OWINGS MILLS — It was Throwback Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center.
The Ravens invited about 80 former players, including Ray Rice, Jacoby Jones, Edwin Mulitalo, Adalius Thomas, and Jamie Sharper, to attend the year’s first mandatory minicamp.
It was a spirited practice that was dominated by the defense.
“Once a Raven, always a Raven,” coach John Harbaugh said about the visitors. “To me, that’s what it’s all about.”
Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a couple of deep throws to his tight ends and put together an effective 80-yard drive in the one-minute drill. However, Jackson did throw a few interceptions, which was not overly concerning because the Ravens are working on new wrinkles in their offense.
On one turnover, running back Derrick Henry bobbled a pass out of the backfield, and cornerback Brandon Stephens caught the ball out of the air and ran into the end zone. Stephens has looked exceptional throughout the offseason practices and has rarely gotten beaten for a long reception.
Fellow cornerback Arthur Maulet also had an interception in the end zone on an attempted pass to Nelson Agholor. Maulet also forced a fumble.
Inside linebacker Roquan Smith also intercepted Jackson after tipping a pass to himself in the middle of the field. Smith has been a mainstay throughout the offseason workouts and is putting last season’s disappointing loss in the AFC Championship Game to the Chiefs behind him.
“There’s a lot of things that I can improve personally, but it’s all about the team,” Smith said after practice. “Last year, we came up short.”
Wide receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Sean Ryan, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, and offensive linemen Daniel Faalele and Josh Johnson were forced to run laps after jumping offside in 11-vs.-11 drills.
In addition to Algolar, Tylan Wallace looked solid with a touchdown reception. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely dominated their defenders with several receptions. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Isaiah Washington, who is making a strong case to make the final roster, has made several acrobatic catches throughout the offseason workouts.
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton did not practice because of “loose bodies” removed from his elbow, according to Harbaugh. Hamilton should be a full-go for training camp next month.
The Ravens continue their mandatory minicamp on Wednesday and Thursday.
