The first week of training camp has wrapped up, and the Baltimore Ravens look as good as advertised. Veterans and rookies are making the most of their offseason and are ready to prove themselves this year.
While countless winners are standing out in camp thus far, some find themselves on the short end of the stick. Here are two winners and two losers from the first week of Ravens training camp.
2 winners and 1 loser from first week of camp
Winner: The Ravens' wide receiver room
Baltimore's passing attack took significant strides in 2024, eclipsing 4,000 yards for the first time in the Lamar Jackson era. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are continuing to shine in training camp, but the most anticipated weapons heading into these weeks were DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker. They are already showing out.
Critics are questioning if the end is near for Hopkins heading into the 2025 season. After an underwhelming 2024 campaign with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, the 33-year-old has gotten off to a fast start with the Ravens. He has already formed a strong relationship with Jackson and continues to make the highlight reel catches he is known for.
Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker is following in the veteran’s footsteps. It sounds like every day, Walker shows up and is one of the best players on the field. His performance this summer is deserving of reps once the regular season kicks off. While he has a long way to go in terms of earning those reps, his showing proves the Ravens have one of the deepest receiving groups in the NFL.
Loser: Bilhal Kone
Bilhal Kone is one of the many sixth-round selections looking to secure a roster spot in Baltimore. The 23-year-old entered training camp in a stacked cornerback room, mainly competing with fellow rookie corner Robert Longerbeam. While Longerbeam has not been making headlines, Kone is already losing some ground.
While Kone made some plays early in camp, he fell victim to the injury bug, injuring his shoulder in Saturday’s practice, and has yet to return to the field. For a late-round pick like Kone, camp and preseason are crucial to catch coaches' attention and land on the team’s initial 53-man roster. If he does not return soon, his chances of that will become more difficult.
Winner: Trenton Simpson
Trenton Simpson has another opportunity to win a starting job in Baltimore. All offseason, he looked great, and he continues to do so in camp. He started on the right foot with an interception and is getting praise from All-Pro Roquan Smith as well.
“Trent’s taken a big step, mentally, physically, the dude looks like a Greek god,” Smith said. “He looks really good. He’s matured a lot. I know he’s gonna take a big step and I’m excited to see him prove to himself play in and play out, game in and game out.”
That kind of praise does not come easy. Although Simpson tends to impress at camp, and there is still concern about how he will perform in game action, the future looks brighter after a dismal 2024 season.
Training camp is just getting started, but the team's early showing is getting fans excited for what 2025 has to offer. There will be countless highs and lows as we inch closer to the regular season, but this first week has been encouraging.