OTL: Loop Impresses Ravens Fans at M&T Bank Stadium Practice

The Baltimore Ravens held an open practice at M&T Bank Stadium and here’s the kicker: Tyler Loop is the main takeaway. In his Baltimore Ravens official website article recapping the day, Justin Robertson starts things off with the impressive performance from Loop.

Tyler Loop’s first experience kicking live in M&T Bank Stadium went off without a hitch.

Kicking in front of fans inside M&T Bank Stadium for the first time during Sunday’s stadium practice, Loop went 11-for-11 on field goals with makes from 60 and 56 yards. The 60-yarder had plenty of room to spare and was right down the middle of the uprights, giving fans a glimpse into both Loop’s power and accuracy.

If needed, Loop’s 60-yarder could’ve been a record-breaker. Punter/holder Jordan Stout said the boot would’ve been good from 67 yards out based on Trackman data. The longest kick in league history is a 66-yard field goal, made by former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for a game-winner against the Detroit Lions in 2021.

The Ravens got what they needed out of the open practice. Tucker could have been a cloud that hung over the team going into their first preseason game (which is on Thursday by the way) but Loop has secured some momentum for Baltimore to be excited about. The Ravens put their rookie kicker on display, basically giving him a chance to be the big story from the open practice. The spotlight was on him, and it was about as much pressure as an open practice in the beginning of August can provide.

While the long field goal was promising to see, (kicking in the modern NFL means being money from over fifty yards, something Tucker was starting to struggle with in recent seasons), the best news though was that Loop was 7-for-7. Having the monster leg is good; having the accuracy to go with it is the important thing.

Ravens kicker Tyler Loop said he knew immediately that the 60-yard field goal at practice was going to be good.

“The second it left my foot, I’m like, ‘There we go,’” Loop said. pic.twitter.com/e63yCghWhm

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 3, 2025

I personally can’t get over how young Loop looks in this picture. Am I getting old? Maybe. Anyway, I like the idea that he knew instantly when he kicked the ball. That shows he is present and in tune to the moment.

Tyler Loop is 7-for-7 after this 60-yard FG. Maybe the loudest ovation of training camp so far. pic.twitter.com/7ZlZJYiDGB

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 3, 2025

The other takeaway that Robertson had was noting that Keaton Mitchell is back.

Keaton Mitchell once again showed his burst is 100% back. Mitchell had a very impressive rush when he jump cut past several defenders and eventually spun out of a T.J. Tampa and Beau Brade tackle for what could’ve been a long touchdown run.

Mitchell could be the secret weapon for the purple and black. I think fans are more invested in Mitchell than just about any other young up and coming running back the Ravens have had. Terrence West had a swelling of support in his day because of playing at Towson and his local roots. Kenneth Dixon was an “Oh what could have been” type player. Mitchell has something exciting about him. When he gets in the open field he’s gone. Derrick Henry and Justice Hill aren’t going anywhere, but there is room for Mitchell if he can become fully realized and stay healthy. It’s good to see he’s still explosive after the difficult injury recovery he went through.

The day before the open practice, we learned that the Ravens were releasing John Hoyland, who was competing for the kicking job with Loop. All signs are pointed up for Loop, but he could still use a strong preseason to make the Flock really believe.

The #Ravens are releasing kicker John Hoyland, sources tell @CBSSports.

He’d been part of a two-man competition with Tyler Loop to replace Justin Tucker as Baltimore’s kicker. pic.twitter.com/JhtZbo3GMA

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 2, 2025

The 2018 NFL Draft will always live rent free in my head. I remember when the Saints traded up to take Marcus Davenport, but I was convinced it was for Lamar Jackson. Then the Ravens took Hayden Hurst and I talked myself into being okay with it. I wanted Jackson, I was on board. Then it happened. It was one of the most exciting nights as I ever had as a sports fan. But according to Adam Schefter, there is another reason the 2018 draft class is special.

The Ravens’ 2018 draft now has generated more money in future contracts than any draft class in NFL history.

Hayden Hurst (1st round, 25th overall): $7.25M avg
Lamar Jackson (1st round, 32nd overall): $52M avg
Orlando Brown Jr. (3rd round, 83rd overall): $16M avg
Mark… pic.twitter.com/HRkRlhdD6K

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2025

The Ravens may not have retained all of the players listed here, but the draft class has generated more money in future contracts than any other draft class. A huge part of that is obviously the massive pay day Lamar Jackson earned. The fact of the matter though is that 10 players were drafted and Gus Edwards was an undrafted free agent. They all were able to launch an actual career in the NFL. This speaks to the Ravens vision of what a draftable player is, and how good they are at the draft process in general.

1996 probably still has this draft class beat in Ravens’ history because getting Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Jermaine Lewis in one draft class is almost untouchable. Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta put together one of their best drafts in the year before the big transition to DeCosta. The fun fact shared by Schefter shows that the legacy of the Ravens being a smart franchise is boosted by the results of their 2018 draft class for not just the Ravens but the league in general.

It’s crazy to think there are still some people in this world who don’t believe Kyle Hamilton is a playmaker.

If you’re one of those guys, it’s time to accept you’re wrong and apologise promptly pic.twitter.com/fygga6TdGf

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) August 3, 2025

This highlight from the open practice is so wonderful. Kyle Hamilton can always make the play, even when he seems out of position.

LaJohntay Wester put this Ravens defender through one of the NASTIEST spin cycles.

Wester has reportedly been one of the “twitchiest” players on the field at all times at Ravens training camp.

Wester has reportedly been seeing most of his work coming out of special teams, but… pic.twitter.com/uSQH4oaRGX

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 4, 2025

Keep your eye on LaJohntay Wester. I’m not saying he’s going to be Devin Hester, but I am saying I want to see him return kicks because he has some of the same traits as Hester. The hype we are hearing about Wester is exciting even though it is tempered by the fact that he was the 203rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s going to be the preseason darling. Book it.

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