After the first day of padded practice, the battle for three starting spots on the Ravens' offensive line is kicking into another gear.
Andrew Vorhees continued to be the apparent favorite at left guard, but there was heated competition on the right side. Daniel Faalele is getting a chance to win the starting job at right guard, with Ben Cleveland looking like the main competition, while veteran Patrick Mekari and rookie Roger Rosengarten are getting long looks at right tackle.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said after Friday's practice that the competition is really just beginning.
"It really is a little too early to make any kind of statement," Harbaugh said. "I think as a group they looked good today. They played square, they looked physical and stout.
"But today is when you really start getting more of a better feel. Until the pads come on, you can't make any determinations on offensive line play. We have, you know, a number of days here with the pads coming up, and it should be interesting to see how it plays out. I hope it's tough in the sense that they're all doing great, but the main thing is that we've got enough guys doing great that we can build a line."
Harbaugh said prior to training camp that he would like to have his starting five on the offensive line decided prior to the Aug. 9 preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, that date is not etched in stone, and Harbaugh wants to let the competition play out as long as it needs to.
"We would love for that (Aug. 9) to be the case," Harbaugh said. "Is that unrealistic? I don't know, maybe, but that's the best-case scenario. I don't necessarily expect it to be the case.
"The game is a big deal. So if you go into that first week with a good idea and the game confirms everything, then you feel great in a good spot. If you don't, then you're okay. You just keep working the guys in as you go, and one guy establishes himself, and the next guy and the next guy, and then you have a line, and you have your gut check."
Rookie Wide Receiver Devontez Walker Is Stacking Practices
The Ravens have no shortage of wide receivers playing well during the first week of camp, led by Rashod Bateman who has put together a strong opening statement. However, rookie Devontez Walker has also made plays and ran a nice route to get open for a touchdown on Friday.
Working against fellow rookie Nate Wiggins, Walker went up to catch a back-shoulder touchdown pass from rookie Devin Leary.
Walker wants to play his way into the wide receiver rotation on gamedays , and Harbaugh likes how the rookie is progressing.
"'Tez' is doing a great job stacking practices," Harbaugh said. "He's a rookie, he's learning. He makes mistakes and then he corrects them. It's a process for all the rookies. I think he's doing a really good job.
"I see talent, speed, he can change direction, he's catching the ball. All the things are there. Let's just see how fast he comes along."
Jalyn Armour-Davis Focuses on Standing Out in Crowded Cornerback Room
With an interception and solid coverage during the first week of camp, third-year cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is doing his part to carve out a spot in the cornerback room.
However, Armour-Davis isn't a lock to make the 53-man roster after the Ravens drafted cornerbacks Wiggins (first round) and T.J. Tampa (fourth round) to make a deep cornerback depth chart even deeper. Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, veteran slot corner Arthur Maulet, and Wiggins lead the cornerback room, and this is a huge training camp for Armour-Davis and third-year corner Damarion "Pepe" Williams, who is also playing well.
Armour-Davis feels the competition has raised everyone's game, and he's not stressing about how the final roster will play out.
"I love it because we're all eating," Armour-Davis said. "It forces you to be even more hungry, because this group is so elite. You could be doing your job and still not stand out, because we've got guys out here making plays.
"It's a number's game at the end of the day, but you focus on the day that's in front of you. Right now, we're all together, so we're enjoying the time that we have together. We can't control that (roster) part. So, I just get better and learn from guys like Marlon, B. Steve (Stephens), Art (Maulet), Eddie Jackson, and Kyle (Hamilton). Learn from them while you can and find a way to get better."
Harbaugh Appreciates Josh Johnson Taking Over in Lamar Jackson's Absence
With Lamar Jackson (illness) missing Friday’s practice, Josh Johnson continued to be the lead quarterback with rookies Devin Leary and Emory Jones also taking reps. Harbaugh has been impressed with how Johnson has taken over in Jackson's absence.
"I think he's got a great grasp of the offense," Harbaugh said. "He handles it well, he operates it well. He makes all the decisions, he's throwing the ball well.
"Playing good football, that's why he's here. You think about the big picture and the long run, there's a real benefit of him getting a lot of reps."
