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Baltimore Ravens: Wallace and Perriman Impress at OTAs

By Joe Schiller

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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OTAs have started up for the Baltimore Ravens and we take a look at some initial reactions.

NFL OTAs have started back up for all 32 teams, which means we finally get to see players back on the field. During this time of the offseason we start to see players skip out on these activities because of injuries or contract holdouts. The Baltimore Ravens did not have any of these problems and were all business.

As it’s been talked about, wide receiver is a major concern going into the season. The Ravens failed to address it in the draft, which did not make fans very happy. However, there are receivers current roster that are vital to the success of the offense. Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman will look to be the #1 and #2 receivers for Joe Flacco and the offense.

Good news for Ravens fans, both of these guys were out in full force on the practice field today.

https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/867138493000056836

Both Perriman and Wallace were snagging passes all round the field. The two are developing more chemistry with quarterback Joe Flacco and it seems like they could be poised for a big 2017 season.

One major thing that stands out about both of these guys: speed. Like Ryan Mink said in the video, the Ravens could have the fastest 1-2 duo at receiver this season. This bodes well for the big arm of Joe Flacco. The ability to get behind defenses for long touchdowns helps the offense as a hole. It then opens up the short game in the slot for guys like Chris Moore and Michael Campanaro.

Other thoughts

Aside from the wide receiver group, there are of other things going on during OTAs. Writer Jake McDonnell takes an in-depth look at the position battles here.

Here are my thoughts:

  • Joe Flacco finally looks comfortable back in the pocket. Now that he’s coming into his second season off of knee surgery, hopefully he has gotten that grove back. #5 is going to need to be consistent this season if the offense wants to score some points. Cannot keep relying on Justin Tucker time you’re in the redzone.
  • Stephane Nembot and De’Ondre Wesley could be serious contenders to take over the right tackle position. I know some people might want a veteran right tackle there, but it might be best to go young here. Nembot and Wesley look in great shape and should bring some good competition to the position. Do not surprised if you see one of them starting there week 1 of the season.

Next: Ravens Legends Bracket: previewing round 2 contests

  • Keep an eye out for Matt Judon. As Pete Prisco of CBS Sports wrote, Judon will be critical for the Ravens this season. The rookie had a impressive debut last season and should be put into a bigger role in 2017. He provides explosiveness off the edge and also is a key contributor in special teams. If Bowser and Williams need more time to develop, Judon could very well see some starting time this season. For him, it’s all about staying disciplined and not picking up silly penalties. Penalties hurt his playing time last year, but it comes with the development.

As OTAs continue and we get into training camp, the staff here at Ebony Bird will keep you updated with every thing you need to know

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