Baltimore Ravens: Offensive Line Reunites during Minicamp
Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) and guard Marshal Yanda (73) before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens are nearly done with mandatory minicamp. The offensive line has been the majority of the focus as the team has the chance to reunite the exact same unit as last season. If it happens, it will be first time it has occurred in franchise history, per BaltimoreRavens.com staff writer Garrett Downing.
More from Baltimore Ravens
- Baltimore Ravens: Will this be Breshad Perriman’s last game as a Raven?
- Baltimore Ravens: Why RG3 Will Not Make the Ravens’ 53-Man Roster
- Baltimore Ravens have to make a decision on resting key offensive players
- Baltimore Ravens Cornerback Situation With Jimmy Smith Likely Suspended
- Top 5 Baltimore Ravens to Get on Your Fantasy Football Team
Kelechi Osemele, along with Marshal Yanda, are looking for new contracts. With no extension this offseason, they will both be playing this year for new contracts next offseason.
Osemele said during the press conference after day two of minicamp that he feels confident in what he’s shown on the field. He said he would let his agent deal with the details, while he took care of the rest on the field.
The former Iowa State guard also updated reporters on center Jeremy Zuttah who had hip surgery earlier in the offseason. He said he had started running, but Baltimore Insider Aaron Wilson still has him on the list of players not practicing.
Reports have said both he and Rick Wagner are recovering well, so they both should be ready by training camp. Rookie guard Robert Myers was practicing again after missing day one with a shoulder injury.
Offensive tackle Eugene Monroe said he has been using his own personal trainer during the offseason as he recovers from injuries endured last season. He said some injuries you cannot prepare for.
"“Injuries just happen,” Monroe said during the minicamp day two press conference."
John Harbaugh and every offensive lineman to talk to the media have spoken how they want to build off last year with the continuity they have. With the constant movement, it is a rarity to have all five starting offensive linemen return, let alone the backups as well, which the Ravens have.
More from The Baltimore Wire
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
With running back Justin Forsett bent on another impressive year, he is going to have the best chance with the same offensive line that allowed him to rush for more than 1,200 yards last season.
The news was not all about the offense. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was practicing with the team for the first two days of minicamp, after not participating in OTAs.
He also suffered injuries last season and looks forward to a healthy year. He said the focus of the players is to improve the secondary.
“We want turnovers,” Webb said. “If we can just get some turnovers, be top five in turnovers, then we can go a long way. We just need to get some takeaways.”
The defense only forced 11 interceptions, while only six of those were by the secondary. Webb is not only looking forward to an improved defense.
The returner position is open, and he wants it.
"“I really like the return game,” Webb said. “I want it.”"
However, he said it would be up to the coaches if they allow him to compete for it. After the injuries last season, the Ravens cannot lose him again for any length of time. If he is healthy enough to play defense and return, he could compete for position.
More notable storylines as minicamp continues: Chris Canty sees his role on the team as being in the starting role and nothing less. He contemplated retirement this offseason, but said his heart and body told him he could play more. The Ravens also released him in February before re-signing him.
Harbaugh said he wants to see wide receiver Marlon Brown have a breakout year.
Justin Tucker has quite the leg as he kicked a 67-yard field goal.
Next: Justin Tucker Proves His Worth at Baltimore Ravens Mandatory Minicamp