HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "It's good to see everybody here. [I] appreciate you gutting it out today. It was a hot one, and the guys [were] focused as well and pushed it. The fans were great as always. And then we had the first responders from the Key Bridge collapse, and I got some coins and some patches, which I'm very, very proud of right here. [The] fire dive rescue, the whole group, so we appreciate them very much. It's very meaningful when we have the real heroes here. So, we honor those guys."
It looked like you guys were stretching the field today. Is that just part of what you're looking for? It seemed like there were a lot of deep throws today. (Jamison Hensley) "We worked on a lot of third down, third-and-6-to-12 situations, so some of that stuff comes up, push the ball down field. Then we had a big blitz period where the offense hit numerous plays downfield in the blitz period. So, that was important to see, and it was good to see [that] the ball was coming out quick and executing like we need to against that pressure. That's a big step for us. I thought the guys did a great job with that."
How key was it to re-sign CB Arthur Maulet especially with the training camp that he's had? (Todd Karpovich) "It was very key to re-sign Arthur Maulet. He's a guy that I was pretty confident that we were going to re-sign all the way. I felt like he wanted to be here, and we wanted him back, and [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] had a good plan. It's one of these things, sometimes the right players are looking for the right team, and I feel like Arthur was the right player for us, and we were the right team for him, and it's really paying off."
What happened with OLB Malik Hamm? And how disappointing is it? He's a local kid that made the team last year. It had been a really good story. (Luke Jones) "Yes. Malik [Hamm] was doing so well. [He's a] local guy, and he had the injury last year. It's so amazing, because you go back, and I'm watching the tape up until when the injury happened; he was having a great practice. He had numerous run stops, he had a sack, and then just a freaky little thing where he kind of put his foot in the ground and got pushed a little bit right at that moment, and sometimes that's what happens with the ACL. He has a clean ACL tear, so it does mean he's out for the season, but it also means it bodes well for a very good recovery. Now, his spirits were very upbeat, positive about the tests he's going to be going through, and the testimony that he's going to have an opportunity to make when it's all said and done, but I'm sure he's very disappointed when he's back in a quiet moment by himself. He was going to play for us this year, but his time will be coming."
Have you heard anything on CB Trayvon Mullen? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes. Trayvon Mullen landed on his shoulder [and] subluxed it, so it will be a few weeks, and then we expect him to be back."
We saw WR Rashod Bateman walk off later in the practice. Was that more of precautionary? (Brian Wacker) "He's dealing with a little issue; kind of a soft tissue issue I think he's trying to nurse through right now."
What are you hoping you guys might get from Travis Jones this year. What would constitute a good step forward for him? (Childs Walker) "I have a big vision for Travis [Jones]. He and I have talked about it – a really big vision. I really have high expectations for Travis Jones to have one of those years that is going to be memorable. I really believe that's going to happen this year; I'm looking forward to it. He's put the work in, and he continues to do work. He looks great."
At defensive back, you talked a little bit about this. You've got a lot of guys, a lot of talented guys, which is a good problem to have. How tricky will that make that a few weeks from now in terms of figuring out what to do there? (Brian Wacker) "That's a good point. I'd like to really take it one day at a time and get there first, then there will be opportunities, but we have a deep group back there. Every single guy in the secondary, to my eyes, is playing very well and playing like a 53-man [roster] type of guy. It's a good thing."
We saw TE Qadir Ismail get switched from wide receiver to tight end on the roster. Can you just talk about what you've seen from him as a tight end? (Ryan Mink) "Qadir Ismail is doing a great job, really at everything he's been asked to do. He's even in there blocking, pretty darn good. I'm sure he could use a couple more squats and bench presses before he's really ready to go in there and do it, but he doesn't back down from any challenge. He's playing tight end, but he's also playing receiver. We're kind of moving him back and forth [and] doing the same thing with Scotty Washington. I think 'Q' [Qadir Ismail] is doing a great job, [and] Scotty is doing a very good job, too."
How much do you think ILB Trenton Simpson benefitted from the opportunity last year to get in an NFL strength and conditioning program, to being in those meetings, to being with two veteran linebackers, ILB Patrick Queen and ILB Roquan Smith. Have you kind of seen him take that jump this year? (Jeff Zrebiec) "I've definitely seen 'Trent' [Trenton Simpson] take that jump this year, and there are still things that he needs to work on. There are times you have in zone coverage, you have to carry a crossing route back across the field, or you have to get under something that's coming back inside, and he may be pushing out when he should be pushing in – those kinds of things. But that's all part of the process, and probably the last part of the process, is understanding all of the zone coverage details. He's flying around. He's running, he's making plays, he's confident, he's a quick learner. I think he's doing a great job."
On a practice day like this when drills aren't at all 100 %, and there's no pads, and it's toned down, do you get a sense that the defense that's described as physical and aggressive feels reluctant to do that? (Kyle Phoenix) "Sure. They want to be making plays. [The] offensive line is the same way. They don't want anybody penetrating any gaps either, so we just have to do a good job of working together on days like this."
CB ARTHUR MAULET
On establishing himself on the team: "I think it's going well for me. [I'm] just trying to prove myself every day, make sure the team knows they didn't waste their investment on me. [I] just want to grind out with the guys and get better every day. I've got some goals I want to accomplish; [I'm] just pushing myself every day to get better."
On coach John Harbaugh's statement of him staying at the Ravens: "Same thing. I didn't want to go anywhere. I love it here – this is like a second home to me. I want to end my career here. I just want to prove every day that I'm worth their investment, like I said, [and] keep grinding away and getting better every day."
On what is helping him play at a high level during training camp: "Offseason work [helped me]. I worked out every day, [and] I didn't take too much time off. [I] broke down the film and saw my weaknesses and attacked them; [I] just got in the lab. [I] was truthfully honest with myself. [I] wanted to be a bigger piece this year [and] help this team win. I think we have one common goal, and we know what it is."
On what his goals are: "I think they are personal. If I do it, I do it. If not, [then] I have more work to do. [It's] just one of those things where if I don't push myself to do a higher standard, then no one else will."
On loving and expanding his reach in the community of Baltimore: "Obviously, I do a lot of work in the community. It's similar to where I'm from in New Orleans, Louisiana. [In] Baltimore, football is everything here. When we have a good season, the city thrives and has a pretty good ... less crime and all [of] that stuff. For me, I want to prove myself [and] prove to everyone it's not a waste, honestly."
On competing with teammates at the nickel position: "100%. They are all really good guys, All-Pro guys [and] Top 100 guys. I'm glad they're pushing me; it brings my game to another level. It's not going to be easy, so we're going to compete every day, and we're going to talk junk to each other. It's fun [to] have other guys play at a high level to push you and make you better."
On what defensive coordinator Zach Orr brings to the defense: "Honestly, [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] played the game, [and] he knows what we're going through. He knows [that] we're going through dog days in camp, [and] he's pushing us to a higher standard. He played the game, [and] he's familiar with it. He knows what is going through our minds. There's really no drop off; I just know he's pushing us hard."
On if he thinks the new kickoff rule will affect him: "I think it's going [to] play out really good for a guy like me. We get to use our speed; we're only like five yards apart from a guy. For me, I'm going to thrive in it; I like it. I think I'm going to make a lot of plays in it. I think it's going to go good, honestly."
On what he likes about CB Nate Wiggins: "[Nate] Wiggins; he's really fast. Everybody is [saying] that, right? [He's] really fast, [and he has] open ears [and is] ready to learn. He's cool with taking criticism and learning. That's the biggest thing with rookies that you don't see a lot of. He's open with taking criticism and learning, he asks questions, he's in the film study, he works on his technique [and] he's not always relying on his speed. I really like that about him. He's going to be a really good player in the future and now."
On having QB Lamar Jackson practicing: "He extends plays so much, and it makes us really better, because it's so many broken plays, and that's one of his special talents that he has of many. The broken play aspect of everything ... It's big on defense. If you don't plaster, and you don't cover your guy; it can be a touchdown in any given second. It just helps us out with communication and playing with one another."
On what he's seen from ILB Trenton Simpson: "I've seen a lot of growth [and] good communication. He knows where his help is. He plays to his leverage. He's doing a good job on those tight ends in passing, and he's not scared to stick his nose in the run game, so I think he will be fine."
On his message to Patrick Queen: "Yes. 'P.Q.' [Patrick Queen], we know the food is not better, bro." (laughter) "We know the city is not better, bro. Come on, come on now."
On if he's impressed by ILB Trenton Simpson: "Like I said, [Trenton Simpson] knows he's the next guy up. He has to fill in big shoes. 'P.Q.' [Patrick Queen] was a really good player for us. At the end of the day, it's like I said, learning the scheme, knowing where his help is, being technique sound and knowing where his help is. He's doing a really good job of it. I think he's going to be a really good asset for us this year."
ILB TRENTON SIMPSON
On how he's felt during training camp, especially with the pads on: "I feel like it's been going great. I've put in a lot of work, and [I'm] just studying, spending more time with my coaches, my teammates, asking Roquan [Smith] questions every day. I feel like, just, being able to put the pads on now has allowed me to just be able to play football and play fast, physical football, like preach at the Ravens."
On where he thinks he's grown the most and where he is now compared to even the end of last season: "I'd say I've grown the most by just knowing what to expect – just being in our system for a year now – knowing what to expect. [I'm] communicating better. With this defense, everybody is on the same page, we're very vocal, and everybody is talking every play, so I think that's a sign of a great defense. So, [I've] definitely [grown] communication-wise."
On how beneficial it is to have former Ravens linebacker Zach Orr as his defensive coordinator: "It's been great. Just [from defensive coordinator Zach Orr] being able to be my linebackers coach my rookie year to seeing him grow and be the defensive coordinator, and me just growing up under him, it's been awesome. I've been able to communicate with him as a player and just off the field, so it's been great."
On his physicality during practice, and if he's trying to set a tone: "Yes, just playing fast, physical, man, just playing relentless, playing like a Raven is my goal. Definitely, I feel like [the] offense and defense have been very physical; we're just trying to protect each other [in practice]. But [I'm] just going out there and sending a message, just playing as hard as I can and matching Roquan [Smith's] energy every day."
On if he or DT Travis Jones got the "clothesline" tackle on RB Derrick Henry a couple days ago: "I have to go back and look at it, but we're just trying to take care of everybody. I don't think it was a clothesline, but yes, [we're] just trying to take care of him." (Reporter: "But you were the guy who might have been ...") "I was close to it, but yes, yes, yes." (laughter)
On how much time he spent talking about football when connecting with ILB Roquan Smith during the offseason: "I feel like it's a good balance [of] us knowing each other as friends on and off the field, but also, when we're together, we're talking ball. And me, being a younger player, I'm going to ask [Roquan Smith] questions, and when I'm with him, he's a great person to learn from, so I just get some advice every time I get around him. He's a great teammate, a great leader, and I'm always trying to learn from him in any aspect of life."
On being able to flip the switch when he gets between the lines, like what ILB Roquan Smith does: "Yes, that's real. When you get in between those lines, you've got to be locked in, focused in and just serious. [There's] a goal, [and] you've got to go out there and perform, so there's no time to play around on the field; you've got to be focused. And when I'm off the field, [I'm a] great guy, smiling all the time, [but] when it gets in between those lines, it's time to play ball."
On how beneficial it is to have that close of a relationship with the guy he's playing next to: "Yes, man, that's great. I mean, once you can trust somebody on the field, off the field, it just grows that bond, and just having somebody out there that you can talk to mid-play, asking questions ... It's been awesome for me, and [Roquan Smith is a] great person to learn from, for sure."
On ILB Roquan Smith being so vocal: "I mean, I've gotten used to it. It's always good stuff, so [I'm] just learning, and [Roquan Smith] is just bringing positive energy every time I'm around him."
On how important it is for him to be a three-down guy: "That's the goal, but [I'm] coming in, attacking every day, and that comes with earning the trust of my teammates, my coaches and everybody around me. So, the more I go out there every day, perform in practice and uphold to the standard, that will [lead to] the more playing time I earn and what my coaches believe that I should get out there."
On how much time he spent this offseason watching ILB Patrick Queen's tape: "A lot, because [Patrick Queen] played at a very high level. And just to see him and learn from him my rookie year ... I mean, he had a great year. [With] the way he played, he got [the contract] he deserved, and I learned a lot from him. [I've been] just watching how he moves, his pre-snap alignments and things like that. I did a lot of studying of him this year."
On what he most enjoys about the linebacker position and his role on this defense: "I'd say just being able to play fast, physical football and just allowing me to just be able to read and react. Like [when] I see something, trigger, don't second guess, just play fast. Just playing 100%, it covers up a lot of things. I'm just excited for this year [and] to be able to just do me."
On being teammates with CB Nate Wiggins again: "It's been awesome. Just us being at Clemson and growing together, winning some games together, [and] being on the ACC championship team with [Nate Wiggins] was awesome. But [I'm] just seeing him come in every day, competing. I mean, he's young, just like I was last year, so him asking 'Marlo' [Marlon Humphrey] questions, 'B. Steve' [Brandon Stephens] questions, it's awesome, because the vets we have in this organization are taking all the guys under, and I feel like that's good to help improve a lot of guys' careers."
On how he deals with making mistakes: "During the game, you've got to move [onto the] next play, and you get towards ... When you're studying the film ... But you've got to have a short mindset in this game. [The] mentality [is that] you've got to put it behind you, next play and then in film, just correct it."
On how many questions a day he asks ILB Roquan Smith: "Man, probably like ... From the time we walk in the weight room to ... I mean, it's not all about ball, but just trying to pick up [healthy diet] habits, how you take care of your body [and] just things [that] I'm just trying to learn from a great vet. So, yes, [I ask Roquan Smith] a couple questions." (Reporter: "So, a lot.") "Yes, a lot."
On his favorite guys to talk to other than ILB Roquan Smith: "Just on the team, in general? Tavius Robinson, I talk to 'Leek,' Malik Harrison all the time, Chris Board, Josh Ross; all the guys in my room, I feel like we have a great relationship. We're working out, we go grab dinner and stuff together, so I feel like ... Just talking about that trust and that bond you have off the field, [it] makes it a lot [more] special on the field."
On going up against RB Derrick Henry: "It's been awesome. Growing up watching [Derrick Henry] at a young age to being on the practice field with him now, it's been awesome, and it's full circle. But it's been cool. [I'm] just bringing my energy every day, [and] I'm just matching ... I know he's going to make me better, and I hope I'm making him better, as well, and it's been awesome."
DB BRANDON STEPHENS
On how this year's training camp is different compared to previous years:"Yes, I mean, I'm locked in at [cornerback], you know – approaching it the same way – still trying to become a better version of myself, but locked in on corner, and that's really just my only job right now."
On how the defense responds to the offense talking smack during practice: "I mean, we just attack each day, you know, with enthusiasm. No matter who's out there, we're built to attack and play our style on defense."
On how CB Nate Wiggins has surprised him:"His speed – he's definitely got the speed; also, the way he just approaches every day – always trying to learn, asking the right questions and just trying to learn from guys that have been here."
On what's next for him after a highly productive last season: "Just like I said, just become a better version of myself. Last year was last year, so my focus this year is just taking it up a notch – making the plays that I left out on the field last year and just becoming one of the best DBs/corners in the league."
On if he feels the Ravens can accomplish great things with their deep secondary: "We definitely have depth, like you said. But, just because we have depth doesn't mean that's going to get the job done, so we know that we still have to go out [and] attack each day and take what's ours. The sky is the limit for us, and we know that, but we just [have] to continue to work and work as a unit."
On how he sees the Ravens depth playing out schematically on the field: "That might be a [defensive coordinator] 'Z.O.' [Zach Orr] question, but yes, we have guys that can play all sorts of positions – from the top down, to be honest. You put guys in different positions you never know … the offense can never know what's being thrown at them, so being able to have guys that can play multiple positions definitely is in our favor."
On being one of the most targeted defensive backs in the league last season, and if he feels that will change this season: "Honestly, I really don't care. Honestly, my mindset every play is, 'The ball's coming to me.' Even if it's fourth-and-inches, I feel like the ball's coming to me – so I'm just [trying to] win my one-on-ones – that's what my mindset is."
On if he still feels like he's still out there to prove himself: "Absolutely. Last year, I just felt like I just got my feet wet last year, and I don't even think about last year anymore to be honest; it's a new year – I've got to go out and prove myself. I'm sure there's a lot of doubters still out there – like I said, I'm expecting the ball every play, and so yes, I definitely have a chip on my shoulder."
On how he approaches being in a contract year: "I'm not even worried about it. I'm just here to do my job – the rest will take care of itself, and I'll let that side just handle itself. I can't really do anything about it on my own – all I can do is come out here on the field and continue to prove myself."
