Ravens media poll: Who’s flashed and fallen after 4 weeks of training camp

The days pass in a sunny, sweaty blur, but for those suited up in the middle of the field, every rep of training camp can add to their cases to make the Ravens roster or be cut.

Some had slow starts but are picking up speed. Some came in with the false advertising of minicamp success. Others were dropped and added late in camp.

In the bubble of the Ravens’ practice facility, both the offense and the defense have hinted at another electric season. Going against their own teammates, stars and undrafted free agents made highlight-reel plays.

Then the Ravens played their first preseason game, a 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. A few players shined. Many were exposed.

The Baltimore Banner asked the 22 media members who have put in the hours under the beating sun to participate in an anonymous poll about who has stood out to them, for good and for bad.

Stock up

Safety Ar’Darius Washington has improved his stock so much it’s pretty safe to say he’s no longer a bubble player. Following NFL free agency, it looked as though he would have a job because he was the only safety left on the roster after Geno Stone’s departure. Then the Ravens drafted Sanoussi Kane in the seventh round, signed undrafted rookie Beau Brade and added veteran Eddie Jackson late. But none of those players has had the camp Washington has. He’s played with aggression and has benefited with multiple interceptions and pass breakups. He also has experience playing various roles in the secondary, which will help his case.

Tight end Isaiah Likely improved his stock last season when he stepped up for an injured Mark Andrews. The question coming into camp was how they would both fit into the offense. That remains to be seen, but both have proven they are starter-quality players. Andrews has shown his consistency, while Likely has made big plays with flair. But Likely has also made lots of little plays, proving he’s trustworthy. He has become one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets.

Stock down

The Ravens came out of minicamp praising the veteran quarterback. But, since training camp started, Josh Johnson has had trouble protecting the football. He’s thrown numerous interceptions, but he’s not even a high-risk, high-reward guy, as sixth-round draft pick Devin Leary was advertised to be. In the preseason game, Johnson had an uninspiring showing. He was 4-for-12 for 62 yards and failed to get the offense going.

Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker was extremely quiet in the game. Coach John Harbaugh revealed later that Walker has been dealing with a rib injury. Although there are a bunch of undrafted rookies who have pleasantly surprised with big plays, Walker has flown under the radar. The Ravens don’t have depth at wide receiver, so Walker came in with a real chance to earn a significant role.

Outside linebacker David Ojabo has been working back from injury. He lacked explosiveness through much of camp but has stacked a few really good days recently.

Dark horse to make the roster

With Keaton Mitchell recovering from an ACL injury, the Ravens need a third running back behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. They brought in Rasheen Ali in the fifth round of the draft, but an undrafted player has stolen the show.

Owen Wright was an undrafted rookie last season who put in work on the Ravens’ practice squad. He started to shine early while the Ravens were running more passing drills. Once they started focusing more on the run, Wright continued to excel and often dominated the camp highlights. During the preseason game, the Ravens sent Wright out over Ali to start at running back.

Offensive lineman Tashawn Manning also spent last season on the practice squad. The Ravens have kept their first-team reps consistent, but there seems to be a weakness at guard. Manning has gained more reps against better opponents as camp has gone on. He could come on as Daniel Faalele’s backup if Ben Cleveland shifts his focus to backup center.

Grade for Lamar Jackson’s camp

The reigning MVP came late to camp after suffering an illness. He’s had fantastic outings followed by days full of turnovers. Jackson has continued to struggle to connect with his receivers on deep balls, often overthrowing them. However, on the day the Ravens focused on throwing downfield, Jackson got no help from his receivers, who had multiple drops. Jackson looks lighter on his feet after slimming down over the offseason. He’s extended plays and shown his famous improvisational ability. However, a true evaluation won’t come until Week 1 because he is unlikely to play in preseason games.

Baltimore Banner reporter Jonas Shaffer contributed to this article.