The Baltimore Ravens are using the first few weeks of OTAs to see which fringe players have a chance at making an impact in a limited role and which are likely to be cut when the moment allows for it. One name who is trying everything to stick with Baltimore is former undrafted free agent cornerback Tre Swilling.
Baltimore invested heavily in their secondary this offseason, as they re-signed Arthur Maulet while drafting Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa in the first and fourth round, respectively. Swilling faces long odds of making the roster, and he needs a strong OTA showing to prove his worth.
Swilling's special teams value will be important to get a handle on, but his most recent showing against some of the projected starters had to raise the eyebrows of Baltimore's defensive coaching staff. Swilling is eyeing not just a spot on the Ravens, but a role as a cornerback.
Multiple sources who were present at OTAs attest to Swilling playing very well against some of the starters. Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar all saw passes intended for them broken up by Swilling, and he nearly intercepted a Josh Johnson pass intended for Rashod Bateman.
One of the standout players today was DB Tre Swilling, who was on the practice squad last year. Swilling got a hand in to rip a pass away from Zay Flowers, then broke up a pass for Isaiah Likely and also disrupted a pass intended for Charlie Kolar.
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) May 30, 2024
Tre Swilling emerges as star of Baltimore Ravens OTAs
Swilling certainly has NFL bloodlines, as he is the son of Saints legend and former Defensive Player of the Year Pat Swilling. After a standout career at Georgia Tech, Swilling went undrafted due to some less-than-wonderful athleticism scores. He has bounced around between Tennessee, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
Swilling finished his college career as a Yellow Jacket with 101 tackles and two interceptions while overcoming some injuries. Ravens fans are sure to love a highlight reel that includes him and Steelers wide receiver George Pickens tussling during their annual intra-state rivalry game.
Swilling will likely be fighting for a special teams role above all else, but plays like this against projected starters will go a long way toward endearing yourself to the local fanbase. Swilling may have a leg up on names like rookie Sanoussi Kane and Damarion Williams.