The Baltimore Ravens have just begun voluntary workouts, and there has been plenty of news to go over.
The Ravens are now in what is called Phase Two of the NFL offseason, which consists of individual and group on-field workouts where coaches can be present.
The news that most fans are concerned about is that quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. are not present at these workouts up to this point. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken has made it clear that he's not concerned about their absence, and that he has been in constant contact with Jackson.
Monken said team is in constant communication with Lamar Jackson, OBJ and other guys who aren’t in building for offseason workouts. “It is voluntary, but we’re excited about the guys who are here.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 10, 2023
Nobody has any doubts that Jackson and Beckham Jr. and doing work on their own as they have in past offseasons. To put the minds of fans at ease, a video came out of Rashod Bateman and Beckham Jr. lifting together.
#Ravens Wide Receiver’s Rashod Bateman and new teammate Odell Beckham Jr getting some work in. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ezw6H3JLOL
— hezzo (@heztoochill) May 12, 2023
A familiar face was present in wide receiver and special teamer Devin Duvernay. In his press conference on May 10th, Duvernay said that he is at the running stage but "still has a little bit to go."
Others that were present and seemingly healthy in these workouts were defensive tackles Brent Urban and Michael Pierce, who will have to step up this year with Calais Campbell being released.
Ravens veterans Michael Pierce and Brent Urban. pic.twitter.com/yHFp6drpoW
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 10, 2023
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey said on Twitter that he passed the Ravens' conditioning test. That's obviously expected and required of everyone on the team, but passing it in May seems like a good sign.
Ravens rookies are getting up to speed on the field and all of them have signed their rookie deals except first-round pick Zay Flowers. This is usually the case, as there is more flexibility to be had in first-round contracts.
Flowers has already gone on record complimenting Monken's offense so far saying "Oh, I love it. It fits me perfectly. "
It's obviously premature to put a lot of weight into that statement since nobody has even put on pads yet, but it sure beats a trade request from your first-round receiver three years into their contract.
More players and coaches will participate in press conferences as workouts progress, so more information will become available as time moves forward.