There were probably many plays that made the dozens of former Ravens at Tuesday's minicamp practice think they're glad they don't have to contend with that anymore.
But the play that elicited the biggest reaction from the crowd was made by tight end Isaiah Likely.
During 11-on-11 drills, Likely skied for a lofted pass by Lamar Jackson over the middle and snagged it with one hand – a jaw-dropping athletic play that drew big reactions from Ray Rice, Jacoby Jones, Corey Graham, and others.
"He climbed that hill!" Rice said with wide eyes.
Likely made another impressive leaping catch during seven-on-seven drills, skying above linebacker Trenton Simpson to make a high snag. The two exchanged some friendly words after that one.
Tight end Mark Andrews also made a tough contested catch with safety Ar'Darius Washington close in coverage, and Charlie Kolar reeled in a deep throw that was a little overthrown with a one-handed tip to himself.
The Ravens have arguably the best tight end room in the NFL, and Tuesday's minicamp practice showed it.
Here are other notes from Tuesday's practice:
- It's mandatory minicamp now, which spelled the debut for outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who looks to be in good shape. He stepped right into 11-on-11 action without a hitch.
- The Ravens had full participation except for safety Kyle Hamilton (elbow), outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring), wide receiver Deonte Harty (personal), running back Keaton Mitchell (knee), defensive back Christian Matthew, and defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols.
- Baltimore switched up its first-team guards as it continues to get looks at different players in the offensive line competition. Head Coach John Harbaugh said he'd like to have some offensive line decision sooner than later.
- Nickel cornerback Arthur Maulet, who was re-signed this offseason, had an excellent practice. He ripped the ball out of Zay Flowers' grasp after he caught a crosser. Maulet then picked off Lamar Jackson in the end zone late in practice, undercutting an out route.
- After protecting the ball well for much of practice, Jackson was intercepted on back-to-back plays. On the play after Maulet's interception, Roquan Smith dropped deep into coverage against tight end Charlie Kolar and turned his head just in time to make a one-handed pick.
- Jackson did have some special throws, however. Facing a corner blitz from Maulet, he faded to his left and launched a deep pass to Nelson Agholor that set the Ravens up in scoring position during a two-minute drill.
- Cornerback Brandon Stephens also got a pick-six when he snatched a pass to the flats that was bobbled by running back Derrick Henry.
- Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson continued his strong spring, giving rookie offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten all he could handle in the run game. Robinson looks even bigger and more powerful in Year 2.
- The offensive linemen and other offensive players got plenty of exercise Tuesday running laps for false starts. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and right tackle Daniel Faalele were among the offenders, and Harbaugh said part of the reason is because the Ravens emphasize mixing up their cadences, even in practice.
