Russell Street Report Camp Notes Downright Nasty Defensive Front

The Ravens took to the field early Thursday morning under hazy skies to kick off their first full team practice of training camp.

John Harbaugh’s team picked up where they left off during last month’s three-day minicamp, jumping from individual unit drills to seven on seven and 11 on 11 reps in front of the many fans in attendance.

Wide receiver Steve Smith is already in season form. The speedy wideout was impressive during one on one drills against the cornerback and during 11 on 11 drills. The season vet made two diving catches, including a one-handed catch in double coverage and one in which he torched Asa Jackson, leaving him well behind after adjusting to the under-thrown ball by Joe Flacco.

Rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman dropped his first pass during full team drills. The rookie did, however, rebound well making several nice grabs before tweaking his knee towards the end of practice. Head coach John Harbaugh stated the injury wasn’t serious and the big-bodied receiver could return as early as tomorrow. Rookie Darren Waller also had a solid day using his 6-6, 240 pound frame to out jump several second team defensive backs.

It gets easier and easier to see why the Ravens selected Buck Allen in the 2015 NFL draft. Allen continues to show his soft hands out of the backfield reeling in catch after catch. On multiple occasions, Allen made big gains despite the Ravens not being in pads today.

The defense was without veteran Lardarius Webb for the first day of training camp after he failed to pass his initial conditioning test, per a disappointed Harbaugh. Not a good way to start off for the veteran cornerback.

One cornerback who did impress today was Quinton Pointer. The six-year vet nearly picked off a tipped pass by Steve Smith Sr. Pointer also had several pass break ups against the second and third team offenses. Jimmy Smith took to the practice field loose and ready to go. It appeared as if the Ravens want to ease him back into it after his injury last season, but he did play numerous reps and moved with ease.

The Ravens first and second team defensive front is downright nasty. Led by veteran Chris Canty, Clarence Brook’s unit swallowed up running backs before they found their holes. Brandon Williams along with Timmy Jernigan are going to be force to be reckoned with. Rookies Carl Davis and Zardarius Smith had batted passes at the line of scrimmage.

Second-year linebacker C.J. Mosley was a full go for camp after being limited during OTA’s recovering from a wrist injury. Mosley’s footwork and speed were on display as the 2014 Pro-Bowler shined during 7-on-7 and 11 on 11 drills.

Will Hill and Kendrick Lewis each started for the first team defense while Matt Elam also took several reps. The battle between Hill and Elam should be an interesting one to watch over the Summer.

One question mark that remains for the Ravens to workout during training camp is the job of kick returner/punt returner. Several players including Michael Campanaro, Asa Jackson, DeAndre Carter along with Steve Smith Sr. all fielded punts today.

Punter Sam Koch was booming today. Koch, who recently signed a five-year contract extension with the Ravens, placed numerous kicks inside the 10-yard line. Kicker Justin Tucker was Mr. Automatic on his field goal attempts.

Quote of the Day

“That’s why we win.” – A fiery Terrell Suggs after a huge pass break up by Jimmy Smith on rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman.

The Ravens will return to the field tomorrow for a 10 a.m. practice.

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