The Baltimore Ravens are officially through more than half of their 2021 OTAs. With six practices down and four left to go, there have certainly been quite a few takeaways.
Some positive, and some negative, as to be expected.
Minicamp and OTAs this offseason had a very different feel to them than in years past. After a tumultuous 2020 that saw the absence of in-person offseason workouts, the presence of OTAs this spring is more important forever.
Not only is this the first session of OTAs for the 2021 rookies, but the same is true for last year’s rookies who are entering their first true offseason of workouts.
Even third-year receiver Marquise Brown is participating in his first OTAs after missing his rookie season’s workouts due to injury.
It’s an important period of time for everyone, rookies and veterans alike. And while many of the team’s veterans aren’t attending — such as Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams, and others — it’s still good to see the majority of the roster back together again.
As with every year, there are a few players who manage to stand out amongst their peers during the individual and team portions of OTAs.
Who are this year’s notable standouts?
We take a look at four of the most impressive players to this point.
4. Justin Madubuike, DE, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens selected Justin Madubuike in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with an eye on the future.
Madubuike wasn’t going to be asked to start in his rookie season, he’s not even being asked to start in his second season, but in the near future, the team will call on him to play a prominent role on defense.
The former Texas A&M star had an encouraging rookie year that, while not overly productive, showed signs of what the future could hold.
Madubuike finished with 19 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits in 10 games (three starts). He wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer, but his Pro Football Focus grade of 70.3 was good for 41st out of all interior defensive linemen.
In fact, his grade was identical to that of standout nose tackle Brandon Williams.
Madubuike was effective in his rookie season, and he’s showed up to OTAs in the best shape of his football career.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman is looking leaner, quicker, and more athletic than he did a year ago. He’s exploding out of his stance rapidly and should push for more playing time in the rotation in 2021.
The Ravens want to see more splash plays from Madubuike, and his seemingly increased athleticism should allow him to make that happen.
Baltimore has big plans for Justin Madubuike.
3. Daelin Hayes, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will boast a new-look pass rush in 2021 following the departures of Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue this offseason.
And while all eyes will be on first-round pick Odafe Oweh to see if he could carve out a role on defense early in his career, another rookie pass rusher has been making waves in OTAs.
Fifth-round pick Daelin Hayes has been one of the standouts on defense and is looking to find his way into the pass-rush rotation as well.
On Tuesday, Hayes was responsible for a pair of near-sacks first beating veteran blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson inside with a swift spin move. Later in the day, he burst around the edge to beat undrafted rookie Foster Sarell on a speed rush.
Hardly two of the most accomplished blockers in the NFL, and certainly not the talent that he’ll be facing on Sundays, but it was an encouraging showing nonetheless.
Hayes will need more performances like that one if he is to establish a role on defense in his rookie season. Oweh is only some of the competition that Hayes will have to beat out for playing time.
There’s also the returning Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee who will both see their fair share of snaps and former third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson who enters a make-or-break season in 2021.
Hayes is making a strong first impression. Now, it’s on the rookie to keep it up.
2. Tyler Huntley, QB, Baltimore Ravens
One of the more intriguing position battles to watch this spring and summer will be the competition for the backup quarterback job.
The Ravens chose not to add a veteran in the offseason opting instead to let their two returning youngsters, Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley, battle it out.
Baltimore is confident that one of the two will step up and solidify themselves as the new backup. And through the first six days of OTAs so far, we do have an early favorite.
Huntley has gotten the better of McSorley to this point, although both quarterbacks have had their moments.
The highlight of Huntley’s OTAs thus far has been a beautiful deep ball down the sideline that was perfectly placed for rookie wide receiver Tylan Wallace who made the catch in stride.
The pass couldn’t have been thrown better and it was arguably the best throw from any Ravens quarterback during the first six days of OTAs.
McSorley has found some success as well, namely an excellent deep ball to Sammy Watkins earlier last week. Although he did overthrow Wallace on another deep pass on the same day.
Huntley has just been a little more consistent to this point, although the competition is still wide open.
This one bears watching over the next few months.
1. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman was the star of rookie minicamp last month, so it’s no surprise to hear that he’s garnering rave reviews once again in OTAs.
Although it hasn’t necessarily been smooth sailing for the rookie first-round pick.
Bateman left practice early on the second day of OTAs with what was described as muscle soreness. Of course, many feared the worst given the injuries woes the Ravens have experienced at the wide receiver position in the past.
Fortunately, Bateman returned with a vengeance and picked up right where he left off.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
His explosiveness is evident as are his savvy route-running skills. As head coach John Harbaugh said during minicamp, he’s been “as advertised.”
The tape hasn’t lied about Bateman who has lived up to the hype through his first month with the team. There’s still a lot of time left before he officially makes his NFL debut, but the early signs are very encouraging.
That’s important too, especially considering that Bateman will be asked to step into a starting role in his rookie season.
Bateman will join free-agent signing Sammy Watkins and fellow rookie Tylan Wallace in what will be a revamped wide receiver corps for Baltimore.
Of the three, Bateman will likely have the largest impact.
No player has impressed more over the past month — both in rookie minicamp and OTAs — than Rashod Bateman.