Training camp is here. Real football.
We love the draft process and fantasy football prep, but when the calendar approaches August, anticipation ratchets up. It’s the culmination of preparation and the beginning of a real-life dream.
It’s hard to truly figure out who teams are and how good they can be until at least November. For now, though, we’re able to start seeing signs of what this year’s edition of the Ravens can be. Lamar Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, and Justin Tucker will get a lot of attention in camp, and deservedly so. They are some of the key players that will make or break Baltimore’s season. If healthy, they all have All-Pro talent. They are among the knowns.
The unknowns, of course, are the rookies—specifically those who weren’t drafted. Baltimore has a long tradition of getting its undrafted rookies up to speed, even to the point of contributing as a starter.
On the surface, it doesn’t seem like the Ravens will need much from their rookie class in 2022, as their roster is fairly well-structured. There are very good starters and quality reserves at most positions, all with some semblance of experience. Obviously, rookies will be important to the success of the team, though. The way football works, you never know who will rise up and make a crucial play at just the right time. Therefore, your best bet is to prepare your rookie class as if they are one play away from game action.
Here are two undrafted rookies I see as key parts to the 2022 Ravens.
Wide Receiver
5’11”
189 pounds
Alabama
Why he’s a good fit: Bolden comes to Baltimore from an Alabama program that has a lot in common with the Ravens. First off, their standard is the team. They always emphasize character and work ethic. Their goal is a championship. Their division is the toughest at that level of football.
Additionally, the offense he played in seems to be quarterback-dominant, but really establishes what they do off a strong running game. From formations to pre-snap motions to play action, both Bolden and the Ravens receivers are always moving and adjusting. Both Bryce Young and Lamar Jackson will often pass on the move, which means their receivers (Bolden, in this case) must have exceptional awareness of time and space.
Another major commonality Alabama and Baltimore share is that they demand their receivers be exceptional blockers. There doesn’t seem to be any drop-off in execution when Bolden gets the ball versus when he doesn’t, and that is something that will take him a long way in this league.
What he has to do to make the team: Even though wide receiver is the position the Ravens need the most help with, Bolden will have to fight every day to gain a roster spot. He figures to be deployed in the slot, so he will be competing directly with James Proche and Tylan Wallace. How he picks up plays mentally and executes the few reps he will get initially will directly impact how much he plays (and with which unit) during ensuing weeks of camp. He averaged nearly 10 yards per reception last season, and while that’s on the lower end of what most receivers gain, he was playing behind two immensely talented players—Jameson Williams and John Metchie—who were selected 12th and 44th overall in this year’s draft. Bolden was forced to become an asset via special teams. Once again, a box checked for Ravens scouts and staff.
Besides Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, this wide receiver competition is wide open. As long as Bolden continues working like he’s used to and remains alert for when his chance comes, I fully expect him to be on the active roster come Week 1.
Projected Week 1 status: Active roster, 2nd string slot receiver, 1st string punt team, 1st string kickoff team.
Interesting note: He was named the Gatorade Louisiana Football Player of the Year in 2017—a very prestigious award in a fiercely competitive state—after scoring 40 touchdowns as a senior (20 passing, 20 rushing).
Inside Linebacker
6’0”
225 pounds
Michigan
Why he’s a good fit: Besides wide receiver, the other position the Ravens could really use bolstering is inside linebacker. Like the wide receivers, there’s one true starter and a few other solid players who play well but don’t have a firm grasp on a roster spot. Therefore, like Bolden, Josh Ross has an honest chance to, at least, make the practice squad if not the active roster.
Furthermore, Ross is coming from Michigan where Mike Macdonald was his defensive coordinator, giving him a very unique advantage on all other linebackers—even Patrick Queen. Ross knows Macdonald’s expectations and play call tendencies, and what do rookies struggle with most of the time? The mental adjustment to the NFL. Presumably, that won’t be as much of a problem for Ross as it will his peers. Ross represents a fresh attempt at fortifying this linebacker core and can possibly give the Ravens what they’ve been looking for over the last few years.
Last season in Ann Arbor, Ross went off. He tallied 106 tackles, 9.0 tfl, and 2 passes defensed. What stands out to me are his tackles for loss, which are primarily a result of his instincts as a blitzer (referenced in quote below). If he gets a chance to play, he figures to produce.
What he has to do to make the team: As an inside linebacker for the Ravens, you need to be a sure tackler, clean blitzer, and excellent in pass coverage. The first two of those qualities we know Ross possesses. I’m unsure about his pass defense, but if he can win more than he loses in any 1-on-1 matchups in camp, I can all but guarantee his floor will be part of this team moving forward.
Remember, to make the team doesn’t mean he needs to be the Week 1 starter. Queen has the “WILL” (or weakside) linebacker starting position locked up. The other inside spot, “MIKE,” is currently held by Josh Bynes. Ross is currently listed behind Bynes and Malik Harrison on the depth chart (according to ourlads.com). Strictly from an opportunity standpoint, being 3rd string isn’t as bad as it usually seems, as that competition looks to be wide open.
Projected Week 1 status: Practice squad “MIKE” linebacker. Used on all special teams units (except for field goal/field goal defense).
Interesting note: Don Brown, former Michigan DC, on Ross:
“Josh is a tremendous fundamental linebacker. He is also an excellent blitzer. He is an aggressive player and a great tackler, and his fundamentals are off the charts. Josh plays with tremendous passion at the linebacker position, and with his brother having played here he obviously has the right blood lines. He can play either of the inside two positions, so he has position flexibility.”
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.