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The Ravens have completed their first two OTA practices and will return to the field on Thursday to finish Week 1 before taking four days off, and returning to the Under Armour Performance Center's practice field on May 26-28.
While OTA practices rarely provide definitive answers, they often offer the first clues about depth charts, emerging roles, and players positioned to take major steps forward. Baltimore's OTA sessions are scheduled for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4, giving the coaching staff valuable opportunities to evaluate veterans, rookies, and under-the-radar contributors before mandatory minicamp arrives.
The Ravens enter the spring with a roster featuring established stars, new additions, and several position battles worth monitoring. Here's one player to watch at every position group.
Pavia, a Heisman Trophy runner-up with a dynamic dual-threat skill set, generated buzz during rookie minicamp and quickly drew interest from multiple teams after his Ravens minicamp invite. Pavia is the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014. Pavia will compete against Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano, who is also receiving a tryout at the Ravens rookie minicamp. Still, his production at Vanderbilt and elusive style of play make him an intriguing player to watch. In 2025, the bousterious Pavia led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record, the first double-digit win season in school history after throwing 29 touchdown passes and rushing for 10 more, earning first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year, as he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassman quarterback in college football.
With Patrick Ricard no longer in Baltimore and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle favoring more H-back concepts over traditional fullback usage, Scott suddenly finds himself at an important crossroads. OTAs could reveal whether Baltimore still values a true fullback role moving forward.
The rookie receiver enters a crowded position room, but his development could dramatically reshape Baltimore's offensive ceiling. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are established veterans, while Devontez Walker seeks a larger role. Lane arrives with buzz and could quickly force his way into offensive packages if he flashes early chemistry with Jackson.
Mark Andrews remains Baltimore's cornerstone at tight end after signing a lucrative extension, but Smythe could quietly become one of the offseason's more important additions. Baltimore lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, creating opportunities behind Andrews. OTAs will offer an early look at how Smythe fits into the offense.
Baltimore drafted Ioane, expecting an immediate impact. The first-round pick projects as a Day 1 starter, and OTAs provide the first opportunity to see how quickly he adapts to NFL speed and communication responsibilities. Offensive line chemistry takes time, but Ioane could become one of Baltimore's most important rookie storylines.
Few Ravens storylines carry greater significance. Madubuike missed much of last season with a neck injury, and questions surrounding his health linger entering the offseason. If Baltimore's star defensive tackle returns looking explosive and healthy, it changes the complexion of the entire defense.
Baltimore made major investments at edge rusher, but Young enters OTAs as a player capable of generating immediate excitement. Trey Hendrickson headlines the room, while Mike Green and Tavius Robinson bring upside. Still, Young's athletic profile and draft investment make him a fascinating early watch.
Simpson enters a pivotal season. Roquan Smith remains the defensive leader, but Simpson's long-term future feels uncertain as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. OTAs could offer an early indication of whether Baltimore views him as a long-term contributor or rotational depth piece.
Tampa enters Year 3 still seeking meaningful defensive opportunities. Baltimore added depth at cornerback and re-signed veterans, creating pressure to establish himself. Strong OTA performances could position Tampa for a larger summer role entering training camp.
Baltimore views Starks as part of the future alongside Kyle Hamilton. Starks is expected to carry a much larger role in 2026 and could make his first Pro Bowl.
Special teams always matter in Baltimore, and Eckley arrives with an elite college résumé. The rookie's consistency, hang time, and field-position value make him an intriguing under-the-radar storyline throughout spring practices.
Loop enjoyed an impressive rookie season statistically, but the missed game-winning kick against Pittsburgh will remain part of his narrative until bigger moments arrive. OTAs won't erase that memory, but a confident spring would represent an important step forward as we enter Year 2.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 1 Ravens player to watch at every position during OTA practices
Continue reading...
While OTA practices rarely provide definitive answers, they often offer the first clues about depth charts, emerging roles, and players positioned to take major steps forward. Baltimore's OTA sessions are scheduled for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4, giving the coaching staff valuable opportunities to evaluate veterans, rookies, and under-the-radar contributors before mandatory minicamp arrives.
The Ravens enter the spring with a roster featuring established stars, new additions, and several position battles worth monitoring. Here's one player to watch at every position group.
QB -- Diego Pavia
Pavia, a Heisman Trophy runner-up with a dynamic dual-threat skill set, generated buzz during rookie minicamp and quickly drew interest from multiple teams after his Ravens minicamp invite. Pavia is the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014. Pavia will compete against Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano, who is also receiving a tryout at the Ravens rookie minicamp. Still, his production at Vanderbilt and elusive style of play make him an intriguing player to watch. In 2025, the bousterious Pavia led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record, the first double-digit win season in school history after throwing 29 touchdown passes and rushing for 10 more, earning first-team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year, as he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassman quarterback in college football.
Running back: Lucas Scott
With Patrick Ricard no longer in Baltimore and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle favoring more H-back concepts over traditional fullback usage, Scott suddenly finds himself at an important crossroads. OTAs could reveal whether Baltimore still values a true fullback role moving forward.
Wide receiver: Ja'Kobi Lane
The rookie receiver enters a crowded position room, but his development could dramatically reshape Baltimore's offensive ceiling. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are established veterans, while Devontez Walker seeks a larger role. Lane arrives with buzz and could quickly force his way into offensive packages if he flashes early chemistry with Jackson.
Tight end: Durham Smythe
Mark Andrews remains Baltimore's cornerstone at tight end after signing a lucrative extension, but Smythe could quietly become one of the offseason's more important additions. Baltimore lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, creating opportunities behind Andrews. OTAs will offer an early look at how Smythe fits into the offense.
Offensive line: Vega Ioane
Baltimore drafted Ioane, expecting an immediate impact. The first-round pick projects as a Day 1 starter, and OTAs provide the first opportunity to see how quickly he adapts to NFL speed and communication responsibilities. Offensive line chemistry takes time, but Ioane could become one of Baltimore's most important rookie storylines.
Defensive line: Nnamdi Madubuike
Few Ravens storylines carry greater significance. Madubuike missed much of last season with a neck injury, and questions surrounding his health linger entering the offseason. If Baltimore's star defensive tackle returns looking explosive and healthy, it changes the complexion of the entire defense.
Edge rusher: Zion Young
Baltimore made major investments at edge rusher, but Young enters OTAs as a player capable of generating immediate excitement. Trey Hendrickson headlines the room, while Mike Green and Tavius Robinson bring upside. Still, Young's athletic profile and draft investment make him a fascinating early watch.
Inside linebacker: Trenton Simpson
Simpson enters a pivotal season. Roquan Smith remains the defensive leader, but Simpson's long-term future feels uncertain as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. OTAs could offer an early indication of whether Baltimore views him as a long-term contributor or rotational depth piece.
Cornerback: T.J. Tampa
Tampa enters Year 3 still seeking meaningful defensive opportunities. Baltimore added depth at cornerback and re-signed veterans, creating pressure to establish himself. Strong OTA performances could position Tampa for a larger summer role entering training camp.
Safety: Malaki Starks
Baltimore views Starks as part of the future alongside Kyle Hamilton. Starks is expected to carry a much larger role in 2026 and could make his first Pro Bowl.
Punter: Ryan Eckley
Special teams always matter in Baltimore, and Eckley arrives with an elite college résumé. The rookie's consistency, hang time, and field-position value make him an intriguing under-the-radar storyline throughout spring practices.
Kicker: Tyler Loop
Loop enjoyed an impressive rookie season statistically, but the missed game-winning kick against Pittsburgh will remain part of his narrative until bigger moments arrive. OTAs won't erase that memory, but a confident spring would represent an important step forward as we enter Year 2.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 1 Ravens player to watch at every position during OTA practices
Continue reading...
