4 Players Who Stood Out In OTAs

BaltimoreRavens.com has a new video feature up on the 4 players who stood out in OTAs.  It’s no surprise that Steve Smith is on the list, but the rest – Ray Rice, Jimmy Smith, and Arthur Brown – are pleasant surprises.

Ray Rice certainly looked pretty spry while he was repeatedly beating everyone to the edge, and looks a little slimmer too. Dropping a couple of pounds will hopefully give him a little speed and quickness back after he looked a little slowed by last year’s hip injury.

Steve Smith always looks good in pads and his short tenure with the Ravens is no exception.  He is essentially the anti-Allen Iverson – always going hard in practice.  Fans are excited at the intangibles he brings to the team along with his savvy veteran presence, and for good reason.

Early reports on Jimmy Smith have been universally positive as well.  The talented fourth year player is prime for a breakout year after flashing in spots throughout his career.  He certainly has the natural ability to be a shutdown corner once the game slows down for him, which appears to finally be happening.

Arthur Brown is another guy that has enjoyed tons of positive press from his work in OTAs.  Few rookies are able to come in and make an immediate impact.  It appears that a full season of learning has done Brown a lot of good and he is showing some real playmaking ability through practice so far, even reeling in an impressive one-handed pick.  It may be tough for him to beat out C.J. Mosley for a starting job, but Brown will get meaningful snaps if he keeps it up.

What players stood out to you in OTAs?

May 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) catches a pass during organized team activities at the Under Armour Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports