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Camp Notes - ROOKIE CAMP NOTES DAY 2
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Posted On: 5/5/07
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Brian Billick was a bit more intense today during practice leaving some observers with the belief that he’s priming the rookies for organized team activities (“OTA’s”) that will take place over the next two months and of course summer camp which will start during the last week of July. The next scheduled OTA is for the weekend of May 18-19 according to a Ravens’ spokesperson. The only mandatory OTA is set for the first week of June.
Billick chastised his players when they erred and complimented them when they were successful. He was particularly vocal with the receiving corps today reminding them often, “When I ask for 12 yards don’t give me 13!”
Mike Johnson worked with the receivers on press coverage and was very complimentary of Yamon Figurs' feigned block followed by a quick burst to avoid the press. Figurs was an outstanding gunner on punt teams at Kansas State and one would think that to be successful as a gunner, he should have some skill in breaking down the press at the line of scrimmage.
Figurs stepped up today and performed more consistently than he did yesterday. He hauled in a laser from Troy Smith in tight coverage during 7 on 7 drills and he also exhibited some sharp cutting ability when running his routes. He seems to rather easily kick it into gear off his breaks.
Both Johnson and Billick reminded the receivers that they don’t have to always be in a hurry to get to the break/cut spot on the field. The quarterback isn’t dropping back that quickly when play action is part of the play. What is more important is the acceleration and burst after the break to create separation after the play fake is complete.
Troy Smith showcased that very strong arm again this morning. Not only can he get it into tight spots, he seems to have a nice touch on the ball when trajectory is required. Granted it’s been only two days but when he misses, it seems that he is holding the ball up by his ear a little longer than he wants given the coverage and his progression reads. It seems to throw his timing off a bit and that is when his throws miss their mark the most. While it’s far too early to reach any conclusions it is safe to say that the Ravens should get value for the draft’s last pick of Round 5. Smith might also make the second half of preseason games a bit more interesting as well.
Le’Ron McClain catches the ball very naturally and snatches passes with his hands while on the run. Assuming he can grasp the offense and assuming Gil Brandt is remotely close in his comparison of McClain to Lorenzo Neal, it might not be long before the Crimson Tide FB makes Ravens’ fans forget about the loss of Ovie Mughelli.
During one on one drills, Antwan Barnes failed to finish when in coverage and let his man get open deep late during a couple of plays. He was chastised by the defensive coaches almost in unison – “FINISH!”
Other observations…a Ravens spokesperson stated that Ryan Williams, the offensive tackle out of USC did not sign his contract and he has not practiced...QB Cullen Finnerty has not yet signed a contract and remains a tryout player. He has been decent and certainly looks better than Drew Olson did last year during rookie camp. However in Olson’s defense, he was the only QB at the 2006 rookie camp and fatigue did play a role in his sub par performance. Given the lack of a contract, Finnerty might be nothing more than camp fodder. Time will tell.
Photo by Sabina Moran
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