Ravens News 7/27: Practice report, safety rankings and more

Harrison Smith paces the NFL’s top 10 safeties heading into 2018 - Gordon McGuiness

9. ERIC WEDDLE, BALTIMORE RAVENS

The elder statesman of our top safeties, Weddle had some struggles with tackling early in 2017, but rebounded to finish the year strong. After missing seven tackles through the first six games of the year, he proceeded to miss just three over the next 10 games. His PFF grade reflected that improvement in the second half of the year, with Weddle ranking as our eighth-highest graded safety in that span.

Weddle has lost some of his range over the years, yet he intercepted a whopping 25-percent of the passes targeting his coverage last season. The Ravens are hoping for another strong season from the 33-year-old.

News & Notes 7/26: Ravens Inside Linebacker Competition Is Heating Up - Ryan Mink

Baltimore is getting an extended look at rookie third-round pick Orlando Brown Jr. at right tackle, as he’s taken all the snaps there with the first-team offense.

It’s a battle between Brown and veteran James Hurst for the starting job, but Hurst hasn’t gotten snaps there yet as he’s filled in for injured Marshal Yanda (shoulder) at right guard.

Mornhinweg said Brown has “improved dramatically” at right tackle after playing on the left side throughout his college career at Oklahoma.

Patrick Onwuasor started 13 games at inside linebacker last year and has been running with the first-team defense throughout the summer. However, the starting position next to Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley may be more open than it appears.

On Thursday, Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale said rookie fourth-round pick Kenny Young is making a push for the job.

“There’s going to be great competition with Peanut and Kenny,” Martindale said. “Kenny Young’s come on.”

Given his background, [Peanut] also has a good feel for pass coverage. In the first days of camp, he tipped a pass that was intercepted by Matthew Judon. On Thursday, Onwuasor picked off a sideline throw by quarterback Joe Flacco during red-zone work.

Patrick Onwuasor is likely to start, at least early in the season, due to his well rounded skillset. Nonetheless, the more athletic Kenny Young may have immediate utility as a specialist who can matchup against receiving backs in man coverage.

Practice Report 7/26: John Brown Has a Monster Day at Ravens Training Camp - Garrett Downing

- Defensive tackle Willie Henry has been an active interior pass rusher early in practice, and he showed off that ability by sliding through the offensive line and touching down rookie Lamar Jackson for a sack in full-team drills.

- Rookie receiver Jordan Lasley had a couple nice plays. He showed nice vision once he had the ball in his hands and used his shiftiness to spring him for some extra yardage. He also beat Humphrey for a touchdown on a double move to catch a deep pass from Flacco.

Consistency will be the key for Lasley, an elusive receiver with the ball in his hands. Stacking quality practices and preseason performances could lead to a regular season opportunity.