OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ secondary had an outstanding week of training camp, totaling about 17 interceptions and wreaking havoc on the offense.
The addition of veteran safety Eddie Jackson has added depth and talent to the secondary. Jackson brings eight years of NFL experience to the defensive backs and made an interception on his second day with the team.
Cornerback Arthur Malet, who was re-signed this offseason, had interceptions on three consecutive days.
Fellow cornerback Marlon Humphrey also showed up in great shape. He made four interceptions in the past week.
Even rookie Nate Wiggins got into the act and made his first interception when he jumped a route and came up with the ball.
The secondary had six interceptions on Wednesday.
It’s an encouraging sign.
“I give a lot of credit to [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and his staff for putting this roster together,” Ravens assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt said. “We’ve got a lot of talented guys back there [in the secondary]. We’ve got length, we’ve got speed, we’ve got guys who [are] pit bulls. We’ve got it all. [We have] guys who come up and tackle, we’re a very talented group back there.”
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton is becoming the leader of the secondary and also made an interception last week. He earned All-Pro honors in just his second year in the NFL after setting the Ravens’ single-season record for defensive backs with 10 tackles for a loss. He had 13 passes defensed, which was tied with Detroit’s Brian Branch for the most by a safety last season.
“He’s one of one,” Hewitt said about Hamilton. “There are not many guys who [can] come along like that. He’s like a generational-type player. You don’t see many guys who are 6-foot-4, who can run and change direction the way he does. He still plays with violence; he’s not a finesse player. He’s got it all. He’s a different player, and he is very unique. There are not many players in the league or coming into the league that I see that look like that.”
No worries about Jackson: Ravens two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson missed four practices last week because of illness. While coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken were concerned about his health, neither had any worries about Jackson being ready for the regular season.
“I mean we had all offseason – Lamar was a part of that in our offseason,” Monken said. “But it was great for the other quarterbacks to get the work. That’s a part of it, so it’s great having him back today, but I don’t feel behind. We didn’t stop – we still installed, we’re still going through the installs.”
Simpson ready to fill Queen’s role: When Trenton Simpson fell to the Ravens in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, many predicted that fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen was on borrowed time because of the big contract signed by All-Pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith. The Ravens allowed Queen to leave as a free agent this offseason to sign with the Steelers and Simpson has slid into the starting role. It’s early, but he’s already made a number of impressive plays in training camp. Simpson also is making a quick adjustment to pass coverage.
‘Trent, the guy works his tail off like no other,” Smith said. “[He’s] always trying to find ways to get better, and you can see in day-in and day-out, his approach to the game, his extra meeting time, and the guy is probably one of the most athletic people on the team, if not [the most]. [He] jumps out of the gym, [has] 4.3 [40-yard dash] speed; [he] can do everything.”
Henry is ready for another huge year: New Ravens running back Derrick Henry has already had a prolific career. He doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Henry has attacked every drill in training camp like he is a rookie trying to make the team. The one-two punch of Henry and Lamar Jackson should be fun to watch.
“The work here, the culture the brotherhood that [the Ravens] have. [I’m] grateful to be here,” Henry said. “[I’m] excited for the opportunity. Putting the work in now in training camp, just so the things that we want to happen will happen, but not getting to any possibilities or making any predictions. [We] just put the work in now and let it all come together when it’s time to suit up and go get some ‘dubs.’”