OWINGS MILLS — While Ravens coach John Harbaugh and the rest of his assistants have tempered their excitement about the performance of some players in the offseason workouts, several have momentum heading into full training camp next month.
The Ravens practiced without pads and sometimes without helmets over the past month, but the key for the players was building on their technique and delving into the playbook.
Here are the players who stood out over the past month.
Running back Derrick Henry — The Ravens already had high expectations for the four-time Pro Bowler, but he impressed them even more with his work ethic. Henry attacks every drill like a rookie and his size — 6 feet 3, 247 pounds — makes him stand out among the rest of the offensive players. The Ravens are confident that the one-two punch of Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson is going to create headaches for defensive coordinators. “[Derrick Henry] is a guy that hates doing anything wrong,” running backs coach Willie Taggart said. “Like, it literally pisses him off to do anything wrong, and I’ve got to remind him, ‘Hey, Derrick, it’s practice.'”
Photo by Mitch Stringer, USA Today Sports
Tight end Isaiah Likely — Likely, who is entering his third year in the NFL, has put himself in position for a bigger role. He had several highlight-reel catches that brought season ticket-holders in attendance to their feet. At 6-4, 241 pounds, Likely can dominate defenders. He also has the speed to make downfield plays like a wide receiver. Likely also can be an asset in the red zone with his ability to come down with high throws. He is poised for a breakout season.
Inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson — Smith has established himself as one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL, but he still attended every workout and wreaked havoc against the offense. He had two interceptions this past week at mandatory camp. He also provided veteran leadership to the young players, including second-year linebacker Trenton Smith, a 2023 third-round pick from Clemson. Simpson will take over the starting job for Patrick Queen and has gotten better each practice. He has been especially effective in pass coverage even against three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews. Simpson is another player who could have a breakout year.
Safety Ar’Darius Washington — With Kyle Hamilton out with an elbow injury, Washington made the most of his extra reps as the starting safety. Despite his small stature — 5-8, 177 pounds — Washington is a physical tackler who has a nose for the football. The key is to stay healthy after battling injuries in his first three seasons in the NFL. “I feel great about him,” Harbaugh said. “He’s already established himself. He’s played in the games – every game he’s played in, he’s played well. He’s looked great in practice, and let’s get him out there and get him in some more games. That’s the goal.”
Offensive lineman Josh Jones – The Ravens signed Jones to a one-year deal in March and it appears to be a shrewd move. Jones has the experience and made three starts with the Houston Texas last season. Now, he has a shot to earn a starting job at one of the vacant guard or tackle positions on the Ravens’ offensive line. At 6-7, 310 pounds, Jones has the size to dominate opponents and the Ravens like big, physical offensive linemen. Jones will be a player to watch at training camp.
Defensive tackle Broderick Washington — Washington signed a contract extension last offseason and has quietly been a solid player for the Ravens. He showed up to camp in good shape and looks as if he can make a bigger impact this season collapsing the pocket or even getting to the quarterback.
Wide receivers Sean Ryan and Isaiah Washington — These two young wideouts showed an impressive ability to catch the ball, especially in traffic. Each also caught several touchdown passes in the 11-on-11 drills. While there might not be room for them on the final 53-man roster, Ryan already spent last season on the Ravens’ practice squad and Washington could join him this year. The duo could eventually make an impact this season, but much of that could hinge on their ability to play special teams.
