OWINGS MILLS, MD. — Safety Tony Jefferson might have a hard time finding a spot on the field this fall in a revamped Ravens secondary featuring top free-agent acquisition Marcus Williams and top draft pick Kyle Hamilton.
But Jefferson, a consummate pro and one of the most respected players in the locker room, turned in the play of the day at the Ravens’ Aug. 2 practice, ranging far to his right to tip and then intercept a pass from Lamar Jackson intended for Rashod Bateman.
“It was a great play,” head coach John Harbaugh said after the two-hour workout. “… He’s in quarters coverage, carries the deep over route. That’s a big-play opportunity for the offense. I don’t know how he got his hand on that ball; that was great in and of itself. Then he finds a way to tip it to himself and catch it.”
Jefferson’s play came on one of the few deep balls thrown by Jackson on a day that emphasized playbook installation and special teams. Jackson was sharp overall, with a lot of high-percentage throws near the line of scrimmage, though he and Bateman misfired twice deep. Jefferson intercepted the underthrown pass, and another deep shot went through Bateman’s outstretched hands as he elevated over three defenders.
Harbaugh described it as a “structural” practice, and the intensity was ramped down a day after the team’s first padded workout of the summer.
“I think we got a lot done from an execution standpoint,” he said.
Running backs Justice Hill and Tyler Badie continue to make a case for themselves with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards sidelined, and receiver Binjimen Victor was one of the offensive standouts with a couple of grabs downfield.
Devin Duvernay (thigh bruise) missed his second straight practice after being shaken up at the stadium workout on July 30, so the long list of undrafted receivers has a chance to work into meaningful reps. Victor, who was on the practice squad all last season, took advantage on this day.
The defense, though, also had its moments in addition to Jefferson’s highlight-reel pickoff. Broderick Washington and Daelin Hayes conspired to blow up a running play, and linebacker Vince Biegel was all over the field.
Biegel, who has the flexibility to play either outside or inside linebacker, probably would have had two sacks if they were allowed, and at one point he tracked down receiver Makai Polk after a catch and forced a fumble — which forced Polk to jog a penalty lap in the 90-plus degree heat.
“I don’t want to see fumbles,” Harbaugh said. “… To me, it’s like it negates the whole thing. … The ball security is everything.”
Rookie linebacker Zakoby McClain also had an interception as he stepped in front of a pass thrown by backup Anthony Brown.
The first 30 minutes of practice was focused on special teams work — punt coverage, interior punt rush, and other aspects of the game that might not be flashy to fans but will probably decide who claims the final three or four spots on the 53-man roster. Kevon Seymour hustling down the field to down a punt inside the 5-yard line will surely be noted by coaches.
NOTEBOOK
OJABO SIGNS ROOKIE CONTRACT: The Ravens announced later Aug. 2 that rookie second-round pick David Ojabo has signed his contract. Ojabo had been the last unsigned draft pick in this rookie class. Ojabo, who is recovering from a torn Achilles sustained at Michigan’s Pro Day in March, won’t be on the field any time soon, but now he can rehab under the watch of the Ravens’ medical staff. The team is still optimistic that the rookie can be an impact player later this season.
DUVERNAY REMAINS SIDELINED, OTHERS SIT OUT: In addition to Duvernay, who missed his second straight practice, new practice absences included linebacker Patrick Queen, defensive back Brandon Stephens and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari. Tight end Nick Boyle and offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler also sat out. Head coach John Harbaugh said after practice that none of the absences were deemed significant and a few players were getting a vet day off.
The players on the PUP list remain sidelined. They include running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Tyus Bowser, cornerback Marcus Peters and safety Ar’Darius Washington. Rookie tight end Charlie Kolar (sports hernia) and rookie outside linebacker David Ojabo (Achilles) also remain out. Tackle Ju’Wuan James, who missed practice a day earlier, returned to the field.
HUMPHREY, ANDREWS ANSWER THE BELL: Every year, through the grind of summer, certain players are afforded an occasional “vet day” off. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and tight end Mark Andrews, two of the more established and accomplished players on the team, seemingly never miss a practice. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see one or the other quickly grab a device after a series of reps to review the previous plays on the sideline, using a towel to wipe sweat off their face on a 90-degree day. If you are a young player, how can that not have an impact?
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