Jon Gruden Joins The Lounge After Insightful Two-Day Ravens OTA Visit: Exclusive Insights and Takeaways
Jon Gruden, the former NFL head coach and current analyst, made waves this week when he joined The Lounge for an exclusive interview following his two-day visit with the Baltimore Ravens during their Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Gruden, known for his sharp football mind and energetic personality, didn’t hold back as he shared his observations, thoughts on the Ravens’ roster, and broader NFL trends. His time in Baltimore provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the league’s most intriguing teams, and his conversation offered plenty of takeaways for fans and analysts alike.
Gruden’s visit to the Ravens’ facility wasn’t just a casual stop—it was a deep dive into the team’s preparations for the upcoming season. He spent hours observing practices, meeting with coaches, and even offering his own insights to players. “The energy there is incredible,” Gruden said. “You can tell this is a team that’s hungry. They’ve got a great mix of veterans and young talent, and the coaching staff is doing a fantastic job putting it all together.”
One of the biggest topics of discussion was Lamar Jackson. Gruden, who has long been an admirer of the Ravens’ star quarterback, came away even more impressed after watching him up close. “Lamar is a special talent, and what’s really standing out to me now is his growth as a passer,” Gruden noted. “He’s always been dynamic with his legs, but his command of the offense, his accuracy, his decision-making—it’s all taken a step forward. If he stays healthy, he’s going to have a monster year.”
Gruden also highlighted the Ravens’ offensive weapons, particularly the additions at wide receiver. Baltimore has made a concerted effort to upgrade Jackson’s supporting cast, bringing in veterans and drafting promising young talent. “They’ve got speed, size, and versatility now,” Gruden said. “Zay Flowers looks explosive, Rashod Bateman is healthy and ready to break out, and the tight end group is as strong as ever. This isn’t just a run-first offense anymore—they can hurt you in so many ways.”
Defensively, Gruden was equally complimentary. He praised the Ravens’ ability to reload on that side of the ball, even after losing key players in recent years. “The culture there is built on defense,” he explained. “They draft well, they develop players, and they play with an edge. Roquan Smith is a tone-setter, Kyle Hamilton is a star in the making, and the secondary is loaded. This is a unit that can carry them far.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Gruden was struck by the camaraderie within the team. “You can tell these guys love playing together,” he said. “There’s a real brotherhood there, and that’s a credit to [head coach] John Harbaugh. He’s built an environment where players want to compete for each other.”
Gruden’s visit also gave him a chance to reconnect with Harbaugh, a coach he has long respected. The two spent time breaking down film and discussing strategy, something Gruden clearly enjoyed. “John is one of the best in the business,” Gruden said. “He’s adaptable, he’s innovative, and he knows how to get the most out of his players. Being able to pick his brain was a great experience.”
Of course, no conversation with Gruden would be complete without some broader NFL commentary. He shared his thoughts on the current state of the league, including the evolving quarterback landscape, the impact of rule changes, and which teams he believes are poised for big seasons. “The AFC is stacked,” he said. “You’ve got Kansas City, Cincinnati, Buffalo, and now the Ravens looking stronger than ever. It’s going to be a dogfight.”
He also touched on the challenges young quarterbacks face in today’s NFL. “The game is faster, the defenses are more complex, and the expectations are higher than ever,” Gruden noted. “That’s why development is so crucial. Teams have to be patient, but the ones that get it right—like the Ravens with Lamar—can dominate for years.”
As the conversation shifted toward his own future, Gruden remained coy but didn’t rule out a return to coaching. “Right now, I’m enjoying what I’m doing—breaking down film, talking ball, staying connected to the game,” he said. “But you never know. If the right opportunity comes along, I’d definitely consider it.”
For now, though, Gruden seems content sharing his expertise in the media world. His visit with the Ravens was just another example of his enduring passion for football, and his insights provided a fascinating glimpse into one of the NFL’s most compelling teams. As OTAs continue and training camp approaches, the Ravens will be a team to watch—and thanks to Gruden’s breakdown, fans have even more reasons to be excited.
In closing, Gruden left *The Lounge* with one final thought: “Football is the greatest team sport there is, and when you see a group like the Ravens working the way they are, it reminds you why we all love this game so much.” With that, the conversation wrapped, leaving plenty to ponder as the NFL offseason rolls on.
