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Five Things to Watch at Ravens OTAs
As the Ravens take the field for the third week of Organized Team Activities, here are five things to watch.
Lamar Jackson In Action
Eyes are always on Jackson whenever he takes the field as one of the NFL's most dynamic players. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) present an opportunity for Jackson to continuing sharpening his timing, accuracy and mechanics while throwing to new targets for the first time. Jackson can also gain more familiarity with any new wrinkles added by Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. Jackson is looking to take the next step as a passer, and this is the start for this season.
The Wide Receivers
The healthy competition among the Ravens' wide receiver group, led by Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, should be fun to watch. Sammy Watkins is looking to get adjusted to his new team and teammates. Rashod Bateman is a first-round draft pick looking to make an immediate impact, as is fellow rookie fourth-round pick Tylan Wallace. Devin Duvernay and James Proche II are seeking bigger roles in their second seasons, and this is a pivotal year for Miles Boykin.
Revamped Offensive Line
Whether rookie Ben Cleveland can progress quickly enough to become the starting left guard is one of the offseason's main storylines. That would mean Bradley Bozeman would switch from left guard to center. The Ravens signed veterans Kevin Zeitler and Alejandro Villanueva to play the right side, but young offensive linemen Tyre Phillips, Ben Bredeson and Ben Powers want to show they should be considered for larger roles.
Young Pass Rushers
Edge rusher Odafe Oweh and outside linebacker Daelin Hayes got their feet wet at Ravens rookie camp. Now they will take another step in their development, joined by third-year outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson. The Ravens are looking for new faces to pressure opposing quarterbacks after losing Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue during free agency.
Backup Quarterbacks
The Ravens did not sign a veteran backup quarterback, leaving Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley to compete for that role. Jackson has been a durable player, but McSorley and Huntley were forced into action in key moments last season, and that could happen again. It should be an interesting competition between the two young quarterbacks.
