Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees says he was extremely happy with the improvement and direction of his secondary coming out of minicamp last week. Here are Pees’ five reasons why Baltimore’s secondary should be much better:
1) Hiring of Secondary Coach Leslie Frazier;
2) Addition of field general and playmaker Eric Weddle;
3) Move of Lardarius Webb to safety;
4) Growth of young safeties;
5) Emergence of new and young cornerbacks.
Pees said coach Leslie Frazier has added the most into the new mix, and has also brought a degree of calmness into the classroom, which has helped the learning of the Ravens’ complex secondary. With his credibility as a former NFL cornerback on the ’85 Chicago Bears, Frazier’s emphasized getting more interceptions after the Ravens finished last in the league with just six last season (a franchise low). Frazier’s influence seems to be paying off already, as Ravens defensive backs came up with multiple interceptions every day of minicamp, and often from different sources.
“Everybody in that room, including our coaches, are putting it in our heads to get turnovers,” cornerback Jimmy Smith said. “It’s kind of a fight. … Everybody, every day, is trying to strip the ball, pick up the ball, intercept the ball. I think it is going to be improved this year.”
“I really think that (safety) Eric Weddle has added a lot to us,” Pees said. Weddle is not only making a difference with communication and lining everybody up, but also as a playmaker. He’s very active before snaps and was constantly around the ball this summer.
The Ravens gave former cornerback Lardarius Webb a tryout at safety late last year and went all-in this offseason. Webb said he loves his new position, and seems to be playing with renewed vigor.
“I think that’s a great spot for ‘Webbie’ right now, and I think he feels more and more comfortable every day,” Pees said.
Baltimore will have a tough decision to make on the other safeties when it comes to choosing between Kendrick Lewis, Terrence Brooks, Matt Elam and Anthony Levine. They may not all make the team.
“I think Matt Elam has had a great camp, Terrence Brooks is working really hard, and Kendrick Lewis is a staple back there,” Pees said. “That guy never makes a mistake; he’s in the right spot all the time.”
As for new cornerback potential, the Ravens used a high fourth-round pick to grab Temple product Tavon Young, and used their final selection in the sixth round on experienced bigger-bodied cornerback Maurice Canady. Pees said Canady was one of minicamp’s top producers and that Young has “done really well.” They’ve both made very few mistakes, Pees pointed out.
“[I am] very, very pleased with those guys,” he said.
Baltimore then signed veteran cornerback Jerraud Powers in mid-May to give themselves a proven starter at nickel cornerback. According to Smith, Powers is “dominating everyone” in the defensive backs room in terms of getting their hands on the ball. He had interceptions on multiple days in minicamp, including one that would have gone for a touchdown.
“I think we are going to be good, but I always think that,” Jimmy Smith said. “It’s all kind of finesse [without pads during minicamp]. Come training camp, we will know what we have after a couple preseason games. Right now, it looks good with what I see on film with the new guys – even the young guys out there. They look pretty good.”
According to Ryan Mink of the Ravens PR department, here are the “biggest winners and losers” from Ravens final minicamp of 2016:
Three winners:
ILB Zachary Orr
“That the Ravens haven’t added another inside linebacker after Daryl Smith’s departure is a vote of confidence in both Orr and Arthur Brown, the two front-runners to start alongside C.J. Mosley. Orr, whose increased role late last season coincided with significant defensive improvement, worked with the first team in the offseason program. He wouldn’t be the first Ravens undrafted free agent to start at inside linebacker.”
TE Dennis Pitta
“Given what he’s been through in recent years, Pitta deserves to be listed for just getting back onto the field and getting through the program healthy. He did much more than that, and was one of the more active and productive offensive players for the past couple of weeks. Pitta is moving well and caught just about everything thrown in his direction. He’s always going to be at risk of reinjuring his hip, but for now, Pitta feels good and looks like he can be a significant contributor.”
WR Mike Wallace
“The veteran has gotten some criticism for his attitude and effort level at different stages of his career, but there have been no such complaints from the Ravens so far. He was a fixture at the voluntary OTAs and was extremely active in the various onfield workouts. Perriman’s knee injury, while an unwelcome development for the team, thrusts Wallace into an even bigger role.”
Other winners: CB Jerraud Powers, CB Sheldon Price
, OT Ronnie Stanley, RBTerrance West, DT Brandon Williams
Three losers:
CB Kyle Arrington
“There were times last week when Arrington looked like he was bothered by a lower-leg injury, but as usual, he competed throughout. What landed him on this side of the list is that with both Jimmy Smith and Will Davis sidelined, Arrington still was working mostly as a backup. The addition of Jerraud Powers, who likely will play at nickel back, didn’t help Arrington’s roster chances. His experience and special teams aptitude should help.”
TE Maxx Williams
“To be clear, Williams looks good. He made some plays in last week’s minicamp, and an offseason of strength and conditioning work has done the young tight end some good. But it’s fair to look at what the Ravens have at tight end with Crockett Gillmore, Benjamin Watson and Dennis Pitta and wonder exactly how Williams can get involved on offense. Offensive coordinator Marc Trestman said it’s far too early to worry about using four tight ends, and he’s right. But if the others stay healthy, it’s a question the Ravens will have to ponder at some point.”
QB Ryan Mallett
“Perhaps this is a bit unfair, given that Mallett still is becoming familiar with the Ravens offense — he didn’t sign last year until Dec. 15 — and working with a bunch of new receivers. But his play was erratic throughout the past couple of weeks, with interceptions, batted balls and errant throws mounting. Mallett is still the Ravens’ best option to be the primary backup to Joe Flacco, who is expected back for the start of training camp. But the Ravens are going to need more consistent quarterback play this summer and beyond.”
Other losers: OLB Terrell Suggs, RB Trent Richardson, WR Breshad Perriman, WR Michael Campanaro —mostly due to inactivity in minicamp caused by injuries which are still rehabbing.
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