Baltimore Ravens First Padded Practice Shines Spotlight on Standout Performers as Intensity Ramps Up Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off a crucial milestone in their training camp this week as they held their first fully padded practice of the summer. With pads finally on and the physical intensity ratcheting up, this practice marked the beginning of true evaluations for both veterans and rookies alike. Gone are the days of shorts and helmets — the real work has begun. For coaches, players, and fans, this session provided a critical lens into the roster’s development, and more importantly, an opportunity to see who might rise to the occasion as the 2025 season looms.

From the moment the team took the field in full gear, there was a palpable buzz in the air. Coaches barked instructions with a sharper edge, players moved with greater urgency, and each rep was taken with the seriousness of a live game snap. The Ravens have high expectations this season, and with a loaded AFC, the margin for error is razor-thin. That sense of urgency translated into one of the most spirited practices of the offseason thus far.

Leading the list of standout performers was none other than second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson. After spending his rookie year mostly learning behind Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, Simpson has taken full advantage of Queen’s departure in free agency. On Tuesday, he looked like a man on a mission. Flying around the field with unmatched sideline-to-sideline speed, Simpson was consistently involved in plays, either stuffing runs at the line of scrimmage or showing great anticipation in short zone coverage. His most eye-opening moment came during a full-team drill when he knifed through a gap and met running back Justice Hill in the backfield for a loss. The pop of pads echoed, and his teammates erupted in cheers — it was the kind of play that defensive coordinators dream of. Simpson’s instincts, combined with his athleticism, are beginning to show real signs of maturity, and it’s clear that he’s not just competing for a role — he’s positioning himself as a core contributor on Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Equally impressive on the defensive side was veteran safety Kyle Hamilton. Already one of the league’s top young defenders, Hamilton looked every bit the All-Pro he’s projected to become. Whether he was roaming deep in two-high looks or stepping down into the box, Hamilton demonstrated his trademark versatility. What set him apart during this padded practice was his physicality. On multiple occasions, Hamilton squared up ball carriers and delivered clean, strong tackles that brought an energy to the secondary. He also broke up a red-zone pass intended for tight end Isaiah Likely, showing excellent awareness and body control. His leadership on the back end of the defense is becoming more vocal, and it’s evident that the younger players look to him for both guidance and tone-setting.

Offensively, wide receiver Zay Flowers put on a show. Entering his second season, Flowers appears poised to take a major leap, and his chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson looks significantly improved. During seven-on-seven and team drills, Flowers was unguardable at times. His footwork off the line of scrimmage is sharper, and he ran routes with suddenness and precision. The highlight of his day came during a two-minute drill when he beat Marlon Humphrey on a deep corner route and hauled in a perfectly placed ball from Jackson for a 30-yard gain. His ability to create separation, coupled with his sure hands, made him the most productive wideout of the day. What’s more, Flowers showed increased physicality in dealing with press coverage, something he worked on this offseason. It’s a sign that the young wideout is not just focused on finesse but is ready to win in more ways at the NFL level.

Speaking of Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP looked sharp and in command throughout the practice. While padded practices are more about physical matchups than quarterback statistics, Jackson still managed to shine with his decision-making and quick release. His throws were on-time and accurate, especially in tight windows during red-zone drills. Jackson’s deep ball had a nice arc and velocity, and he looked particularly comfortable rolling to his right and throwing on the move. One subtle area of improvement that was noticeable was his pre-snap command — audibling at the line, adjusting protections, and making quick reads off simulated pressure. It’s clear that Jackson is taking his leadership role seriously, and his composure was reflected in how smoothly the first-team offense operated.

Another name that jumped out during the session was rookie offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten. Drafted in the second round out of Washington, Rosengarten has been rotating with the first-team unit and made a strong impression in his first padded opportunity. Lining up at right tackle, he handled a variety of pass-rush looks, including bull-rushes and stunts, with surprising poise. He went head-to-head with Odafe Oweh and held his own, using great leverage and footwork to keep the edge clean. His anchor against the run was also evident, and he helped seal off a key edge block that sprung Gus Edwards for a big gain during team drills. While there’s still plenty of development ahead, Rosengarten looked every bit like a rookie ready to push for meaningful snaps early in the season.

The running back room, often an underrated component of the Ravens’ offense, also saw a few bright spots. Rookie Keaton Mitchell continues to show why the coaching staff is high on him. His burst through the hole is elite, and with pads on, his low center of gravity and balance really stood out. On one rep during inside run drills, Mitchell took a handoff, bounced off contact from Malik Harrison, and accelerated into the second level before being whistled down. It’s not just his speed, but his ability to maintain forward momentum after contact that impressed. With the depth chart still sorting itself out, Mitchell’s performance is making a strong case for increased touches come Week 1.

On the defensive line, Justin Madubuike picked up right where he left off last season. The Pro Bowl interior lineman looked dominant in one-on-one drills and was nearly unblockable at times during 11-on-11s. His bull rush flattened a backup guard, and he consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing rushed throws from the second-team quarterbacks. His combination of quickness and raw power is rare for a player his size, and his leadership among the defensive front is clearly growing. When Madubuike is active like he was on Tuesday, the Ravens’ entire front seven becomes a different kind of threat.

It wasn’t just the stars and starters who made noise — several depth players and undrafted rookies made sure their presence was felt. Defensive back Jaquan Amos, a UDFA out of Ball State, had a couple of impressive reps in coverage, including a leaping interception during seven-on-sevens. His instincts and ball skills have quietly drawn praise from coaches, and he could be a sleeper candidate for a practice squad or special teams role. Linebacker Josh Ross also turned heads with his physicality on special teams drills and made several clean tackles during live-action reps. These kinds of efforts from the bottom half of the roster don’t go unnoticed and could pay dividends when cut-down day arrives.

Overall, the Ravens’ first padded practice brought a welcomed level of physicality and competitiveness that the coaching staff had been waiting for. Head coach John Harbaugh, speaking after the session, noted that while there’s still a long way to go, the tone set today would be foundational for the team’s culture moving forward. The energy, communication, and execution from both veterans and young players were encouraging signs for a team that has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations this year.

As with any padded practice, there were a few minor scuffles and intense one-on-one battles, but nothing that concerned the staff. In fact, Harbaugh welcomed the competitive edge, calling it a sign that the team is “ready to work, ready to compete, and ready to build something special.” Injuries were minimal, with only a few players held out for precautionary reasons, and the health of the roster remains one of the team’s strengths entering August.

With more padded practices on the schedule and the first preseason game just around the corner, the Ravens are beginning to solidify their identity for the 2025 campaign. The players who stood out during this session took a vital first step in earning meaningful roles, and the message was clear: every rep counts, every hit matters, and only the most prepared will rise. For a team that knows its window to compete is wide open, the intensity on Tuesday was not just expected — it was demanded.