Ravens Training Camp: Observations 8/1

Day 7 of Baltimore Ravens 2019 training camp brought a crisp, if relatively uneventful practice. Brandon Carr and Brandon Williams received veteran rest days and Jimmy Smith continued to deal with a personal matter.

On the defensive front, Pernell McPhee is emerging as a veteran leader who brings energy to the drills and holds his teammates accountable. Fellow veteran acquisition Shane Ray has also picked up his play in recent days, both pass rushing and in pass coverage. It was a strong day for the outside linebackers across the board, Matthew Judon stripped Nick Boyle of a reception in 1 vs 1 drills and Tim Williams earned a ‘sack’ during the full team portion. Furthermore, Tyus Bowser collected a ‘sack’ and later tipped a ball at the line that was caught by rookie Jaylon Ferguson for an interception.

Mark Ingram got the best of Patrick Onwuasor on a pair of pass plays, but ‘Peanut’ closed out one 11 vs 11 session with a diving interception at the line of scrimmage. Receiving an opportunity with the second unit, UDFA inside linebacker Otara Alaka sniffed out a screen on one play. And lineman Zack Seiler contributed a couple nice run stuffs.

Anthony Averett worked with the starters during the absence of several veterans and fared well when matched up against Miles Boykin. DeShon Elliott was a standout defensive back on Day 7, he was flying around making plays both in the secondary and at the line. Tavon Young also had a good day with sticky coverage in the slot.

Along the offensive line, Orlando Brown Jr. received the bulk of the repetitions at right tackle, as James Hurst worked primarily with the backups. Ben Powers seems entrenched as the starting left guard right now, he has been opening up holes in the run game. His current backup, Jermaine Eluemunor, is moving pretty well on pull blocks.

The receivers dropped quite a few passes on Thursday. Nonetheless, highlight receptions included a long touchdown to Hayden Hurst on a blown coverage and a Willie Snead score in front of Earl Thomas. Jaleel Scott caught a twice tipped ball in the end zone during red zone 7 on 7s. Per usual, Lamar Jackson delivered several pitch-and-catch chunk play to Mark Andrews. Jackson is also developing a connection with Seth Roberts, they managed a big play down the left sideline in full team drills.

A fierce competition is unfolding for the backup running back jobs. Justice Hill has shown precise route running and Gus Edwards did well as a receiver on Thursday. Kenneth Dixon also made some plays out of the backfield. Tyler Ervin, however, has been perhaps the greatest surprise of training camp thus far. Ervin has flashed electric playmaking potential on nearly every touch, he could be a major weapon if he makes the roster.