:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46411802/usa-today-7999124.0.jpg)
With the first day of organized team activities over and media being barred from it, we get our glimpse at what players showed up and how things looked from the Baltimore Ravens website itself.
Only putting on helmets and jerseys with no real contact being allowed, it is important more for skill positions and the offense as they try to find their rhythm under new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman. The Ravens had their full accompaniment of quarterbacks today as Matt Schaub and Joe Flacco were present. However, they were without rookie Breshad Perriman because he was invited to the NFLPA seminar this week.
This first round of OTAs is equally important for linebackers and the secondary as they also look to knock some of the rust off from a long offseason. With as many injuries as the Ravens had last season in the secondary, you can be sure that they will be paying full attention to the depth back there and seeing what players can shine early and frequently.
As we covered earlier, OTAs also present a good opportunity for coaches to get their first real glimpse at rookies and make adjustments to the roster. With the signing of UDFA linebacker Andrew Bose and the release of UDFA linebacker Trey DePriest, it only goes to show that as coaches can see what the strengths and weaknesses of their players are, they can begin to plug and play prospects as they feel are needed to fill up the roster with the most talent.
Some of the purpose of OTAs will be to get all of the players better conditioned. With a high in the mid 80s today, the younger players are getting their first taste of professional football and the rigors of day to day life as a player for the Ravens while the veterans work off some of that vacation life they've been accustomed to over the last few months. Sweat was undoubtedly pouring off today with players running drills and earning their jerseys in the heat.
Solid first day of OTAs
— lorenzo taliaferro (@ZoBot_45) May 27, 2015
OTA #1 done. OTA #2 tomorrow. Stack stack stack. Work work work.
— Marlon Brown (@MB_uno4) May 27, 2015
The QBs were rocking the all-blacks today at OTAs. pic.twitter.com/aIpDSobxZl
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 27, 2015
While no media was given access to the practice field today, we will be there with the other media tomorrow observing exactly what is going on and who is beginning to shine through.