Ravens: 3 takeaways from the first week of 2021 OTAs

1. The Ravens must have been impressed with Miles Boykin

Yes, we’ve all seen this movie before. Miles Boykin shines in training camp and looks the part of an excellent NFL receiver only to disappoint during the regular season.

But perhaps this time it will be different.

Few players are under more pressure to perform in 2021 than Boykin who enters the summer without a defined role in the offseason.

The former third-round pick has had two years to establish himself as a starting-caliber receiver, but to this point, he’s remained inconsistent at best. Despite 24 career starts under his belt, Boykin has managed just 32 catches for 464 yards.

But if he was looking to make an impact during OTAs, he accomplished just that.

Boykin was the star of the week making plays all over the field and hooking up with Lamar Jackson on a number of occasions. Those two have often struggled to get on the same page, so it was certainly an encouraging showing.

Boykin will not only have to hold off young returning players like Devin Duvernay and James Proche for playing time, but fourth-round rookie Tylan Wallace could eat into his snaps as well.

There’s no guarantee that Boykin even makes the team, but more performances like this one will go a long way toward securing him a spot on both the roster and in the offense.