- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,212,224
- Reaction score
- 59
The Baltimore Ravens knew Robert Longerbeam would need time. After all, the former sixth-round pick never had a chance to begin his NFL career properly. A torn patellar tendon suffered during training camp wiped out his entire rookie season before it ever truly started. Now healthy and back on the field, Longerbeam appears determined to make up for lost time. If recent reports are any indication, he is doing exactly that.
The second-year cornerback has emerged as one of the more pleasant surprises of Baltimore's offseason program. He is already creating what could eventually become one of the Ravens' most difficult roster decisions heading into September.
Recently, Ryan Mink, the Editorial Director of the Ravens' official website, identified Longerbeam as the most surprising player he observed during the offseason program. That's not insignificant praise. The Ravens have one of the deepest secondaries in football, yet Longerbeam repeatedly found ways to stand out. Mink cast his vote for Longerbeam as Baltimore's most surprisingly impactful player throughout the offseason program. During practices, he found a way to stand out and consistently find himself around the football.
Earlier in the offseason, Mink also highlighted an interception Longerbeam recorded after stepping in front of a pass intended for Mark Andrews. Opportunities matter. Production matters more. So far, Longerbeam has taken advantage of both. Ravens Wire recently mentioned him as one of three standouts from the spring.
The challenge isn't whether Longerbeam belongs in the NFL. The challenge is finding room for him on this roster. Assuming Baltimore keeps six cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, and Keyon Martin all appear to have strong cases to make the initial 53-man regular-season roster.
That potentially leaves one opening. Longerbeam is hardly alone in chasing it. Chandler Rivers has generated considerable buzz since arriving as a rookie. Bilhal Kone continues working his way back from injury. Other young defensive backs are also fighting for opportunities in one of the deepest position groups on the roster.
That's what makes Longerbeam's strong spring so important. The Ravens have never been afraid to reward performance. Draft status matters less in Baltimore than it does in many organizations. The franchise has built a reputation for allowing players to earn roles through production rather than pedigree.
That philosophy should benefit Longerbeam. Training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine where he stands, but he has already accomplished something important. He has forced his way into the conversation. A few months ago, he was a forgotten prospect attempting to return from a devastating injury. Now, he looks like a legitimate contender for a roster spot.
If he continues stacking strong practices once the pads come on, the Ravens may find themselves facing an uncomfortable reality. There may not be enough room in the secondary for every deserving player. Longerbeam appears determined to ensure his name is among those discussed when those difficult decisions are made.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Robert Longerbeam seems primed to push for a Ravens roster spot
Continue reading...
The second-year cornerback has emerged as one of the more pleasant surprises of Baltimore's offseason program. He is already creating what could eventually become one of the Ravens' most difficult roster decisions heading into September.
The Ravens' competition is fierce, and Robert Longerbeam is making plays
Recently, Ryan Mink, the Editorial Director of the Ravens' official website, identified Longerbeam as the most surprising player he observed during the offseason program. That's not insignificant praise. The Ravens have one of the deepest secondaries in football, yet Longerbeam repeatedly found ways to stand out. Mink cast his vote for Longerbeam as Baltimore's most surprisingly impactful player throughout the offseason program. During practices, he found a way to stand out and consistently find himself around the football.
Earlier in the offseason, Mink also highlighted an interception Longerbeam recorded after stepping in front of a pass intended for Mark Andrews. Opportunities matter. Production matters more. So far, Longerbeam has taken advantage of both. Ravens Wire recently mentioned him as one of three standouts from the spring.
The challenge isn't whether Longerbeam belongs in the NFL. The challenge is finding room for him on this roster. Assuming Baltimore keeps six cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, and Keyon Martin all appear to have strong cases to make the initial 53-man regular-season roster.
That potentially leaves one opening. Longerbeam is hardly alone in chasing it. Chandler Rivers has generated considerable buzz since arriving as a rookie. Bilhal Kone continues working his way back from injury. Other young defensive backs are also fighting for opportunities in one of the deepest position groups on the roster.
Ravens training camp could decide everything
That's what makes Longerbeam's strong spring so important. The Ravens have never been afraid to reward performance. Draft status matters less in Baltimore than it does in many organizations. The franchise has built a reputation for allowing players to earn roles through production rather than pedigree.
That philosophy should benefit Longerbeam. Training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine where he stands, but he has already accomplished something important. He has forced his way into the conversation. A few months ago, he was a forgotten prospect attempting to return from a devastating injury. Now, he looks like a legitimate contender for a roster spot.
If he continues stacking strong practices once the pads come on, the Ravens may find themselves facing an uncomfortable reality. There may not be enough room in the secondary for every deserving player. Longerbeam appears determined to ensure his name is among those discussed when those difficult decisions are made.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Robert Longerbeam seems primed to push for a Ravens roster spot
Continue reading...
