2017 NFL Combine Presser: John Harbaugh highlights

The 2017 NFL combine is officially underway, and with that comes a gamut of press conferences from head coaches and executives around the league that address team issues and other situations heading into the scouting event.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is a mainstay at these conferences each year, and he arrived on Wednesday morning ready to answer questions and provide insight. The conference kicked off with a question about wide receiver Breshad Perriman, and what he needs to work on heading into his third NFL season.

“I think Breshad has really come a long way in terms of his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his professionalism.” Harbaugh said. “[H]e came back last year with a great work ethic and I thought he improved throughout the course of the year, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he becomes. I really think Breshad Perriman can be a top flight receiver in this league.”

Harbaugh also mentioned second year receiver Chris Moore as a pass catcher they were excited about while noting some improvements he hoped to see in him.

Following that, Harbaugh was asked about impending free agents Kyle Juszscyk, Rick Wagner, and Brandon Williams, and what they planned to do in order to bring them back.

“We’re negotiating with those guys, the three guys you’re talking about,” he said. “We’re trying to get that done, and I'm sure there are conversations going on with their agents. I've got my fingers crossed for this three guys.”

Later in the presser, Harbaugh singled out Rick Wagner as a player they are still in talks with over a contract, and that they would really like to retain the young right tackle. There isn't any word on progression of talks with Williams, but there has been confirmation that the franchise tag will not be in play for the stalwart nose tackle.

When asked about running back Kenneth Dixon, he said he was a real believer in the young runner, stating that he had “proven himself.” He also spoke on a key cog of the 2016 offense, Mike Wallace, stating that he wanted him back on the team in 2017, despite an eight million dollar cap hit.

Other highlights included:

• Harbaugh stating that he wanted backup quarterback Ryan Mallett back under contract, and that they would consider the draft to find another signal caller
• He stated that the Ravens were open to drafting a running back in the first round
• When asked about domestic violence offenders, he stated that owner Steve Bisciotti was staunchly against bringing in anyone with that in their history, and that he concurred (translation: no Joe Mixon)
• Harbaugh stating that he “absolutely believes” Baltimore will contend for a championship, citing last year’s defensive performance, and a “championship caliber quarterback”