back by minicamp to be out there running around, doing backpedal drills, doing footwork and probably doing a lot more conditioning," Williams said. "It's difficult right now because I just want to be out there to compete with my guys."
- Rookie safety Christian Thompsonhad one of the highlights of the afternoon, as he intercepted a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco and then pitched it back to cornerback Chykie Brown on the return. Looks like Thompson really has been learning from his mentor Ed Reed.
- Second-year wide receiver Torrey Smithcontinues to progress from his impressive rookie campaign. He does not appear hindered at all by his offseason hernia surgery and has shown good hands in a number of drills.
He also appears to be running crisp routes and is a favorite target for Flacco. Smith has always had tremendous speed, but he looks to be polishing additional parts of his game.
- Jameel McClain made some good plays for the defense, including one where he shot through the line on a blitz and would have sacked Flacco. He timed the snap count perfectly and was in the backfield before Flacco had a chance to get rid of the ball.
- Left tackle Ramon Harewoodand linebacker Albert McClellangot into a little scuffle with, but it didn't appear to be anything too serious. A small fracas isn't unusual during offseason practices.
- Sergio Kindledrew praise from the coaches during and after practice. Kindle had a strong pass rush and got into the backfield on a number of occasions, and Harbaugh made a point of congratulating him after getting to quarterback Tyrod Taylor. After practice, Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said that Kindle has "shown a lot of improvement."
- Rookie running back Bernard Piercegot some work with the first team Wednesday. The battle for the No. 2 running back spot behind Ray Rice looks like it will be one of the tightest throughout the summer, with Pierce, Anthony Allen and Damien Berry all vying for time.
