Daily Caw: Ravens Mandatory Minicamp Kicks Off, Latest Buzz

Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Terrence Brooks (33) puts his helmet away after minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Baltimore Ravens news from around the web.  Today it’s all about mandatory minicamp as the Ravens’ see several veterans return to the field for the first time this offseason.  We also round up all the latest buzz surrounding the Ravens and point out some players who may be on notice heading into the regular season.

Things to watch at mandatory minicampGarrett Downing, BaltimoreRavens.com

"The Ravens should have everyone back in Baltimore this week.The team will hold its three-day mandatory minicamp beginning Tuesday, which will wrap up the offseason calendar. All of the veterans are expected to participate in the practices, and here are some storylines to watch:"

Steve Smith’s different take on being a mentor to Ravens wide receiversJamison Hensley, ESPN.com

"“I feel like I can learn something from them just like they feel like they can learn something from me,” Smith said. “So, I may see a guy do a release, and I’ll jot down a note for myself. And then I may see something, and I’ll tell them. I just really look at it as really two professionals evaluating each other and giving out some great input and that’s really it. [It is] less of [being a] mentor, more of just having a conversation. If you walk in there like, ‘Hey, I’m the older guy …’ I just go in there [and say], ‘Look, I can learn from you; you can learn from me.'”"

Rounding up the latest Ravens offseason buzzJason Marcum, Bleacher Report

"The good thing about minicamps is that more 11-on-11 team activities are permitted. Article 22 of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement notes that minicamps are part of “Phase 3” of the three-part offseason process.While fully padded practices are not permitted, the third phase does allow for players to wear helmets and teams to install plays in “live” defense-versus-offense work. This allows for more productive practices to go on."

Tight end is key in Trestman’s offenseBrian Bower, Russell Street Report

"“What we saw on tape was a guy who would be in the right place, do the right things [and] make a play when he had the opportunity to make a play.” said Trestman about the Minnesota standout. “That’s what we saw in Maxx, and that’s a lot of the reason why he is here. He was able to make the right plays at the right time during the course of his short career, really, in college, and that’s what we would expect to see here.“And that just goes in the learning – the fundamentals, the techniques, the way [tight ends coach] Richard [Angulo] and we are teaching him – and then moving forward each and every day to get better.”"

Ravens who could be on notice in 2015Tony Lombardi, Russell Street Report

"Several of the positional battles will be fierce. Some might provide a preview of potential changes particularly if some players underperform. Online gambling sites might have fun setting odds for some of these battles.Here’s a look at five Ravens players who will be watched closely not only during camp but throughout the 2015 season. Depending upon how they respond they could soon find themselves on the outside looking in."

Next: Joe Flacco and Breshad Perriman tear up OTAs

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