Training Camp Report
Part I
Every year we hear stories about how X player has shown up in the best shape of their lives or that Y player is having a great camp. Well this year is no different. After watching the Baltimore Ravens practice over the weekend there were a few players who stood out during the few days of practice which I was in attendance for. Part I
One of those guys who has had a great camp so far is second year tight end Darren Waller. Waller was the Ravens 6th round pick last year as a Wide Receiver out of Georgia Tech. Waller did not see much action last year only having two catches for 18 yards.
Waller spent the practices running with the first team offense and took full advantage of this opportunity. Flacco and Waller quickly built a rapport and Waller rewarded the coaches faith in him and caught any ball thrown in his direction. The 6'6 TE presents a matchup problem for Defensive Backs who try to defend him as he can easily win jump balls in the Red Zone. Linebackers also seemed a step slow when trying to keep with Waller. It will be interesting to see how Coach Harbaugh will use Waller as the Ravens are very deep in the Tight End position with Ben Watson listed as their starter and Pitta, Gilmore, Willams and Boyle are also ahead of Waller in the depth chart. One thing is for sure if Waller is able to bring this level of play during the preseason games he will not be a backup much longer.
- Someone who hasn't had a good training camp has been rookie cornerback Tavon Young. When given the opportunity to face the first team offense he was consistently beaten by Kamar Aiken and Mike Wallace. He will need a much better showing in the preseason if he is to make the 53 man roster.
- Rookie OLB Matt Judon also did not have a good showing in camp so far. He was unable to beat rookie Ronnie Stanley and generate pressure on the Quarterback. When he was able to get into the backfield Flacco easily evaded him and completed a pass down the field.