Ravens: 3 sleeper players who could make noise at training camp
By Justin Fried
3. Ar’Darius Washington, S, Ravens
Of all the undrafted rookies the Ravens signed this offseason, perhaps the most notable was former TCU safety Ar’Darius Washington.
Washington shined at TCU as a versatile, albeit undersized playmaker in his team’s defense. Overlooked due to his small stature, many saw Washington as someone who could push for a roster spot in the right situation.
And while he faces an uphill battle in a crowded safety room, Washington has the skills to make some noise this summer.
The Ravens were already impressed with his showing this spring with the team reportedly “excited” about his potential. He’ll be given an extended look in training camp.
It won’t be easy, however. The team’s starters, DeShon Elliott and Chuck Clark, are already locked into their roles. And he faces stiff competition for the backup safety spots.
Third-round rookie Brandon Stephens is a lock for the roster and he figures to see plenty of playing time at safety and on special teams.
That leaves Washington competing with the likes of Anthony Levine, Jordan Richards, Geno Stone, and Nigel Warrior for what could be one (at most two) roster spot.
Levine and Richards have the special-teams experience while Stone was a seventh-round pick a year ago.
Washington may be small, but his versatility and range could convince the Ravens to keep him around. At the very least, he could secure a practice squad spot with a strong summer.