Ray Lewis And ESPN Part Ways
Ray Lewis' absence from last month's ESPN NFL Draft coverage is starting to make sense.
It appears that the Ravens' future Hall of Famer linebacker and the sports network are parting ways after a three-year stint together following Lewis' retirement from the NFL in 2013.
According to The Big Lead, both Lewis and Cris Carter are expected to be "on their way out," while Randy Moss will replace them as he transitions from Fox Sports. Lewis had featured roles on "Monday Night Countdown," "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "SportsCenter."
Lewis' departure is one of many changes in ESPN's football coverage this year. Mike Tirico is leaving for NBC Sports, while recently retired players Charles Woodson and Matt Hasselbeck are joining ESPN.
One of the first signs that Lewis wouldn't return for a fourth year was during April's draft. Lewis has been invited to be a front-desk analyst for the draft since 2014 (he skipped at the last minute last year to help Baltimore during its unrest), but he was not part of the lineup this year (replaced by Louis Riddick).
Lewis frequently made headlines during his time as an analyst, including when he gave a pep talk to the Buffalo Bills, at the behest of his former Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan, before their matchup against the New England Patriots. He also made waves when he flashed his credit card on camera and offered to pay for half of the fine imposed on San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks for a hit on New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees.
His reported departure from ESPN leaves the door open for a new career or project. Or maybe he'll continue broadcasting with a competing network.
Just please don't ask if … oh wait, it's too late.
"Maybe this move will open the door for Ray Lewis to join John Harbaugh's coaching staff?" asked Vasilis Lericos of Russell Street Report.
CB Jumal Rolle To Miss Entire Season Tearing Achilles
I really hope this isn't the start of another injury run at the cornerback position.
Jumal Rolle will miss the entire 2016 season after tearing his Achilles tendon recently while participating in a workout, according to The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec.
Rolle, 25, was originally signed to the Ravens practice squad last year after he was released by the Houston Texans. He was moved to the 53-man roster on Dec. 15 after a wave of injuries at the position, and remained there for the final three games of the season.
The undrafted free agent was brought back to Baltimore last month as an exclusive rights free agent to provide depth. In three NFL seasons, Rolle has played in 19 games and notched 18 tackles, three interceptions and four passes defensed.
The Ravens shouldn't have a hard time absorbing the loss of Rolle with eight other corners on the 90-man roster – as long as the unit isn't riddled by injuries again.
Starter Jimmy Smith had a procedure last month to remove the screws from his surgically repaired foot, according to Zrebiec. He is expected to return for training camp.
Myles Jack Has Chip On Shoulder After Being Passed By In Draft
Falling out of the first round of the draft was disappointing to UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, and he hopes to use it as motivation heading into his rookie campaign.
Jack was one of the most popular players projected to the Ravens at their sixth-overall pick, but they passed on him both in the first and second rounds because of his injured knee. He was eventually picked at No. 36* *by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Ravens traded them the pick.
"Honestly, it was humiliating man, it was embarrassing," Jack said last week on the Rich Eisen Show. "Having to sit there [in the green room], and afterwards walking out, having my girl to my left, my mom to my right, my grandma to the right of her. Having to look at them, that was a tough feeling.
"It's all motivation man," Jack continued. "I appreciate it. It's made me hungry. It's grounded me a lot. I just can't wait to play ball."
Jack was considered one of the most athletic and dynamic players in the draft, but concerns grew about his longevity in the NFL because of his surgically repaired knee.
The Ravens will have an up-close look at Jack this season when they visit Jacksonville in Week 3.
Offensive Line Depth Chart
If the season started today, Zrebiec would see the offensive line depth chart as follows:
Left tackle: Eugene Monroe, James Hurst
Left guard: Ronnie Stanley, John Urschel
Center: Jeremy Zuttah, Ryan Jensen
Right guard: Marshal Yanda, Jarell Broxton
Right tackle: Ricky Wagner, Alex Lewis
The Ravens obviously drafted Stanley to be the left tackle of the future, but as Zrebiec sees it, Monroe should be considered the starting left tackle as long as he is on the roster.
"It wouldn't make sense to keep him around as a reserve and moving him to left guard at this stage of his career isn't all that practical either," wrote Zrebiec. "But it's only a matter of time before first-round pick Ronnie Stanley becomes the starting left tackle."
If Monroe isn't healthy or doesn't make the 53-man roster, the Ravens could kick Stanley outside immediately and give Lewis or Wagner a try at left guard. Lewis played that position during rookie minicamp this weekend.
Quick Hits
@jimcasada @TeamFlacco pic.twitter.com/WGb31o34GY — RCGC Athletics (@RCGCAthletics) May 10, 2016
