Miles Boykin has begun training camp by doing something that coaches like to talk about. The rookie is "stacking days," putting one good practice on top of another.
Two days into training camp, Boykin has been one of the more intriguing players, a third-round pick from Notre Dame who keeps getting open and making catches. Boykin isn't the only young receiver making plays either.
Second-year wideout Jaleel Scott was also solid Friday, securing fingertip grabs on two receptions that had a degree of difficulty. He leapt over veteran cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste to snare a deep touchdown pass at one point Friday.
Antoine Wesley continued to flash as well, and has been particularly impressive on deep routes, getting a step on defenders and tracking the ball well in the air. Head Coach John Harbaugh said several defensive backs have mentioned being impressed with Wesley.
Scott and Wesley are both listed at 6-foot-5, while Boykin is 6-foot-4. They fit the prototype for what the Ravens want in their offense, where blocking from the wide receiver position will help a run-heavy attack.
While Boykin is virtually guaranteed a roster spot as a third-round pick, Scott and Wesley are not. Scott was a fourth-round pick in 2018, while Wesley went undrafted this year following a breakout junior season (88 catches, 1,410 yards, nine touchdowns) at Texas Tech. Early in camp, Boykin, Wesley, and Scott are three young receivers making people take notice.
In other Day 2 training camp news:
- Second-year tight end Hayden Hurst is noticeably bigger than last season but is carrying the weight well. Hurst does not seem to have lost any quickness or agility. He had a good training camp last year before suffering a foot injury that required surgery, but this year, he looks more assertive.
- The Ravens' deep cornerback group is playing well as expected. This will be Jimmy Smith's ninth season but paying closer attention to nutrition later in his career has clearly paid off. He is making it tough for any receiver matched against him and he looks ready for Week 1. The depth of the Ravens' cornerback corps is a good test for the young wide receivers in camp.
- Veteran wide receiver Seth Roberts got open on a few plays during the middle of practice, showing the savvy route running the Ravens hope will pay off this fall. He did have a bad drop on what would have been a long touchdown pass from Jackson, however.
- Third-string quarterback Trace McSorley had a consistent throwing day. His athletcism as a quarterback helps his chances of making the roster. The Ravens may not have to dramatically change their offense if McSorley was pressed into action. Still, McSorley will primarily make the team via special teams. He was running down the field as a blocker on the kick return unit.
- Harbaugh said he hoped left guard Alex Lewis would return to practice from shoulder surgery in early August. Lewis watched Friday's practice intently from the sideline.
- Right tackle Orlando Brown Jr., left guard Jermaine Eluemunor and outside linebacker Shane Ray all returned to practice made their training camp debuts after missing Thursday because of failed conditioning tests.
- Harbaugh said center Matt Skura missed practice Friday to attend a funeral but would return in time for Saturday's evening practice at M&T Bank Stadium.
