The Baltimore Ravens releasing undrafted rookie kicker John Hoyland caught many off guard. It still seems too early to release a competitor for the team’s most questionable starting spot in 2025, but other glaring needs on the camp roster forced Baltimore’s hand.
With the increase in opportunities but also stress for the 2025 sixth-round selection, Tyler Loop, many were wondering how the move would affect him. In Sunday’s training camp practice, he proved to be unfazed by what transpired and looked better than ever.
Sunday was Baltimore’s first practice at the stadium, giving Loop a chance to kick on his home field in front of fans for the first time in his NFL career. He looked fantastic. The 23-year-old drilled all 11 of his kicks, which included makes from 56 and 60 yards out.
Of course, with that kind of performance, the praise was coming from every direction possible. After the team wrapped things up, Head Coach John Harbaugh praised the rookie for how he handled things. He mentioned Loop passed the day’s test with “flying colors” and gave him an “A++++.”
Punter Jordan Stout, who holds Loop’s kicks, had great things to say about the rookie, as well. Stout said:
“We have a Trackman now…it tracks the ball speed, tracks the distance, all that. I think that 60-yard field goal is good from 67. And he’s hitting into the wind. That’s a taste of what he’s been doing.”
Tyler Loop is looking better than ever
This type of play is nothing new from Loop. After he endured some struggles during offseason activities, he swiftly pulled away from Hoyland at the start of training camp. Sunday’s showing put an exclamation mark on what the Arizona product has done in the last couple of weeks, and doing so in front of an M&T Bank Stadium crowd only adds to it.
As if the perfect accuracy did not say enough, Loop’s confidence proves he is ready to be the guy in Baltimore. He was all smiles all day long, emitting confidence after each strike of the ball. Although he has yet to prove it in live NFL action, he is peaking at the perfect moment with the team’s first preseason game just days away.
Perhaps Hoyland’s release took a weight off of Loop’s shoulders, but it also could have added some pressure. All eyes are on him moving forward. Regardless, Loop did not seem shaken on Sunday. Fans will have to wait and see if that changes when he gets his glimpse of a professional game.