Baltimore Ravens: Player Watch during Minicamp

Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (11) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens strong safety Matt Elam (26) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. Matt Elam

I liked Elam from when he was a rookie until now. After a strong outing at OTAs, his time comes to show what he can do in pads.

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He was limited to placement on the field or jumping routes (but without contact). As he did this, he impressed the defensive coordinator Dean Pees, but now he can truly begin to show his improvement upon last year.

He will be with the starting defense again. Last year, he lacked in his ability to communicate, which often allowed big plays on him due to misplacement on the field. He often didn’t communicate so routes were not covered, so he was rarely in the right place.

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Elam needs to show he can read routes before the play. This means communicating with the others on the field, so he knows where he needs to be to make the play.

One of the biggest things is open field tackles. He has to show he can wrap up receivers and prevent yards after the catch. This opportunity could make or break his chance to be a starter again.

While Pees will certainly keep an eye on him, Elam will have to compete with the other safeties on the team. If he outperforms the veterans, he can make himself look even better, and he can use all the leverage he can get right now.

Next: In His Second Year, He's Ready to Add More