Ravens news: OBJ still on the radar, Calais Campbell gets his flowers, more

The Baltimore Ravens weren’t on the shortlist of Odell Beckham Jr.’s preferred teams, but they could still be considered a dark horse contender to land the star wideout.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Beckham may not be keen on signing with a new team too quickly and could wait until next offseason to do so.

Beckham’s recovery from his ACL injury has been going well, and he’s already visited a few teams including the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.

The Ravens are in dire need of more wideout reinforcements and Beckham waiting to sign with a team may theoretically work in Baltimore’s favor. If the Ravens make a deep postseason run in 2022, they can boost their desirability for next offseason, proving to Beckham they are a serious playoff contender.

Granted, Beckham wouldn’t help them in the short term, which is arguably when they need the most help after Rashod Bateman was ruled out for the season.

Until Beckham makes a clear decision on his future, he will continue to be a blip on the Ravens’ radar.

Here’s what’s trending in Ravens news around the web

Ray Lewis to serve on AFC coaching staff in 2023 Pro Bowl (CBS)

Ravens legend Ray Lewis will serve as AFC defensive coordinator in the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. Lewis is a two-time Super Bowl champion, 12-time Pro Bowl selection, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and his resume speaks for itself.

He will be working with Peyton Manning, who will serve as AFC head coach, and Mexico’s women’s national flag football team quarterback Diana Flores, who will serve as AFC offensive coordinator.

Calais Campbell wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Todd Karpovich, Sports Illustrated)

Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his heroics in Week 14. The veteran D-lineman blocked a field goal to preserve the Ravens’ 16-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This marks Campbell’s sixth career Player of the Week award and second on Special Teams. It’s also worth noting that Campbell’s field goal block against Pittsburgh was his ninth career block, the most by any active player in the NFL.

Ravens rank ninth in Week 15 power rankings (Jamison Hensley, ESPN)

Per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the Ravens currently rank ninth in the league’s power rankings. He breaks down the units as follows: Baltimore’s offense is ranked 12th, the defense is ranked 11th, and special teams is ranked second overall.

"The Ravens’ offense and defense have similar efficiencies, but they are two sides of the ball going in opposite directions….The constant is the traditionally strong special teams, led by one of the best kickers in NFL history, Justin Tucker."

While the offense suffered a setback following Lamar Jackson’s injury and the defense remains prone to collapses, the special teams unit continues to carry the team in close games. Special teams will likely play another large role in the team’s upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.