Now that the 2019 NFL draft is completed, we’ll get our first chance to see the Baltimore Ravens’ rookies on the field and in uniform. The Ravens are holding their rookie minicamp on Friday and Saturday.
While the rookies are no indication of how the rest of the team will fare, it’s a good look at what possibilities are there. Baltimore will be expecting several of their rookie draft class to make a major impact in 2019 and beyond.
Here are the Ravens’ biggest questions during their rookie minicamp:
How does Trace McSorley fit on the team?
Baltimore’s last pick was quarterback Trace McSorley in the sixth round. There’s no question he’s a developmental prospect but the selection left many wondering what role he’ll actually have as a rookie.
McSorley has a good bit of speed and athleticism. Given the Ravens run a unique offense around quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III, McSorley’s prowess weirdly fits what Baltimore is looking to do. But with two quarterbacks already on the roster, will McSorley be fit into such a small box?
We likely won’t see any real game planning at the rookie minicamp but seeing McSorley line up anywhere else could be an indication the Ravens are trying to see what he can do. From a slash-style offensive player lining up all over the field to special teams and even some defense, what McSorley does early will draw a lot of eyes.
Which UDFA steps up?
The Ravens seemingly always have an undrafted player make waves as a rookie. It’s a big reason why Baltimore has seen a UDFA make the 53-man roster for 10-consecutive seasons prior to now. The questions is which one will make his name known early and often.
Defensive tackle Gerald Willis is a prime suspect. He had a third-round grade entering the 2019 NFL draft. But Manny Navarro of The Athletic wrote about a series of off-field events, including a fight with the son of former offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, didn’t help his cause.
Jackson’s former target at Louisville, Jaylen Smith, is also another interesting undrafted player who could make waves. The chemistry alone could be enough to keep Smith on the team.
With such a shallow depth chart at outside linebacker, Michael Onuoha could make the cut as well if he shows enough flashes early.
Is Ben Powers a starter?
Powers will likely have a chance to compete for the starting left guard job. With James Hurst and Alex Lewis being ineffective last season or outright injured, Powers has a real shot at taking the job and never looking back.
But it all starts with right now. If Powers can show enough in the rookie minicamp, he’ll get more snaps with the first team during training camp. If he falters early and often this weekend, he’ll have a far bigger hole to climb out of.
Powers was drafted to be the eventual answer at guard. The question is if he can be the answer immediately.
How does Miles Boykin develop?
With Marquise Brown likely sitting out of minicamp due to his Lisfranc surgery, Boykin is the guy everyone will be watching. That added attention and pressure could do wonders for Boykin as he should have a better chance to get some one-on-one coaching ahead of training camp.
The question is if Boykin takes well to coaching and if he can make early strides.
Boykin has the physical tools Baltimore wants in a wide receiver. He’s big at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. But he’s pretty raw as a route runner, has some focus drops and needs to be more physical in his game to excel. If he can begin that development, Boykin has a real shot at a starting role given how muddled the depth chart at wide receiver is for the Ravens.
