Ravens observations from rookie minicamp, including injury updates and small school stars with big dreams

While he did take part, running back Rasheen Ali only participated partially and without protective headgear. The fifth-round selection from Marshall previously sustained a torn bicep at the Senior Bowl in February.Baltimore Ravens defensive end Tramel Walthour (94) smiles during an NFL Rookie Minicamp, Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

The media was only allowed to observe stretching and easy drills during the open portion of the minicamp. However, there were some key takeaways from Saturday’s session, which was the first of many to come in the next few weeks and months.

During Saturday’s practice for rookie minicamp in Owings Mills, Ravens’ offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten was seen working out alongside fellow players. (Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr./AP)While many of the rookies on hand for minicamp won’t be on the roster by the end of training camp, the Ravens’ first two draft picks certainly will, and both will be expected to be significant contributors right away.

, and RB Prophet Brown

Initial thoughts on cornerback Nate Wiggins, offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten, and running back Prophet Brown.

Devontez Walker, a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, is seen running at an NFL Rookie Minicamp on May 4, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. The photograph was taken by Daniel Kucin Jr.

Although it is unlikely, all of them have a chance to earn a spot on the roster. However, Hardy stands out as the most captivating option.

Deion Jennings (56), inside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, participates in an NFL Rookie Minicamp on Saturday, May 04, 2024, in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr./Associated Press)

During Saturday’s rookie minicamp practice in Owings Mills, offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten of the Ravens was seen working out with teammate Daniel Kucin Jr./AP.

The 4-year starting player, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 208 pounds, achieved 4,253 yards in receiving by making 246 catches. This includes an impressive 58 touchdowns which set a record for the school. During his senior year, he caught 75 passes for 1,353 yards and 20 touchdowns. He currently holds the seventh spot in history for most career touchdown receptions in Division III and ranks 17th for receiving yards.
According to Harbaugh, Ali is fully prepared for training camp.

Injury updates

The new members appeared nervous, according to Harbaugh, particularly during meetings and when trying to find seats in the cafeteria, reminiscent of the first day of high school. “In terms of football, it’s not as noticeable,” said Harbaugh.

The player currently on the offensive line is Andrew Vorhees.

Collier had impressive stats last season, totaling 1,393 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and adding 22 receptions for 238 yards and three more scores in 11 games. He received recognition as a Division II All-American.

During Saturday’s rookie minicamp, Ravens running back Rasheen Ali was seen without a helmet due to his ongoing recovery from a torn biceps injury. (Daniel Kucin Jr./AP)

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) runs during an NFL Rookie Minicamp, Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.) — Ravens newcomer Rasheen Ali chose not to wear a protective helmet at Saturday’s rookie minicamp while he continues to heal from a torn biceps. (Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr./AP)

What were Harbaugh’s initial thoughts on Wiggins, the 30th overall pick, and Rosengarten, the second round selection?

The duration was just one day, however, a small number of players were not able to participate on Saturday.
The atmosphere in Owings Mills was reminiscent of Christmas in May.

DeAngelo Hardy, a wide receiver, became a member of the Ravens as an undrafted free agent after excelling in college at Division III North Central.

Harbaugh commented on Nate’s performance, stating that he looked impressive. Despite his strong technique, there are many areas in which he can improve. Nate is receptive to feedback and actively working on those areas.

Small schools, large aspirations

During an NFL Rookie Minicamp on Saturday, May 04, 2024, in Owings Mills, MD, Baltimore Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa (27) was seen running. This event was captured by Daniel Kucin Jr. in a photo for the AP.Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Joe Evans (48) runs during an NFL Rookie Minicamp, Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Nate Wiggins (2), a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, sprints during an NFL Rookie Minicamp on Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. The photograph, taken by Daniel Kucin Jr., captures Wiggins in action.

Safety Beau Brade, who played for River Hill High School and now plays for the Ravens, was unexpectedly not selected in the draft and is currently wearing a walking boot due to an ankle injury that happened the previous day. Adisa Isaac, a third-round draft pick from Penn State, also did not participate in practice due to a hamstring issue that occurred the day before.

Baltimore Ravens running back Chris Collier (38) runs during an NFL Rookie Minicamp, Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.) — Chris Collier, a newcomer to the Ravens, is hoping to secure a spot on the team as an undrafted player from Lock Haven, a Division II college.

Harbaugh emphasized that exceptional NFL players can emerge from any level of college football. The crucial factor is how well they adapt to the professional league. He reminded all the incoming rookies that being drafted into the NFL is a testament to their talent and they should not doubt their potential to achieve their goals.Baltimore Ravens tight end Mike Rigerman (35) runs during an NFL Rookie Minicamp, Saturday, May 04, 2024 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Harbaugh mentioned that Rosengarten, a candidate for the starting right tackle position, has impressive versatility, similar to swing tackle and experienced player Patrick Mekari.
Chris Collier, a rookie running back for the Ravens, is aiming to secure a spot on the team as a Division II undrafted free agent from Lock Haven.
Four players from Division II level or lower universities attended the rookie minicamp: DeAngelo Hardy and Jelani Baker from North Central College, Chris Collier from Lock Haven, and Mike Rigerman from Findlay.
John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, referred to the team’s three-day rookie minicamp as a well-rounded event that started on Friday, ended on Sunday, and involved meetings, weightlifting, and on-field practices without any physical contact. This was also the first opportunity for coaches to observe the team’s new draft picks, undrafted players, and tryout invitees in their own facilities.
After being selected in the seventh round last year, this player from Southern California was unable to participate in the season due to a torn ACL injury sustained at the NFL scouting combine. However, he is now expected to vie for a starting position as a guard. Additionally, his coach Harbaugh has confirmed that he is fully recovered and has removed his knee brace.
Both injuries are anticipated to be minor.
“According to Harbaugh, Roger is an exceptional athlete who displays impressive footwork. While Harbaugh did see him in the national championship game, seeing him in person on the field solidified the belief that he possesses all the athletic abilities we had anticipated.”
“It’s exciting to witness the players that you’ve communicated with, interviewed, reviewed footage of, become Ravens and adorned in our team’s colors, donning the iconic helmet and performing on the field,” expressed Harbaugh.
In addition, he ran for a total of 394 yards and scored five touchdowns, after carrying the ball 40 times. He also recorded three touchdowns and returned 13 kickoffs for a total of 520 yards. He was able to complete all three of his passes for 25 yards, resulting in three touchdowns.
Harbaugh commented on Vorhees, who spent all of last season at the Ravens’ facility, noting his impressive training and strength. He also observed that Vorhees is both physically large and agile.
The 5-foot-11, 206-pound back is an intriguing pick after he rushed for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns on 212 carries and caught 28 passes for 213 yards and another score last season for the Thundering Herd. With Keaton Mitchell still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in mid-December, Ali should see plenty of carries this summer as the third back behind newly added four-time Pro Bowl selection Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, who is in the final year of his contract.