7 standouts from Ravens minicamp headlined by multiple rookies
By Justin Fried
6. Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Ravens
It’s oftentimes difficult to gauge trench play during contact-less spring practices. Players aren’t going full speed and there isn’t the same sense of a battle between the offensive and defensive lines.
Still, fourth-year pass rusher Jaylon Ferguson made quite the impression this spring. Ferguson has shown up in the best shape of his career (yes, it’s cliche at this point), so much so that some had trouble recognizing him without his nameplate.
He’s dropped weight and looks quicker and faster than ever before ahead of a crucial summer for the former Louisiana Tech standout. On one play during Wednesday’s practice, Ferguson toasted veteran tackle Ja’Wuan James before exiting early with a foot injury.
That injury kept Ferguson out of Thursday’s practice, but there’s been no indication that it’s anything serious. Assuming he’s healthy, look for Ferguson to hopefully pick up where he left off come next month.
5. Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
Few players are more important to the Ravens’ success in 2022 than Rashod Bateman. The Ravens have placed a lot of faith in the second-year wideout carrying their receiver room this season.
Bateman showed signs of growth this spring as he looks to get acquainted with his new WR1 role. On top of that, he’s looking to develop some chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The two hooked up for what might have been the play of minicamp, a long 65-yard bomb that Bateman hauled in over his shoulder for a touchdown on Thursday.
The Ravens would love to see Bateman and Jackson continue to build chemistry with one another as we head into the summer months.