OTL: Humphrey Resurgence SZN?

Training camp is underway and that means fans are getting their first look at new Ravens. Eddie Jackson rocked his new number 39 jersey as he came out to the field with Derrick Henry.

Derrick Henry and Eddie Jackson take the field for their first Ravens training camp

Jackson will wear No. 39 for Baltimore pic.twitter.com/4Y0CxbN3aj

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 21, 2024

On the Eddie Jackson signing, it’s worth noting that he’s just two years removed from a 80-tackle and four-interception 2022 season. In a defined role, where he’s not overly leaned on and can keep fresh legs, he could really do some damage this season. This video captures what is so incredible about training camp, with kids cheering and high-fiving their gridiron heroes. Those kids are ready for some football!

Lamar Jackson is not here for the first full team practice of Ravens Training Camp.

The 2X MVP was sent home sick #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/H3Be5PixIp

— Rocco DiSangro (@RoccoDiSangro) July 21, 2024

Lamar Jackson’s illness today was described to me as “pretty bad,” but we’ll see how long it extends after preventing the #Ravens quarterback from participating in the team’s first training camp practice Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ICSAzI3Ulj

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 21, 2024

That being said, you know who wasn’t ready for some football? The reigning NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, who was sent home to get some rest. Hopefully the illness is minor, he gets his chicken noodle soup and he gets back on the field. This time of year though, extra reps for the backups are never a bad thing. Could we see a quarterback battle for the number two spot? Josh Johnson and rookie Devin Leary seemed to take advantage of these reps.

With Lamar Jackson missing the Ravens’ first training camp practice with an illness, Josh Johnson steps in to run the first-team offense pic.twitter.com/YnKRecTOD2

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 21, 2024

Practice has ended for Day 1.

Biggest offensive play: Devin Leary with a deep ball shot to Dayton Wade for a 45+ yard gain.

Defensively:
Odafe Oweh was consistently in the backfield in 11s.
CB Arthur Maulet intercepted the ball off a bobbled ball by Malik Cunningham in 7v7.

— Kyle Phoenix (@KylePBarber) July 21, 2024

Marlon Humphrey was a standout on the first day of Ravens training camp. Practiced fully and was very sticky. Looks like he may have slimmed down a bit and is in great shape.

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) July 21, 2024

Ryan Mink’s takeaway that Marlon Humphrey had a great day at camp is exactly the kind of news Ravens fans want to hear. The Ravens just drafted Nate Wiggins and there are definitely eyes on the future of that position. This is a great camp for Humphrey to show off and remind Baltimore he’s still the best corner they have.

Sport Illustrated’s Jon Alfano picked five Ravens that fans should keep an eye on at camp. His selections were: Rashod Bateman, Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Trenton Simpson, and Humphrey. Sticking with the veteran cornerback, this is what Alfano penned about Humphrey:

Much like Stanley, Humphrey is a 2019 All-Pro who has dealt with injuries and declining play since then. He showed flashes of his past form last season, but played just 10 games due to injury. Humphrey is another player facing a make-or-break season in Baltimore, and his job now not only includes being the Ravens’ top cornerback, but mentor rookies Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa.

There really is pressure on Humphrey, who’s been with the Ravens since he was drafted 16th overall in 2017. It’s a little odd to see this kind of scrutiny of a player who is still two years away from the age of 30, and has had a great career. The Ravens also added Eddie Jackson, who is a bit of a do it all defensive back. The Ravens certainly were not content in the secondary this offseason and worked to improve it. I still think the org likes Humphrey a lot, and it wouldn’t be surprising for him to have a strong season.

This is what Alfano said about Vorhees:

Coming out of USC last year, Vorhees was widely considered to be a Day 2 pick who could make an impact very quickly. That was until he suffered a torn ACL at the combine, which caused him to fall all the way to the seventh round and miss his entire rookie season while recovering.

Now healthy, Vorhees is in line to earn the starting left guard job that John Simpson held last year. He hasn’t officially won the job yet, but training camp is his chance to cement himself as the starter. Of the three players in line to become starters up front, Vorhees is easily the most intriguing.

He’s spot on with this take. Vorhees was a pick where the Ravens stashed him away for a year – almost like a redshirt freshman in college. Vorhees should have been drafted earlier and the Ravens were wise to draft him based on his potential for the future. What I want to see in camp is how sharp he looks in his movements. At USC he was a technician with the traits you covet. He’s got a lanky build for an interior offensive lineman and if he’s as quick-footed as he was in college, defensive tackles are going to see him in their nightmares.

The one thing I will say here is that in training camp it’s often hard to evaluate the offensive line. Many of the practices are pad-less and a lot of the action in the trenches is a pale comparison to what you’ll see in an actual game. It’s hard not to obsess over Vorhees and his upside and you can definitely see bad signs in camp – keeping an eye on the big guys is surely important. Vorhees could be the difference between the offensive line working and being a constant work in progress.

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