Pundit Says Zach Orr Could be the Next DeMeco Ryans
Among the biggest moves this offseason for the Ravens was the promotion of Zach Orr to defensive coordinator. The media reception from the promotion was positive, with the only curiosity being how Orr's play calling will mimic and differ from Macdonald's after the Ravens finished as the No. 1 defense in 2023 in multiple categories.
Bootleg Football’s Brett Kollmann expects largely the same style of play calling.
"I think it's going to be more of the same," Kollmann said. "He knows this system backwards and forwards. He's going to call it, probably, very similarly to Mike Macdonald."
Kollmann is one of many who sees Orr as another Ravens coach to become a star — even comparing him to Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans.
"I think Zach Orr is next up. He's been on that staff, he played in this system, he was there ever since Macdonald and Jesse Minter were young assistants," Kollmann said. "Some people have thrown around that he might be the next DeMeco. [I] wouldn't be surprised because the Ravens do tend to produce very good coaches. … Zach Orr is going to be a great 'D.C.,' I truly believe that. …If there was ever any young replacement in-house that was going to do a good job, I think it's him."
Through the first week of training camp, all reports are trending toward Orr calling an excellent defense as they've found ways to make an impact each practice.
How Will the Ravens Run the Ball with Derrick Henry?
On the surface, the addition of running back Derrick Henry to the Ravens was a match made in football heaven; the best rushing team in the NFL added the biggest, baddest back on the planet.
But the Ravens do have an affinity for running out of shotgun, something Henry hasn't done as much in his career.
The Ringer’s Diante Lee eased any nervous minds as the stats from 2023 show Henry is more than capable of toting the rock when the quarterback isn't under center.
"Even though running the ball out of shotgun or pistol formations hasn't been a major part of Henry's game, he did have a career high in carries from the pistol last season in Tennessee, as well as his most explosive run rate out of the shotgun, which could set him up well for how Todd Monken might use him in Baltimore," Lee wrote.
Though Henry can run from other formations, Lee still wants to see if Henry's strength in running with his quarterback under center will impact play calling.
"Veterans like Henry typically don't see much action in preseason games, but I'll keep a close eye on how this run game develops throughout camp," Lee wrote.
Jeff Zrebiec Gives Week 1 Stock Report
One week of training camp has been completed and with it comes the latest stock report from The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.
Stock Up
Jalyn Armour-Davis, Cornerback
"You could probably list two-thirds of the secondary in this category. Ravens defensive backs are averaging about three interceptions per practice. Armour-Davis has certainly stood out. The 2022 fourth-round pick has good speed and ideal size (6 feet 1, 197 pounds), but he's been limited to 12 games in two years, mostly playing special teams. He got through the first week of camp healthy and maintained a high level of play. He's been tight in coverage and gotten his hands on several footballs. In what figures to be a tightly contested roster competition at cornerback, Armour-Davis has made an early statement."
Rashod Bateman, Wide receiver
"With the Ravens light on the wide receivers depth chart and Bateman expected to have a more significant role, the fourth-year pro has been one of the most scrutinized players in camp. There's been a lot of good so far. Even with the passing game struggling without Jackson on the field, Bateman has made a few plays in just about every practice. He looks healthy, and that's the most important thing. He's moving well, running quality routes and catching the ball when it's thrown to him."
Arthur Maulet, Cornerback
Maulet is 31. He's played seven NFL seasons and was a key part of one of the league's top defenses last year. Yet, there's been a sense of urgency to his play this summer. It's like Maulet knows the Ravens have myriad options in the slot and wants to make sure he's not forgotten. He had two interceptions last week and another one nullified by a penalty. He's constantly running to the football and getting his hands on offensive players when the opportunity allows. It will be tough for first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr to keep him off the field.
Also listed among positively trending players for Zrebiec is offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, defensive tackle Travis Jones and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Stock Down
Back-end wide receiver candidates
"Bateman, Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor have gotten their catches. Rookie fourth-round pick Devontez Walker has come on over the past couple of days. Deonte Harty seems entrenched as the team's return man. There might be room for one other receiver. Yet, the competition for that spot hasn't really developed. Tylan Wallace, Sean Ryan and Keith Kirkwood have been mostly quiet. Malik Cunningham has had a few drops. Undrafted rookies Dayton Wade, Isaiah Washington and Qadir Ismail haven't gotten too many balls thrown their way. Saturday was a good day for this group, and there will have to be more of that to convince team officials that keeping a sixth receiver is the way to go."
Ben Cleveland, Offensive line
"Andrew Vorhees entered camp as the favorite to start at left guard, and nothing happened in the first week to change that. Faalele is getting the first opportunity to win the right guard job. Where does that leave Cleveland, who was once perceived as the favorite to start at right guard? There's still time for Cleveland to get a shot as a starter, but that the Ravens are auditioning a converted tackle inside rather than giving him the early first-team reps probably doesn't bode well.
