Tommy Streeter doesn't have any complaints about practice or tough offseason workouts these days.
After spending all of last season on injured reserve, the second-year receiver out of Miami is relishing every opportunity he has to get back out on the football field.
"Something about missing a whole year just makes you appreciate every day that you're out here," Streeter said. "I just count every day as a blessing. It's kind of liked a renewed love for the game."
Streeter, a sixth-round draft pick, went on injured reserve with a foot injury he suffered in the final preseason game. The injury put him out of commission for several weeks, and he wasn't even able to start fully running again until the Ravens were in the playoffs.
As part of the IR rules, Streeter couldn't practice or participate in team drills. All he could do was workout, rehab, and participate in meetings. He was part of the team and on the sidelines for each game, but still felt distant.
"It's kind of an in-between feeling," Streeter said. "You're supporting the team, having that ride, everything is going good, but at the same time everybody wants to feel like they're contributing something to the overall success of the team."
Now Streeter is back to work in the heart of the action.
He's been a regular participant throughout the voluntary offseason workouts, and he's in the middle of a competition for an open wide receiver spot. Streeter is focused first on earning a roster spot, and he also has much bigger goals in mind.
"I want to be unstoppable," Streeter said. "I want to be one of the top receivers in the NFL. Period. I feel like God blessed me with all the tools, all the intangibles."
Streeter is a rare blend of size and speed. He's 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He's known as a deep threat and jump ball target in the end zone, and he showed off those abilities at times during training camp last season.
Streeter had a breakout season during his junior year of college, where he caught 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. He played with confidence that season, and he's trying to get back to bringing that same mentality to the field each day.
"You got to have that swagger," Streeter said. "You have to. You have to feel like you're unstoppable at the end of the day, whether it's true or not. You have to feel that way. Over and over you still have to have that mindset that I'm unstoppable. And you have to have that work ethic at the same time because you can feel that way, but if you aren't working toward it then it's just in vain. You got to have the work ethic and that will slingshot you to where you want to be at the end of the day."
Streeter is in somewhat of an uncertain position as he's trying to stand out amongst of group of unproven receivers. He'll compete with Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson, David Reed, LaQuan Williams and rookie Aaron Mellette for reps alongside Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones.
Like most young skills players, Streeter will also be expected to bring something to the table on special teams.
"It's hard to say [your expectations] when you really don't know what your role is going to be, but it's just to capitalize on every opportunity," Streeter said. "Every ball that's thrown to me, catch it. Run the routes to the best of my ability. Be physical in the run game. Try to compete each play on special teams."
In his time away from the football field, Streeter said he took time to examine his outlook on the game. He adjusted his mentality, and changed his attitude to become more coachable and opportunistic.
Coaches have pointed to his professional development over the course of last season, and noted that he grew in his understanding of expectations and how to approach the mental side of the game.
Streeter is going through this offseason with a different mindset than when he arrived as a rookie, and he's optimistic about what he can accomplish.
"I feel like I don't take anything for granted. God puts you in certain positions for a reason. I just thank God for this opportunity. I just feel like everything will all work out, and I just got this unshakeable belief," Streeter said.
"I'm excited, man. I'm excited."
