After a record-setting rookie season, expectations are high for wide receiver Zay Flowers as he enters Year 2. The Ravens will rely heavily on his play in 2024, but his leadership has taken a step forward.
“As a rookie, obviously, you come in and you listen and you learn, and when you’re expected to make plays you try to do that – and Zay did a great job of that, but now it’s about taking the next step and taking the group by the reigns and trying to lead them in the right direction, because he’s been through it,” Wide Receivers Coach Greg Lewis said.
“He’s been there and done that, and then we [are] trying to take it to another level. He’s done a great job with that. We got a lot of leaders in the group, but Zay has stepped up and did a good job with bringing younger guys along.”
While Flowers’ leadership has grown, he’s continued to work on his game as well.
“[Flowers has] pretty much gotten better at everything,” Lewis said. “I think just trying to get him the ball … If he touches the ball, something special is going to happen. So, [we’re] just putting him in [a] position to be successful each and every way possible.”
Dennis Johnson Praises Defensive Line’s Versatility
The Ravens defensive line is led by All-Pro Justin Madubuike, but one of its superpowers is the line’s versatility.
The line is littered with players who can play all over, and once the roster is down to 53, having do-it-all players will be pivotal.
“You’re not taking 10 D-linemen into a game, so you have to have guys that can play inside and outside,” Defensive Line Coach Dennis Johnson said. “I know ‘Urb’ (Brent Urban) gives us that flexibility a lot, ‘Beeks’ (Justin Madubuike) and his flexibility can do a lot of things, and Travis [Jones], too.
“Just cross-training guys and putting them in those situations in practice, giving them confidence like, ‘I can play interior. I can play exterior,’ helps builds that, because it’s very important going forward.”
Willie Taggart Confident in Young Running Backs
The Ravens have an undisputed top running back in Derrick Henry, and even Keaton Mitchell (when healthy) and Justice Hill know they will have a role in the offense, but Running Backs Coach Willie Taggart is high on some younger players, too.
Second-year pro Owen Wright has flashed in recent practices, and fifth-round rookie Rasheen Ali has shown some burst. The preseason will be big for Wright and Ali as they try to earn a role in Baltimore’s offense.
“With Rasheen [Ali], I’m seeing a lot of good things from him. [I’m] really excited for Rasheen, [and I’m] excited to watch him play in preseason,” Taggart said. “The challenge is just learning the speed of the game [and] understanding the offense. I think that’s what his speed … learning the speed of the game once you learn the offense where you’re not thinking so much, then you can go out and play.
“Owen has grown so much from last year, coming in as an undrafted free agent. From that time to the last preseason when he played against the ‘Bucs [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] that’s when he showed everyone that he can play at this level; and he just constantly got better over the year. … What we’re seeing right now is a young man that is playing with confidence.”
Practice Reps Will Be Important for Devontez Walker
Wide receiver Devontez Walker missed Saturday’s practice and missed some time earlier in training camp. The fourth-round rookie could be a big piece in the offense this season, but for a young player getting practice snaps is important.
“Without getting physical reps, it’s difficult, because a lot of guys need to be out there and do physical reps,” Lewis said. “But, ‘Tez’ has done a great job in the classroom and making sure he’s on top of everything, so when he does get back out there, whenever that may be, he will be ready to go from that standpoint.
“He’s a football junkie. He loves football. He wants to understand the ins and outs of everything that’s taking place, and when it’s time to go, he’ll be ready to go, because I’m that confident in him, and I know he’s confident in himself.”