First Mini Camp Wrap Up

In a very brief, mandatory mini camp that lasted three days and five practices, the Baltimore Ravens learned a lot in just a short amount of time.  Many Ravens fans had questions about the offensive line, the wide receivers, and linebacker positions.

Joe Flacco looked like a seasoned veteran out there in mini-camp. The coaching staff, the players and many reporters stated that he has really grown into the leader of the Ravens offense. It will certainly be exciting to see what Bazooka Joe can do now with a year under his belt.

Michael Oher, the Ravens first round draft pick this year, stepped right into the right tackle position after Adam Terry and Willie Anderson were a no show with knee injuries.  Coach Harbaugh stated that there will be an open competition between the rookie, Anderson, and Terry to see who will protect the right side of Joe Flacco.

The Ravens went a little crazy getting so many free agent wide receivers to come to mini camp.  Coach Harbaugh wanted to get a solid wide out to complement Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams.  Out of the four wide receivers that were invited to mini camp, Harbaugh’s staff was very impressed with former Bengals and Patriots wide out Kelley Washington.  Young talents like Justin Harper and Marcus Smith also had strong showing during mini camp.  There is also a strong desire to learn more about rookie free agent wide outs Isaiah Williams and Eron Reily.

With the departure of Bart Scott, there were questions of who would join Ray Lewis at middle linebacker in the Ravens 3-4 defense.  The coaching staff was very impressed with Jameel McClain, who the led the NFL in safeties last year.  The staff was very impressed with his transition from outside to inside linebacker.  This may be the case but, however, it seems like Tavarus Gooden has that position locked up.  The Ravens stated that he has fully recovered from his injury and is ready to go.

The battle for the next Matt Stover has begun between Steve Hauschka and rookie Graham Gano.  Although Hauschka is the likely starting kicker, the coaching staff stated they were very impressed with both of these young men during mini camp.

Since Lorenzo Neal has not re-signed with the Ravens yet and there are rumors of him going to Oakland, there is a chance that Le’Ron “Freight Train” McClain will move back to his original role as a blocking full back.  McClain has accept this notion and states he is ready to create running room for pro bowl running back Willis McGahee and Ray Rice.

There are a lot of injuries for mini camp and here is the list, according to baltimoreravens.com, of the injured players:

Willie Anderson (knee)
Adam Terry (knee)
Marshall Yanda (knee)
Derrick Mason (shoulder, duh)
Mark Clayton (undisclosed)
“Completetrius” Williams (ankle)
Ben Grubbs (ankle)
Fabian Washington (neck/shoulder)
Chris “Baby You Can Drive My” Carr (shoulder)
Frank “Bounty Hunter” Walker (shoulder)
Samari “Shake, Rattle and” Rolle (groin)

* Chris Berman got NOTHIN on me!

The good news for everyone on this list is that they are expected to make a full recovery and will be in training camp when it starts this summer. There is a question mark on Derrick Mason, however, as he could miss training camp after his surgery to repair his scapula and labrium. We will all have our fingers crossed and hope D-Mase and the other can get healthy for the start of the season.