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There aren't many names that carry more recognition among longtime Baltimore Ravens fans than 'Webb.' For nearly a decade, Lardarius Webb was one of the cornerstones of Baltimore's secondary. The former third-round draft choice spent nine seasons with the Ravens from 2009 through 2017, earning a Super Bowl ring and establishing himself as one of the more respected defensive backs of his era.
Now, nearly 10 years after his father's Ravens career ended, Lardarius Webb Jr. is hoping to create a football story of his own. The undrafted rookie defensive back enters training camp facing long odds, but he also enters with something many fringe roster candidates don't possess — momentum. OTAs and mandatory minicamp are now in the rearview mirror. Training camp looms on the horizon, and while most conversations center on established veterans or high-profile draft picks, Webb quietly gave the Ravens coaching staff reasons to take notice during the spring.
Webb's journey to the NFL wasn't a straight line. He spent time at Jones College in Mississippi from 2021 through 2022 before transferring to Oklahoma State in 2023. Additional stops at South Alabama and Wake Forest followed, creating one of the more unique college resumes among Baltimore's undrafted free-agent class.
That path required patience and perseverance. It also provided valuable experience. By the time Baltimore signed him following the draft, Webb had already navigated multiple programs, coaching staffs, and defensive systems. That adaptability has helped him transition into professional football.
No one is handing Webb a roster spot. That's the reality of being an undrafted rookie in one of the NFL's deepest secondaries.
Still, the young defensive back made several positive impressions during offseason work. According to reports from minicamp, Webb capped one strong practice with a pass breakup during red-zone drills that drew praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Those moments matter. Players on the roster bubble don't always receive endless opportunities. When opportunities arise, they must capitalize on them. Webb appears to have done exactly that throughout portions of the spring. The challenge now is sustaining that momentum once the pads come on.
The Ravens boast one of the NFL's most talented cornerback groups. Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, and T.J. Tampa all figure prominently into Baltimore's plans. Young defensive backs such as Keyon Martin, Robert Longerbeam, Bilhal Kone, and others are also battling for opportunities.
That leaves Webb fighting uphill. The good news is that Baltimore has never been afraid to reward performance. Draft status doesn't guarantee anything in this organization, and being an undrafted free agent certainly doesn't rule someone out of consideration.
The Ravens have built part of their reputation by discovering contributors where other teams failed to look.
It would be easy to focus on Webb's last name. After all, Ravens fans have fond memories of seeing "Webb" stitched across the back of a jersey. The connection naturally creates interest and conversation. Ultimately, however, family ties won't determine whether he survives roster cuts. Merit will.
That's perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this entire story. Lardarius Webb Jr. isn't being evaluated because of who his father was. He's being evaluated because of what he can become. Training camp will reveal whether that potential is enough to secure a roster spot in Baltimore.
Even if it isn't, the young defensive back has already positioned himself to remain part of the conversation. For now, that's exactly what a long-shot undrafted rookie needs to do. The next step is proving the spring wasn't a fluke and forcing the Ravens to make a difficult decision when roster cuts arrive.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lardarius Webb Jr. looks to turn spring buzz into Ravens roster push
Continue reading...
Now, nearly 10 years after his father's Ravens career ended, Lardarius Webb Jr. is hoping to create a football story of his own. The undrafted rookie defensive back enters training camp facing long odds, but he also enters with something many fringe roster candidates don't possess — momentum. OTAs and mandatory minicamp are now in the rearview mirror. Training camp looms on the horizon, and while most conversations center on established veterans or high-profile draft picks, Webb quietly gave the Ravens coaching staff reasons to take notice during the spring.
A winding road to the City of Baltimore
Webb's journey to the NFL wasn't a straight line. He spent time at Jones College in Mississippi from 2021 through 2022 before transferring to Oklahoma State in 2023. Additional stops at South Alabama and Wake Forest followed, creating one of the more unique college resumes among Baltimore's undrafted free-agent class.
That path required patience and perseverance. It also provided valuable experience. By the time Baltimore signed him following the draft, Webb had already navigated multiple programs, coaching staffs, and defensive systems. That adaptability has helped him transition into professional football.
Spring practices helped his cause
No one is handing Webb a roster spot. That's the reality of being an undrafted rookie in one of the NFL's deepest secondaries.
Still, the young defensive back made several positive impressions during offseason work. According to reports from minicamp, Webb capped one strong practice with a pass breakup during red-zone drills that drew praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Those moments matter. Players on the roster bubble don't always receive endless opportunities. When opportunities arise, they must capitalize on them. Webb appears to have done exactly that throughout portions of the spring. The challenge now is sustaining that momentum once the pads come on.
Competition will be fierce at Ravens training camp
The Ravens boast one of the NFL's most talented cornerback groups. Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, and T.J. Tampa all figure prominently into Baltimore's plans. Young defensive backs such as Keyon Martin, Robert Longerbeam, Bilhal Kone, and others are also battling for opportunities.
That leaves Webb fighting uphill. The good news is that Baltimore has never been afraid to reward performance. Draft status doesn't guarantee anything in this organization, and being an undrafted free agent certainly doesn't rule someone out of consideration.
The Ravens have built part of their reputation by discovering contributors where other teams failed to look.
A familiar name with something to prove
It would be easy to focus on Webb's last name. After all, Ravens fans have fond memories of seeing "Webb" stitched across the back of a jersey. The connection naturally creates interest and conversation. Ultimately, however, family ties won't determine whether he survives roster cuts. Merit will.
That's perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this entire story. Lardarius Webb Jr. isn't being evaluated because of who his father was. He's being evaluated because of what he can become. Training camp will reveal whether that potential is enough to secure a roster spot in Baltimore.
Even if it isn't, the young defensive back has already positioned himself to remain part of the conversation. For now, that's exactly what a long-shot undrafted rookie needs to do. The next step is proving the spring wasn't a fluke and forcing the Ravens to make a difficult decision when roster cuts arrive.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lardarius Webb Jr. looks to turn spring buzz into Ravens roster push
Continue reading...
