Baltimore Ravens news: Training camp observations
By Chris Cox
Baltimore Ravens wide receivers
With Marquise Brown still sidelined by a hamstring strain, free-agent acquisition Sammy Watkins claimed the alpha receiver role. He was frequently targeted by all three quarterbacks, including while in the red zone. Marlon Humphrey would’ve easily been beat deep by Watkins on one deep pattern if Humphrey hadn’t interfered with Watkins route.
Running beside Watkins in three-receiver sets were James Proche and Devin Duvernay. Proche and fourth-round rookie Tylan Wallace displayed solid hands in the middle of the field.
Rashod Bateman frequently found himself on the sidelines during seven-on-seven and full team drills although he didn’t appear injured.
Baltimore Ravens special teams
Sam Koch better not retire anytime soon. While Koch was his typical reliable self, third-year punter Johnny Townsend left a lot to be desired.
Townsend was able to put plenty of air beneath his kicks, but his distance was often lacking. His punts were frequently five or ten yards shorter than those of his veteran counterpart.
The responsibility for returning those punts fell primarily on receivers James Proche, Devin Duvernay, and first round rookie Rashod Bateman. As exciting as Bateman might eventually be in a receiver role, however, catching punts isn’t currently his forte. He bobbled several and looked uncomfortable in general when fielding punts.