The Ravens' secondary started slowly last season but had a strong showing during Thursday's organized team activities practice.
Multiple members of the secondary made their presence felt in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey blew up a couple of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He first shut down a handoff to Zay Flowers in 11-on-11 drills and was later first to the ball on a screen pass to running back Justice Hill. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who was sick last week and missed Tuesday's session, broke up a deep pass intended for Devontez Walker near the end zone.
Undrafted rookies in the secondary were also making plays. Cornerback Reuben Lowery made a bobbling interception in the back of the end zone on a pass intended for Tylan Wallace. While no contact is permitted in OTAs, undrafted safety Desmond Igbinosun forced running back Keaton Mitchell to lose control of the ball after catching a short pass.
Senior Secondary Coach Chuck Pagano expects the secondary to start faster this year, after playing its best football in the latter half of last season.
"I think we're off to a great start," Pagano said after Thursday's practice. "[Defensive Backs Coach] Donald D'Alesio, he comes over from Kansas City. He's done a phenomenal job to this point of getting not only the veterans that have been here, but these young players, these rookie players [ready]."
Here are other notes from Thursday's OTAs practice:
- Rashod Bateman wasted no time getting back to business after signing a reported three-year extension with the Ravens Thursday morning. Bateman caught the first pass of live 11-on-11 drills and continued to make plays throughout the afternoon.
- Former Raiders and Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden visited the Under Armour Performance Center for Thursday's practice. The 61-year-old Gruden watched 11-on-11 drills from the sideline near Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. Gruden dapped up running back Derrick Henry during practice and later walked with outside linebacker Odafe Oweh off the field.
- Andrew Vorhees continued to get action at left guard where he's competing to win the starting job. Ben Cleveland returned after missing Tuesday's practice.
- Kicker John Hoyland finished 3 for 3 on field goal attempts in tempo drills after missing three from long distance. He converted on attempts from 46, 42, and 39 yards out. Fellow rookie Tyler Loop did not kick Thursday, as he and Hoyland continue to trade off duties every other day.
- Wide receiver Anthony Miller snagged a one-handed catch on a dump off from Cooper Rush. Miller later brought in a diving catch.
