Ravens News 6/24: Respect for the room

50 Words or Less: Marcus Williams Looks Poised for Best Season

Clifton Brown, BaltimoreRavens.com

Marcus Williams’ energy at mandatory minicamp was impressive. He was vocal, assertive and completely closeted. Williams has 20 career interceptions and is still only 27 years old. If he stays healthy for a full season in Baltimore, I think he’ll show people how good he is.

For the second year in a row, Isaiah Likely attended Tight End University hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen. He probably has obvious talent, but he also does serious work. Likely and Mark Andrews playing together more often in 2024 should create major problems for opponents.

The Ravens will face AFC North opponents consecutively just once – Week 10 against Cincinnati and Week 11 at Pittsburgh. Having their division games spread out could be a good thing for the Ravens. Every AFC North game is going to have physical consequences.

I’m not saying Malik Cunningham will make the 53-man roster, but I’m not saying he won’t. He fully embraces his move from quarterback to wide receiver. That’s the kind of attitude you need to be successful, and he looks very smooth making catches and running routes.

Ravens News: Can Baltimore maintain a top-notch defense after several offseason departures?

Matt Levine, Newsweek

Each of these losses begins to challenge the preconceived notion that Baltimore is one of the best defenses in the NFL, but safety Marcus Williams isn’t buying it. Even with new defensive coordinator Zach Orr in the mix, Williams believes the Ravens have the pieces needed to succeed.

“He definitely has the respect of the room,” Williams said. “He comes in every day and puts in that time and work – age is just a number – you put in that time and effort to go out and be the best in your role like he did as a player, he will do like a coach. I have the greatest respect for him; the way he presents himself, the way he behaves, how he coaches us and how he listens to everything we have to say. He doesn’t have an ego where we can’t contribute, so that’s a good thing, but he’s not going to hold back just because he feels we’re around the same age. give you this good and hard coaching.

“A lot of people think they have it figured out and then you change something,” Williams said of the defense’s many looks and changeability. “You have to be chameleons when you’re in this league because people, you know, they adjust, and they see you on film, they can see how you fit in, how you line up, and every week you You have to be able to change a little here, a little there.

Ravens’ Malik Cunningham embraces shift from quarterback to receiver

Kevin Patra, NFL.com

With Lamar Jackson, Cunningham’s teammate for a year at Louisville, blocking the path to playing time at center, the former New England Patriot said on a recent episode of “The Lounge” podcast that he was determined to develop in as a wide player.

“At first I looked at it as, ‘Damn, I want to be a quarterback,’” Cunningham said via the team’s official website. “But at the same time, you have to do what’s best for the team and that’s how I saw it. I thought, “Hey, I can make plays for the quarterbacks when I get the ball in space.” » So I considered it a plus and not a failure.

“I believe in myself and my abilities. Yeah, I can play quarterback. But that’s what they need from me now. They need me to do something else. I’m the type of guy who does whatever it takes for the team to win.

“Honestly, I’m just going to keep it real. Where I grew up, like a lot of us, we’re just straight guys,” Cunningham said. “When I got to college, I was strictly a quarterback, but I was always athletic. Honestly, I don’t think Lamar could go out there and do that, which is what I’m doing right now. … There’s nothing that anyone can tell me that I can’t do if I put my mind to it, honestly.

Projecting NFL All-Pros at Every Offensive Position: What They Look Like, Where They’re Picked and Who’s Next

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

NFL player who looms as All-Pro potential

Tyler LinderbaumCrows

Linderbaum has just a 2.3% losing rate in 32 games, according to TruMedia. The outlet credited him with only four bags allowed. The loss of Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler could, however, have a negative impact on Linderbaum in the short term.

Ravens News, Notes & Opinions: Could Brandon Stephens be next to get an extension?

Jeff Zrebiec, Athletics

Baltimore’s list of unrestricted free agents in 2025 could potentially include offensive tackles Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari, running back Justice Hill and fullback Patrick Ricard. But the Raven with the most to gain in his walk year is cornerback Brandon Stephens. He’s the type of player the Ravens usually strive to keep. There was a lot of talk about Baltimore when it selected Stephens, a converted college running back, in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Still, he established himself as a defensive contributor and solid special teams player in his rookie season. Last year, he was thrust into the starting cornerback position and was one of the most consistent players on the league’s best defense.

He is only 26 years old. He plays a premium position and offers versatility. He can play outside, in the slot and line up safely. He’s a solid special teams player. He has been durable, missing only three regular season games in three seasons. He is a well-respected player in the locker room because of the way he calmly goes about his business. The Ravens also have long-term questions at cornerback, which is why they used first- and fourth-round picks two months ago to select Nate Wiggins and TJ Tampa, respectively.

If the Ravens believe last season was the start of Stephens’ rise and he’s ready to improve, it’s a pretty easy decision for a team that hasn’t shied away recently from spend on cornerbacks. Having Stephens signed long-term and Wiggins and Tampa in the fold would give Baltimore some flexibility next offseason if Marlon Humphrey doesn’t bounce back in 2024 or his injury issues persist.