At this time last year, nobody knew who Kamar Aiken was. He was just another practice squad player unlikely to ever contribute in a significant way. Throughout the 2014 offseason, though, there were rumbles of a big, fast receiver catching everything in sight. Aiken had started to generate some buzz. By training camp, this unknown receiver had started to get first team reps. Still, few really believed Aiken was going to make the roster. Then he did. Then he caught three touchdowns and became a key special teamer.

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Aiken’s story is not uncommon in Baltimore. The Ravens are known for turning one team’s trash into another’s treasure. James Ihedigbo went from career special teamer to coveted free agent in Baltimore. Anthony Levine bounced around the league before becoming a valued special teamer here. Justin Forsett even bounced around the league before becoming a Pro Bowler in Baltimore (that might be too much to ask for anyone on the roster right now, though). The list goes on.

There are a few young veterans who could fit that same bill this year.

Quinton Pointer, DB

With just six career tackles in St. Louis, Quinton Pointer is not a high-profile name, nor was he exactly a coveted free agent when the Ravens brought him into camp. Pointer’s path to the roster is difficult, and I haven’t heard any coaches talk about him yet. His name has, however, been mentioned in passing for interceptions and big plays in practice. No major details, but I keep seeing “Quinton Pointer” in articles from The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Beatdown and even the Ravens’ own website.

When a guy’s name keeps showing up like that, he is doing something right. If Pointer keeps making positive plays, he could challenge for a roster spot, and if he proves valuable on special teams, his odds increase even more. I like his chances.

Bryn Renner, QB

Once upon a time, Bryn Renner was considered a borderline first-round pick. Now, he’s a journeyman, having gone from Denver’s practice squad to a likely spot on Baltimore’s. The Ravens thought highly enough of him to give up on Keith Wenning, though, so maybe there is something more here.

Renner’s path to the roster is clear. Beat out Matt Schaub for the backup quarterback job. Unlikely? Sure. Impossible? Heck no. Schaub struggled in minicamps, and since Schaub is on a one-year deal, they could cut him with minimal cap repercussions. Renner will be a guy to watch in training camp and the preseason. He may be the backup of the future.

Jeremy Butler, WR

Anyone paying attention had to expect Jeremy Butler to show up on this list. Though he has only ever been a Baltimore Raven, he was an undrafted free agent who spent 2014 on IR, so he technically qualifies as a young veteran.

Butler has drawn raves for his play in minicamp, and there is no reason he can’t ascend up the depth chart in training camp. Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken have had their moments as well, but the Ravens have no significant financial or status-based allegiance to them. The best guy will play, and if minicamp is any indication, Butler could be that guy. At the very least, Butler has made life a lot less comfortable for Michael Campanaro and Darren Waller.

Steven Means, DE/OLB

Catching the head coach’s and general manager’s eyes is a very good thing, and Steven Means has done that. Means was actually on the active roster during the playoffs last year, but he has yet to see the field in purple and black. He did generate five tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though.

We have no idea how good Means can be. During the season, the contributions of practice squad players aren’t exactly breaking news the way they can be during minicamp and training camp. And gauging a pass rusher’s abilities solely from minicamp contributions is impossible.

He may be an unknown, but his athleticism is not. A 4.68 40-yard dash and a 38.5″ vertical at his 2013 pro day indicate the Ravens have a great athlete on their hands, at minimum. Possibly the best athlete among the Ravens’ outside linebackers in fact. Whether or not they can harness that athleticism remains to be scene, but Means has a chance to contribute this year.

Shawn Brubaker
Shawn Brubaker

Shawn began his writing career with Bleacher Report as a Ravens featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer. He moved on to write for Yahoo! and work on the Ravens Central Radio podcast. Most recently, he was an Editor at the Baltimore Wire. Shawn is a 2013 graduate of the Catholic University of America.

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