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Last week, the Ravens’ rookie camp focused on getting the newest players on the same page as the veterans.
So now that those veterans are back this week, how did things go?
“It went great,” said third-round draft pick Ed Dickson. “I’ve really put in a lot of work in the playbook since we got them, but we really focused on what we need to do. I’ve been getting some run with the [starters] and [second-string], so it was good to get the extra reps last week.”
Head Coach John Harbaugh delineated the process of indoctrinating the rookies last week.
Basically, he wanted coaches to throw a lot at everyone from the beginning, and then tap the breaks when the veterans left town to give the rookies more intense schooling.
For a guy like wideout David Reed, who didn’t get much action on offense in previous OTAs, the added reps at receiver were invaluable.
Even though he went back to a limited workload with the veterans, Reed got a lot out of the entire practice.
“I really knew what they were talking about,” Reed explained. ”Before, I was just focusing on my own position, but I’m picking up some of the other positions, whether that’s F (receiver) or Z (receiver). I’m really into practice now.
“As much as you want to be in it before, it’s tough to take mental reps when you’re not completely comfortable with the language. Now, at least I’m feeling comfortable to where I can get those mental reps even if I’m not in on the play.”
Because the NFL recently cancelled the Ravens’ two OTAs scheduled for next week, this last set is critical for the rookies, who will leave team headquarters on Thursday, only to return by late July’s training camp.