Random Thoughts On The Ravens At The Start Of Training Camp

And we’re back! 

The Baltimore Ravens officially kicked off the 2023 season this Wednesday with the opening of Training Camp. There’s always optimism and the hope of championship glory at the start of any new football campaign. And in the case of the Baltimore Ravens franchise many more years than not have begun with the possibility of being the AFC’s representative to capture the Lombardi trophy. Pre-season predictions usually hover around the 9-12 win total with the potential of a deep run in the second season and this year is no different. 

Lamar Jackson is back with a new contract; Todd Monken has arrived to save the Ravens faithful from watching Greg Roman’s ground and pound style and Odell Beckham Jr. showed that one thing he still does posses is star power as well as an ability to energize a crowd. While there is much to get excited about heading into the season, I’m cautiously optimistic.  

I’ve been fortunate to have followed every season that the Ravens have been in existence. I’ve seen the highs and lows. It’s that experience that has me feeling more pensive than usual after only a few days.  

Here’s why: 

1) The absence of J.K. Dobbins  

This really isn’t a huge surprise, is it?  

The past few weeks the issue of running backs not being able to secure the same bag as other skill positions has been bantered all over various media outlets. Is it a supply and demand issue? Is there a need to re-adjust the rookie contract situation for runners? Either way it’s clear that Dobbins being placed on the PUP last Friday wasn’t necessarily related to his health. 

Dobbins was expected to be at the mandatory mini-camp in June. He was a no-show. In answering for his absence, he talked about the “business side being difficult” and many times referenced the Lamar Jackson saga that finally met its conclusion just before draft day. 

John Harbaugh has become adept at handling these matters with the press. When he says things like, “I wish it were a simple answer, there’s a lot of things that go into football …” What he really means is that the matter is quite simple, it’s about the player’s contract.  

Dobbins is due to make $1.39 million in base salary in 2023 – which is the last year of his rookie contract. The main issue is that he missed more games than he’s played during his time in purple. When he has been on the field, he’s been fantastic – in 23 games he’s averaged 5.9 yards per and 12 Total touchdowns. So, do the Ravens pay him based on the hope that he can shoulder a full load?  

I’m not so sure. They recently signed vet Melvin Gordon as cover and still have Gus Edwards and Justice Hill in the fold. Is the plan to make J.K. more of a workhorse or is it still Running Back by committee? Either way I don’t think he has much leverage here and will need to produce first before the team coughs up more money in an extension.  

2) Rashod Bateman suffers a setback 

Maybe I should change that term because according to the Head Coach Bateman’s Lisfranc surgery is good.  

Nah, I’ll stand by it. 

I’ve heard Doctor Harbs give many a player diagnosis over the years and he doesn’t like to reveal anything to anyone. Bateman did work out with the team in the Summer and got a cortisone shot in his foot, which landed him on the PUP. But as usual Harbaugh was coy about a timeline for his return which leaves me wondering when he’ll be back and just how effective he might be early on. 

The first-round pick in 2021 played just 6 games last season and he should be a big part of the Ravens new look offense. He showed some flashes last season of taking a step forward in his development, but his foot injury has some wondering if he’ll pan out in a similar way that Marquise Brown did. I think it’s too early to tell and Bateman is not the same type of player as Brown so the comparisons may not be totally fair. 

3) Who wins the Left Guard position? 

At this point – I have NO idea. Then again that’s what camp is for, right? 

The usual talk about position battles is common in July. But it seems like there is no clear front runner to replace former starter Ben Powers who bolted for Denver as of today. In fact, every lineman that doesn’t already have a starting slot locked up is a possible contender. 

In my eyes the front runner should be former third rounder Ben Cleveland. He’s entering his third season and should be poised to make a jump into the starting lineup. The staff doesn’t appear totally sold on him though. Maybe it’s just the idea that he needs to earn the job in a true competition, but I have a feeling that they don’t know if they can fully trust him yet.  

They signed John Simpson, a vet with experience at the position and they drafted several linemen in the later rounds in April and there’s always the versatile Patrick Mekari who can play any of the positions on the line in a pinch. So, the team has a multitude of options and to make matters worse for Cleveland reports are that he’s struggled in the camps, mainly with speed rushes and hasn’t looked comfortable. He’s also seen more action at Tackle than Guard which means the staff want to look at everybody before they decide. 

At this point it’s anyone’s guess.