Ravens News 4/1: Vedvik expected back, WR fits and more

Kaare Vedvik Expected Back in Training Camp in Role of Backup Kicker - Clifton Brown

“Kaare Vedvik, he’ll be back,” Harbaugh said during the NFL Annual League Meetings in Phoenix. “He was with us all season, he’s training now. He’ll be one of our camp kickers. Actually, I fully expect that he’ll kick well enough for us to trade him. That’s kind of, I would say, the goal. Now, if something changes, it’s always competitive. You never know. Watch out Tuck. But I think we’re really set with our specialists. Obviously, we’re not looking to make a change there in all seriousness. But he’s capable of kicking in the NFL. We probably could have traded him last year.”

Teams rarely trade for kickers but Vedvik impressed with a 46.8 yard average on 19 preseason punts and nailed a 56-yard field goal last summer.

Baltimore Ravens were interested, but free agent linebacker explains why he signed elsewhere - Aaron Kasinitz

The newest Oakland Raiders inside linebacker could’ve been a Baltimore Raven, but he didn’t want to wait.

That’s the way Brandon Marshall put it in a radio interview, anyway.

But the Ravens wanted to wait until May 8 to sign the veteran free agent in order to save a compensatory pick, according to Marshall. It was a deal Marshall decided not to make.

Veteran inside linebackers Jamie Collins and Zach Brown remain unsigned.

3 PROSPECT FITS TO IMPROVE RAVENS WIDE RECEIVERS - Kyle Crabbs

A.J. BROWN, MISSISSIPPI

Think about how Brown thrived at Mississippi. Can he win outside? Yes. Is he better with a spaced field and a run threat to allow him to gouge teams in the middle of the field? YES. I love the schematic fit of Brown with the Ravens, given his strengths and his potential as a blocker to be an all-around asset that meshes well with the run mentality.

Brown is also one of the more physical RAC runners in this class. He’s an absolute bully with the ball in his hands, so you know he’s not going to be afraid to bang linebackers and safeties as he carries momentum down into the middle of the field with the football. Here’s the problem, if you want Brown, you need a trade-back dance partner or you need to be willing to take him at 22 overall.

I considered N’Keal Harry and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside here but to be honest I’m just not feeling the fits here. Both Harry and JJAW are guys who will benefit more from pinpoint passers and while they’re physical, they don’t have that as their hallmark quality.

Crabbs goes on to identify tall, jump ball specialists Hakeem Butler and Antonie Wesley as suitable receivers for the Ravens.

Four-round 2019 NFL mock draft: QB, WR for Patriots in Round 3 - Chad Reuter

22. Parris Campbell - WR

The departures of Michael Crabtree and John Brown mean the Ravens desperately need a receiver (or two) for second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson. Campbell is growing into a more complete receiver than he was early in his Ohio State career. The sky’s the limit.

85. Mike Jackson - CB

Jackson does not always play as fast as he timed at the combine (4.45 in the 40), but he has the body type that the Ravens will need to eventually replace corners Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith, who are both in their 30s.

102. Jalen Jelks - Edge

Jelks didn’t show himself to be a plus athlete at the combine, but the Ravens won’t care about that when looking for depth at the position where they lost Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith. He is a strong player on the edge who wins with his length and football instincts.

113. Greg Gaines - DT

Baltimore needs defensive line help. Gaines isn’t tall or long, but his constant badgering of offensive linemen and swallowing of ball carriers inside would have impressed former GM Ozzie Newsome -- so maybe new GM Eric DeCosta takes one out of Newsome’s playbook and makes Gaines a Raven.

123. Lonnie Johnson - CB

After drafting Miami CB Mike Jackson in Round 3, the Ravens find another long outside cornerback to help build depth with Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith getting up there in years.

Far from an ideal mock for Baltimore. Reuter choose Campbell while Clelin Ferrell, Cody Ford and nearly every receiver was still available. Then he spent two valuable picks on cornerbacks to compete at the deepest position on the entire roster and reached for run stuffing defensive tackle.