Baltimore Ravens: Things Learned from OTAs

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Breshad Perriman (Central Florida) is selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie wide receivers Breshad Perriman and Darren Waller have shone brightly during OTAs. They have presented themselves as reliable targets for Joe Flacco and are moving toward roster spots.

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The first-round pick has almost eliminated the doubts about his hands and proved he is a fast receiver willing to go up to bring down the football. He should be able to move right into the offense with little competition during the rest of the offseason. He’ll make an immediate impact alongside Steve Smith Sr.

With Dennis Pitta’s return still questionable, rookie tight end Maxx Williams has caught everything thrown at him. He is not a fast receiver, but with Smith and Perriman, his reliable hands are going to be his best asset.

The tight end position is not won yet. He will continue to compete with fellow rookie Nick Boyle and Crockett Gillmore for the top position, which is his if he’s willing to take it.

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The real surprise are the defensive rookies. Carl Davis, Za’Darius Smith and Tray Walker have gone above and beyond all expectations.

BaltimoreRavens.com staff writer Ryan Mink reported they have done so well, defensive coordinator Dean Pees has begun to throw more and more at them during practice. He is giving the rookies play calls from day one to test their memory.

While a good bit cannot be decided until real defense can be played (with tackling), the rookies on the defensive side are showing they can bring youth to the team, while maintaining the defensive stoutness Baltimore knows and loves.

Next: Recovering from injuries